This is a portrait that I did of our Boston Terrier Ginger as a present for my husband a few years ago. Ginger was a Papa’s girl and, even though we have loved all of our dogs, Ginger was Bill’s favorite. She had a wonderful and long life. Even for a small dog, 17 is quite old. Ginger loved to play more than any other dog I have known. When I took her to puppy classes, I had to reward her with a tennis ball rather than with dog treats. Her favorite game was frisbee. When Ginger was a younger dog, Bill took her to the park to play frisbee once or twice everyday. They even played in the snow. Bill used to take her on vacations to see how many states the two of them could play frisbee in. He says he didn’t take me because I don’t play frisbee. When Lucy game along, Ginger taught her to play frisbee too. Ginger liked her throws fast and long – she was all about speed – while Lucy liked lofty lobs that she could jump to catch. People driving by used to get out of their cars to watch Bill and the two little dogs play.
Ginger enjoyed the company of her five Boston Terrier “sisters” over the years. Millie was an old dog by the time Ginger came along, but the two of them played chase, tug, and jump over Mommy. We got Lucy to be a buddy for Ginger when Millie no longer had the energy to keep up with Ging. We always say that Lucy and Ginger played like little maniacs when they were young – and we mean that in a good way. They were best buds even after Ginger started going blind. Lucy used to help her older companion find her frisbee until Ginger just couldn’t play the game anymore. We got Abbey to play with Lucy when Ginger lost her eyesight, but the three of them were all friends. When Lucy passed, we got Penny. Then a few months ago, we took in a rescue dog named Peachy. Ginger enjoyed having her new and younger siblings snuggle with her. Being blind, it was important for her to have lots of physical contact.
Over the years, Ginger entertained many guests at the The Morning Star. She had a way of turning absolutely everything into a game. Guests who have stayed with us repeatedly over the years will surely be saddened that Ginger is gone.
Bill and I shall miss our little Ginger, but are thankful to have had her for so long.
A Taste of Morning 
This is so sweet. Ginger’s special time on this earth was blessed by having your family as her special human family:)
Thank you for your kind comment. We were very lucky to have had little Ginger for so long!
We had a Ginger as well – golden retriever. Ginger was a puppy when my daughter was a toddler – they were cute together! I’m sorry for your loss, I still miss our Ginger. Namaste, Joie
Thank you for your kind words, Joie. I’m trying to focus on how wonderful it was to have had Ginger for 17 years! But still it is very sad that our beloved canine companions have such comparatively short lives. I am sorry that you have lost your Ginger as well.
Ginger had been well loved. Thank you for sharing the touching story of Ginger…
Thank you for your kind words, Amy. Ginger was indeed very special.
I’m so sorry for your loss! I lost my first rescue, Brady (a deaf Cocker Spaniel), to congestive heart failure nearly four years ago, and I still miss him terribly. I’d like to think all dogs go to heaven where they can see, hear, and play fetch all day long.
Thank you for your kind words and the happy place images. I’m sorry about Brandy.
What a lovely tribute! My family has lost several dogs through the years as they’ve gotten older and it never gets easier. They bring such joy into our lives during the time they are with us! My condolences!
So sad. We have lost our dog of 14 years six months ago. I miss him so much that every day I come back home I still waiting for him to jump on me.
Thank you for your note. I am sorry to hear that you too lost your beloved companion.
Ginger was a great-spirited little person, and I know you’ll always remember her. Like you, she was a rich presence in the world.
You are very sweet. Thank you for your kind words.
Sounds like little Ginger had an awesome life–what dog could ask for more? The joy, love, entertainment and lessons she brought to you and your family are priceless memories you will always be able to cherish. So very sorry for your loss.
Thank you for your kind words.
A beautiful, touching memorial. My border terrier, Baffi, brings so much joy into my life and reminds me every day what compassion and joy mean. Ginger was obviously a wonderful, beautiful spirit.
Thank you for your kind words. I hope that Baffi has a long and healthy life.
What a fantastic memorial. And the joys that one little dog can and will bring to your lives. I am sorry for your loss. I can not even imagine my life with out my Otis, Despite only going to be turning 4 years old and blind already, he is the biggest part of my life, sometimes the whole reason I get out of bed in the morning. We start our day by playing ball every day, Frisbee was the toy of choice but as his sight got worse he needed to be able to hear the ball bounce in order to chase it. And the ball is far better than treats any day.
Again what a touching and loving memorial.
Thank you, William. I hope that you and Otis have many years together.
What a touching tribute for a much loved friend
Thank you. Ginger was a part of our lives for almost two decades.