Rewind...

We were at dinner… at an Italian restaurant that was only open for about a week… the food suk’d but it was close to where we were living at the time. Jordan was 18mos old and just starting to use words…and her favorite word was puppy and EVERYTHING was a puppy. Now is this the best reason to go get yourself a dog… so that your 18 mos old child might actually use the term appropriately, probably not but that is what we did. As spur of the moment as that… we always knew we wanted a German Shepherd… both her dad and myself grew up around them (my mom’s parents ALWAYS had one!)

She was four months old… and I remember sitting on the floor playing with her and saying to her… are you ever just going to lie down and chill. That was yesterday right?? That’s how it feels for SURE.

That was 12 years ago… we were in California… we have been back and forth across the country 3 times… no 4. She has flown 3 times… she has ridden ever so patiently in the car for days on end. She helped raise Jordan and Jake… never once did she growl or snap or did I worry about her in their presence EVER. She never met a stranger but if you were coming into her space she certainly let her presence known. She took care of me when I was sad… I took care of her through thunderstorms…

I’m not sure that I have the strength to do what I have to… I keep looking around me at everyone going about their day like it’s a regular day… and even worse its Friday so everyone is all ready for their weekend and the fun to be had. I just want to scream WAIT… STOP don’t you know my world is about to never be the same and I’m scared and how do I walk into my apartment with her not there and how do I dry the tears from the blue and brown eyes and help them see it will be ok… when I don’t know what ok means now.

I know its for the best… I know tomorrow we will start down the new path… but really if I could rewind for another 12 years… well I’d prefer that

for my Kailey...

Poem for Dog Lovers

Hello. I've been expecting you for quite some time.
Here, come sit beside us for awhile .
and let me tell you about this old friend of mine.
She might look tattered or maybe old
But I won't say goodbye until you've been told.
She had the brightest eyes I had ever seen,
And wore a beautiful fur coat that would out shine a queen .
She was never prissy but walked with an aire ......
And oh so polite, you could take her most anywhere.
She could run like the wind and could catch anything she chased
But she protected and sat with me when I had problems to face.
You could not find a friend nearly so dear.
Because no matter the trouble she always stayed near...
She has never asked for much from me;
Just to love and respect her and I think you'll agree .
To give her a good meal plus a nice warm bed is not much to ask ;
When she has given me all her love and to her this was no task.
Now I understand you have a schedule to keep.
But I have a small favor before she nods off to sleep.
Please fold your wings around her and let her feel young while in no pain ;
Dear Guardian Angel of Pets ,
please keep her safe and happy until I see her again.

Ginger Patton

my wish for you all...

May your tears come from laughing

You find friends worth having

With every year passing

They mean more than gold

May you win and stay humble

Smile more than grumble

And know when you stumble

You're never alone




Never Alone - Music Video

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