Ginger entered our lives in 2013, and from the very first moment, her goofy personality was impossible to ignore. She shook her head in excitement at being rescued, wrapped her paws around my shoulders, and lavished me with enthusiastic ear-licks. We remember and celebrate her precious life and the remarkable impact she had on our family. In many ways, she rescued us.
Over thirteen and a half years, Ginger embodied unwavering loyalty. She was present for every major milestone in our lives, and after her passing, she has been joyfully reunited with her beloved bonded sister, Ebony, who left us in September 2023. Ginger also leaves behind her younger sister, Lemon—a Chihuahua she cherished over the past year. Her devotion extended not only to us but to her canine companions as well.
Ginger’s hazel eyes would light up whenever she saw us, especially when she knew it was time for a walk or hike. She adored exploring mountain trails, and her final day was spent on her favorite route: Alderfer and the Three Sisters Trail. After the hike, she consumed an entire ice cream cone in eighty seconds—a testament to her boundless enthusiasm. Remarkably, she was the only dog I have ever known who loved visiting the vet; the team at Indian Tree Animal Hospital adored her hilarious, tail-wagging visits. At home, we will miss her nightly snores, the softness of her velvety Pitbull ears, and that unmistakable wide smile.
She had a peculiar combination of clinginess and independence—always wanting to be by our side (even checking to ensure we didn’t fall into the potty), yet often content to wander off on her own. Though her behavior could be confusing at first, her love for our family was indisputable.
Outside in the garden, Ginger followed her mom around with delight, inspecting each freshly tilled patch of soil and squishing her paws into the earth. She was sent off with a bouquet of orange roses in her memory—her signature flower. She was a master sleeper, requiring her “princess blankie” to cover every inch of her body except her nose—what we affectionately called “everything but the snoot.” When she wanted to sleep or cuddle, this was the only way to capture her, and she would let you know with her signature yawn that let out a high-pitched whine (“eeeeyaw”). Christmas time will feel especially empty without her “Pitter’s Full” pajamas, her elf Lambchop dolly, and her habit of curling up beside us on the couch to watch holiday movies.
Ginger and Ebony were inseparable—a true yin-and-yang pair. They would often snuggle butt-to-butt, snoot-to-snoot, perfectly content in each other’s company. While Ebony was a winter-loving dog who reveled in barreling through snow, Ginger was our summer companion, basking in the sun on the patio with light glinting off her big brown eyes until she drifted off to sleep. When Ebony passed away, we knew Ginger would feel a profound loss; that sorrow only deepened our appreciation for their bond. Ginger then took on a mentorship role for Lemon, teaching her how to “dog” and sharing what she had learned from Ebony. Welcoming Lemon into our home gave Ginger one more spark of joy.
In June 2024, Ginger was diagnosed with lung cancer. Although the surgery went perfectly, we knew that even the best outcome could only offer limited time. Nearly a year later, she began experiencing recurring seizures, likely caused by a brain tumor. We knew it was, heartbreakingly, time to say goodbye. I am so proud of my strong girl—for fighting, for loving, and for staying with us until the very end.
Ginger, you are our strength and our sweet girl. We will always love you as you loved us—unconditionally and without hesitation. From your radiant warmth to your silly antelope dance, you will never be forgotten. We release you from any pain by carrying this grief ourselves, and though our hearts ache, we find peace in knowing you now run free—forever chasing trails in the mountains and greeting us with that wide smile. Until we meet again, dear girl.
