I remember the day we got you. We were taking a regular visit to the shelter like we always did, but like always, I didn't think mommy would take a baby home. The minute I saw you, I knew I wanted you. You had this beautiful red fur, or ginger colored fur, which Is where we got your name from Ginger. You had the most beautiful eyes and cute wrinkly forehead. I loved your little beauty mark on your face. It fit your distinct personality so well. I took you out to hold you and you were shaking. You were the most scared little girl I had ever met, but I could see that you were just longing for love. I begged mommy, and she gave in. That moment was the start of the best 6 years of my life so far. You were so unique and had issues with certain things. You hated the leash and the car. One time we brought you in the car and you jumped out in the middle of the street and ran home. You almost gave me a heart attack. You were also possessive over food and other things, but that was ok. These things were part of your personality, and you wouldn't have been the same without them. You were such an amazing dog. You would protect us from anything, and love us unconditionally. You didn't like strangers because people had to earn your trust. I love that about you because you helped me feel safe. Once you got to know someone, you were the most loving girl anyone could spend time with. You were also the smartest. If we couldn't find Fifi or Princess, you would become the searcher and find them for us. You hated it when anyone in the family showed affection towards each other, it always had to be towards you. You always had to be included in our hugs, but that wasn't a problem because we loved hugging you. I wish I could give you a huge hug and kiss right now. We miss you so much baby. You were the best puppy anyone could ever ask for and I wish you were still here. 6 years was not long enough for you, you deserved to be with us longer. Last week started the worst event I've ever experienced. You got sick, and we didn't want to see you like that. We brought you to the hospital and they said you had Diabetes and Pancreatitis. The Pancreatitis would get better they said, it wasn't that bad. The Diabetes, on the other hand, would not, and they said you would go blind in 2 to 6 months, which was a definite thing. It wasn't fatal, though. I got so prepared to give you those insulin shots when you would get home and to work so hard to get the money for Cataract surgery if you could get it. I was so prepared and accepted the fact that you might stay blind for the rest of your life. They said you had to stay at the hospital until you ate, and you wouldn't eat. We visited you every single day you were there, and every day was a new day of no eating. It was so weird watching this happen because the usual Ginger loves food. The usual Ginger eats so much, but this was a different side of Ginger, this was her sick side. You hated that hospital and being sick. We could tell you wanted to come home, but you needed to eat first. Then you did. You ate, and everyone was so happy! We were so excited to take you home. The vet said that once you ate a little bit more we could take you home. Then came the night before we could take you home. We visited you in the hospital of course and you refused the chicken we brought. Something was off, we didn't know what it was, but you didn't seem right. I told mommy you looked fine because I didn't want to worry her, but I didn't think you looked as good as the day before. But I thought It was just me anyway, I kept saying myself, I'm so happy she's coming home tomorrow. We told you that too. We said, "Are you ready to come home tomorrow?" I hope we didn't set your hopes too high and then dissapoint you when you left. I think you thought you were coming home with us that night. And then it was time to leave the hospital that night. I remember that when we left, you gave us this look- this look like you knew what was coming; This look that said goodbye. A look that said you wanted to pass away at home. I'm sorry if that was true baby but we didn't know it. We didn't know it then, but that was the last time I would see you while you were alive. They called us in the middle of the night and you weren't breathing. Mommy woke me up and said "she's not breathing." I don't think it hit me quite yet. I got on the phone with the vet and they said those awful words, the most awful words I've ever heard: "She's gone." I didn't know what to do. I didn't even react right away. I don't think I thought It was real. It didn't seem like this could happen to me. I didn't think this could happen to you. You were the strongest girl, and we don't know what got you that made this happen, but it must have been really strong to take you away. They said maybe a blood clot. I really hope it wasn't because you were sad at the hospital. I hope you didn't leave us because you didn't like that hospital hunny. Just know that we put you there to help you. You needed them to make you better. I'm so sorry it turned out this way baby. But I'll see you again in some time. When I come up there, I hope you'll be waiting for me because I need to see you again my baby. You're the best. The whole family will see you in some time. We all love you so very much. I hope you're happy to see Speedy and Sunny up there. Don't forget to wait for us. To my best friend, my sister, my baby, and everything in between, I love you more than any other baby in the whole entire world. Like we said when you were here. "Who's the baby?" "You are!"

Love always and forever,
Melissa, Danny, Mommy, Daddy, Fifi, and Princess