To everyone:
As many of you may remember, for several years - and with the help of a couple on this board - I have been taking care of a neighbor's dog, a Golden/Chow mix named "Ginger" - this incredibly sweet girl passed yesterday with the help of Bruce's vet - and with her owner present - I wrote to a couple on this board about it via email and would like to share yesterday's events...thanks to ALL who provided support to Ginger and her owner, Michael - who has for years suffered from a mental condition and is broken-hearted about the loss of what was truly his only friend. Should anyone care to send a card of support and sympathy please email me for his address at
electrala@att.net Yesterday I was all set to go get some arthritis pain pills for her but Michael called me and told me she still wasn't getting up - she hadn't been eating and was sleeping alot and couldn't go out to pee unless he carried her out - he was crying and said "I need to stop being so selfish - I need to somehow find the strength to let her go" He asked me to pick him up and take her to the vet but wasn't sure if he could go with me. I got to his apt and stroked Ginger's face (she was laying on the floor) and then I started crying and told him in a matter-of-fact way: "You have had Ginger for almost 17 years - you found her when you were down and out and you told me she saved you - now it's your turn - she went the extra mile for you - now you do it for her."
And, to my surprise he said "Let's go OK I'll do this"
We arrived at the vet and the techs helped carry her in on a blanket I had in the car and the vet took her in the back and put an IV in her and returned her - put her up on the table - the owner was draped over her crying profusely and Ginger though was very calm - I kissed her and told her how much I loved her and the vet injected her and when the solution he gave her was about 1/2 through - she closed her eyes - she went very, very quickly and I swear to you guys there was a look of utter peace on her face - all the stress was gone and I had never seen that happen before. The vet said "She was absolutely ready - it was time"
Michael stayed in the room crying over her and I finally told him "Her spirit is with you now" and we left.
I have spent the last 12 years helping taking care of Ginger - as you both have - getting her Frontline and high-quality food and vet visits that Michael couldn't have afforded - God must have led me to Ginger and I am grateful that I could help in the way I did - and how in the world I went through today, not sure. I will miss my "Ginger Cookie"
He told me "She has been my reason to live all these years - I really don't know how I will carry on now"
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