We'll Always Love You, Ginger

November 29, 1987 to August 2, 2001

Our special Ginger. What can we say about the nearly 14 years you shared with us? We owe you so much. You were our first Golden - the one who taught us how very special Goldens are. We have you to thank for the three Golden "sisters" who have since come to share our home. 

You taught me to appreciate you as a 75-pound lap dog. To not be concerned about all the blonde fur on my black slacks, not to mention the slobber. To be able to sleep soundly on the outside edge of my king size bed. To never try to be the first one out of the patio door. To never close the bathroom door while I showered, as it was your job to keep the bathmat warm and then lick my legs dry. To always share the first bite of hard-boiled egg with you after cracking it on the side of the kitchen sink. To understand that no matter how many people were sitting on the family room sectional, there was always enough room for you to squeeze in beside me so that you could put your head in my lap.



You helped me through several hospitalizations and surgeries as it’s hard to feel sorry for yourself when you have a "fur person" to take care of every day. You gave me lots of doggie kisses when I was down. You fearlessly protected me from the bratty little puppy and from the burglar (who turned out to be Dad coming home from work late that night). 
  
So many wonderful memories. We watched you grow from a 9-week-old ball of fluff, to a beautiful, loving adult, and then to a settled, stoic senior citizen.
   
We’d suspected for a while now that this would be your last year with us. The severe arthritis throughout your body was becoming more than you could handle. I knew that, somehow, you’d let me know when it was time to cross The Rainbow Bridge. That day came last week. 

You were so calm when we went into the little room with the doctor. You went right to the blanket, settled down, never moved or made a sound as the shot was administered. You leaned against Dad, looking right into my eyes as I held your face in my hands and told you how much I loved you. You nuzzled my hand, closed your eyes, and so peacefully went to sleep. There’s no more pain now, my baby.

Thank you for these past 13 years, Gigi. You’ll always be first in our hearts.