Open Letter: Happy National Dog Day to My Dog In Heaven

Dear Ginger,

It's been a while but I want you to know I miss you. I think about you a lot actually.

I remember the day we brought you home from Stevens-Swan. Mom told me there was a dog that was in "rough shape" that they were looking to find a foster home for until she was back in a position to be put up for adoption.

Zoey was still pretty young at this point and I remember being sooo nervous to bring you home around her. Not because she would hurt you, but because I knew that you really just needed a place you could relax in.

When we walked into the shelter for the first time and met you, I fell in love. I knew you were terrified of us, but that's given due to the position you were put in for so much of your life. You sat in my lap, shaking for at least 20 minutes, but then slowly got used to the idea of someone loving you.

We brought you home, and you instantly became mine. It's funny, because I always made that joke that Zoey was Mom's and you were mine - but it's true. You only would sleep with me. You would only sit with me. You loved other people, but I was the one who always got your attention.

I knew from the beginning your time with us would be short, but I am so happy that we helped turn your health around and gave you a better life. Did you know you lasted longer with us than anyone thought? Yeah, they only gave you a few months to live. But being around Zoey taught you how to have fun, and be an energetic, young dog again.

As time passed, you got sick again. We knew that would come. But I can't even begin to tell you how much I needed you in my life, just like you needed us in yours. I'm sorry I wasn't there to say goodbye. Mom didn't think it was a good idea at the time. I'm still scarred by the whole thing to this day.

I just wanted to wish you a very happy National Dog Day and tell you there's not a day that goes by where I wish you were still here. You'd love Peaches I think, and you'd definitely love Konrad too.

Until we meet again,

Kaylin