Ginger

Two nights ago Ginger had a severe episode with what was at first thought to be vestibular disease. This is similar to a really bad case of vertigo, and the dog can not tell which was is up. When the children and I went to visit her at the doggie hospital yesterday it was discovered that she had a large abscess near her bladder, believed to be completely unrelated to the earlier episode. She was scheduled to have surgery this morning to remove the abscess.

When the doctor called to give me an update on scheduling this morning, she informed me that Ginger's symptoms had changed over-night, and her illness was neuropathic, not idiopathic as at first assumed. It was assumed that the cause was a tumor of some sort on the brain. She was getting progressively worse, and would not recover.  Tomas and I chose to put her to sleep rather than have her live out her last days in the hospital.

She went peacefully in our arms, and we'll miss our ornery dog very much.

Comments

[melissaS]

I'm so sorry. She looks like a beautiful pup. My little girl and I are sad to see a member of your family pass away.

I'm glad the end was peaceful.

[karen t]

Wow she looks stunning -almost like a lion! So sorry for your loss.

[melissa]

I am so sorry. I had to put my 15 year old chocolate lab down last spring- he died in my arms and I thought part of me died with him. My thoughts are with your family.

[Ursula v]

awww. I am so sorry. I know how a dog can be almost like a child. My little Sep is 10+ and I'm hoping her mutt genes keep her going for a while longer. Condolences to you and the family. xo

[molly]

oh, man, vero. I'm so sorry. I think you made a good choice, but a hard one. I hope your family is doing well and blessed with the peace of wonderful memories tonight. xo.

[Cami]

I'm so very sorry for your loss. She's a beautiful dog and looks so happy in this picture. Wishing you peace and comfort.

[mrspilkington]

I'm sorry -- many hugs.

[Antje Wilsch]

i'm sorry too.... losing a pet is really hard. Ginger does look like a pretty lion...

[Jennifer]

Have you read: The Tenth Good Thing About Barney? It's a wonderful children's book that can help your children through this difficult time. Other children's books on grieving I recommend:
Badger's Parting Gifts and Life Cycles.
I'm sorry you lost your dog.
In peace
Jennifer

[Sepehr]

I am very sorry for you lost. I have lost a dog in my arms as well. I have actully found an article about a little girl and her connection to her dog. It's so cute. You can read it here http://www.zirana.com/losgatos/content/view/48/53/

[Chelsea D.]

This is my first visit to your blog and I just had to post a reply to this. I'm sorry that you lost a member of your pack-the photo of her is beautiful. We lost our sweet dog a few years ago, and know how hard it can be. Best wishes.