When I was 7 years old, my parents separated. It was a very sad time and I missed my mommy so much when she moved out. After a while, mom and dad decided to share taking care of me so I spend 2 weeks with each of them. Sometimes I’d go on vacation to the mountains or the seaside with mommy. I loved that! Running up and down the mountain trails, swimming in the sea. I was a little scared of the big waves. But I loved doing happy rolls in the wet sand.
But now I get tired and can’t walk so far, and I don’t like long car rides anymore. Only once in a while we go to the forest for a walk or river so I can dip my paws. But I get scared of hills and my legs hurt so I have to take lots of breaks. I really just like being home the most. We just celebrated my 15th birthday, I got a hamburger and turkey slices, yum! And mommy took silly pictures.
Mom and Dad used to argue all the time, and I didn’t want to take sides. Now that I’m old they worry about me, sometimes I can’t sleep at night and have to go pee, sometimes I don’t feel like eating. They cook up rice and chicken, and share the recipes I like. Daddy got worried cause I wasn’t eating, so mommy brought new food to Daddy’s place. Together they cooked up my meal, I was so happy to see them together. I heard daddy on the phone inviting mommy for lunch today!
You know, I think they are getting along better because they want the best for me. I wish we could live as a family again, but you know, I got used to spending special time with each of them. It’s getting harder for me to go back and forth, but I know they both love me so much neither wants to give me up.
Now I take lots of medication and feel tired a lot, have trouble getting up and don’t feel like eating so much. Mommy cries and tells me about this rainbow bridge that I’ll go to someday. She says I won’t hurt anymore in my legs and I can pee whenever I want. But she and daddy can’t come just yet, I’ll have to wait for them. I love them so much I would wait forever. But I will really miss them and mommy tells me how much they will miss me.
Judy Simmons Caliano is Gina’s mom.♥
What Should You Do With Your Dog’s Belongings After They Pass?
That’s sad and inspiring at the same time. I felt teary when they talked about the rainbow bridge. I hope it isn’t soon.
I thought the story was beautiful, and of course sad. Yes Gina did pass since this story was written.
aww – so sad. But she has a great life.
It’s hard saying good bye to a beloved pet. It sounds like Gina’s owners care very much about her and were willing to put their own personal issues aside for her wellbeing. That’s some really great dog parents!
I couldn’t agree more. They were fantastic to work together to care for Gina, she was a lucky pup.
Aw Gina. She’s beautiful. That’s awesome that her parents were able to work out a way to share Gina even after their relationship ended. Dogs really seem to be talented at bringing people together.
She’s lucky her parents were able to work out an arrangement so both could care for her. I’ve read about custody battles revolving around the animals and no good can come of that I’m afraid!
So sad but I love that you are working together to keep Gina healthy and less stressed because of arguments. We all are getting old and will see our pets at the Rainbow Bridge again which will be awesome.
Gina was lucky to have such loving human parents.
Oh, I am so sorry to hear about Gina. It sounds like she lived a happy and full life. Hugs.
There are so many incredibly heartwarming stories, I’m so grateful Gina’s mom shared hers.
I am sorry for your loss ( i see in the comments Gina has passed). My oldest will be 9 in June. He’s a Chihuahua so longer life expectancy (16-18 years) but still … I am starting to think on these things. Especially since he has MMVD. Thinking of how it will change our travel plan choices among many other things…
Thank you, this was a post written by Gina’s human parent. I did quite a bit of traveling with my Chihuahua/Min Pin, particularly between the States and the UK and yes traveling can definitely change over time.
Oh Gina, you sweet, sweet girl. You are so lucky to have parents who love you as much as they do! That’s like having a million buck to humans. Yes, one day you will go to the rainbow bridge, but when you see Mommy and Daddy again you’ll be a happy family.
I love this story written by one of my group members, sharing such a beautiful story about Gina. Sadly she has crossed the bridge but she had a great life.
What a sweet and touching article – and I saw that Gina passed. May the family be blessed and cherish the love they had with her – and let that inspire them to heal together. Now pass me a tissue!
I love these heartwarming stories about old dogs and their people! The stories I have and will be featuring are from members of my FB group so I feel like I know them.
A beautiful story. How lovely that Gina’s Mum and Dad worked together for her welfare even though they had seperated from each other. Dogs can still link people together as they are members of family.
That’s the first thing that struck me, was how their mutual love of Gina ensured they did what was best for her.
So sad. The Rainbow Bridge is a wonderful place; Jasmine loves it there.
I hope Red does too!
I’m glad that Gina was so well-loved by both her humans. It is great that they worked out joint custody of her and helped each other take care of Gina!
So am I. I’ve read stories of custody battles over the animals and too often it’s just spite on either side, not what’s in the best interest of their furry companions.
What a touching, yet heart wrenching, post. I hate seeing my fur children growing old because I want them with me forever. I love how the pet parents are getting along better for the sake of the dog.
I do love reading these “real life” love stories. Heartbreaking yet heartwarming at the same time.
Thank you to everyone for your heart felt comments. I missed Gina so much when she passed, I felt a piece of my heart ripped out and was inconsolable for a while. I had her as a 12 week old puppy and she was my best companion. Now her spirit is with me and helping my new shelter dog Frida adjust. I will always miss Gina and am grateful for the 15 years she was a part of my life. RIP my sweet girl.