It's A Dog's (Or Cat's Life): Gingee, 'The Epitome Of Pure Joy'

EAST HAMPTON, NY —In our new column, "It's A Dog's (Or Cat's) Life," we've invited Patch readers to share the stories of the pets that make their lives special. Here's this week's entry sent in by Janet Pacella, whose Portuguese Water Dog Gingee, who died at almost 16, taught her forever lessons about life.

"I was retired and 56 years old when I got Gingee," Pacella said. "I had never had a dog before and, trust me, all you hear about Portuguese Water Dogs being headstrong is on the mark. She was rambunctious, as all puppies are, and had a penchant for my shoes. Not my husband’s shoes, mind you — only mine would do. No matter what mischief she got herself into, however, one look with her head tilt and soft brown eyes, and all was forgiven. True to her breed, she was a smart dog and easy to train. In fact, she won the Animal Rescue Fund of the Hamptons' obedience trophy more than once. Her relentless energy helped her to ace her agility courses, walk a couple of miles a day and best of all, run and swim on Gardiners Bay, which is just a short walk from my home."

Added Pacella: "She was with me during the years I did not have to work, was no longer raising my son or taking care of my aging parents, and could devote my full attention to the lessons she was teaching me.

"She showed me how to see nature in an enchanted way. I always indulged her when she stopped to sniff some enticing aroma, and in so doing I saw the intricacies of the fir trees and other plants and trees lining my block, heard the sound of the many birds we are blessed with in the Northwest Woods area, and marvel at the industriousness of the many squirrels that visit my deck each morning. It was Gingee who taught me to just be in the present. Watching her run on the beach was the epitome of pure joy. A joy that she generously shared."

Losing Gingee was heartbreaking, but she left behind a legacy of love, Pacella said.

"She was almost 16 when she left us, having given me many years of countless lessons on life," she said. "My life would be so much less fulfilling had she not been in it."

About It's A Dog's (Or Cat's) Life

Pets are part of what makes our lives wonderful. Our dogs, cats, birds, guinea pigs, chickens and horses all paint the canvas of our collective lives with love, joy, humor and yes, sometimes crazy experiences.

Patch wants to see your pets. We want to see their photos and, in this brand-new weekly column, we want you to share the stories that make your pets special.

Patch wants to hear your dog (or cat, or chicken) tales. Send photos of your beloved four-legged buddies, as well as a short few paragraphs about what makes them special, extraordinary, or about the hilarious things they have done — and why you can't imagine your life without them.

Send your submissions to Lisa.Finn@patch.com. Please include the town where you live, as well as written permission to use the photos. Here's to celebrating our furry friends!