A Love Letter to My Soul Dog, Gina (R.I.P.)

By Lisa Spector.

I’ll never forget the moment you realized you had found your forever home. At 16 months old, you were a little unsure when I first brought you home, and for those first few days, you were quite submissive.

But on Day 3, everything changed. You woke up bursting with energy, tearing around the house in pure exuberance. It was as if you were saying, “We finally found each other. You’re my person, and this is it for life.”

From that day forward, you taught me the joy of waking up each morning. Your morning kisses started my days with a smile. You didn’t need much to be happy—your contentment came from the simplest things: a tummy rub, playtime with your toys or just being by my side.

You had a way of bringing joy to everyone you met. Your energy was infectious, and your spirit lit up the room.

Sanchez didn’t welcome you as quickly as I did, but you adored him. He, on the other hand, tolerated you in his own special way.

Though you were both Labs, your personalities couldn’t have been more different. His morning mantra was, “What can she do for me today?” Yours was, “What can I do for her today?” You both expressed love in unique ways, and you both filled my life with unforgettable moments.

Music was a huge part of your life. From the beginning, Sanchez showed you the routine: when the piano music started, you went to your bed. I didn’t even have to teach you—it was as if he handed you the guidebook, and you followed it with ease. You’d lie in your bed by the piano for hours, eyes closed, listening as if you were meditating.

Agility classes became our special thing. You loved learning, having fun and pleasing me. Ribbons and titles didn’t matter to you, but you knew how happy they made me. You earned two championship titles, and I’ll never forget your victory lap after you won your Performance Dog Agility Championship at age 10. You ended it by jumping up on me—a privilege you only claimed after a run—and the memory still makes me smile.

The bond we shared during those moments of running as one was unlike anything I’ve ever experienced. It was pure magic.

Your retirement years were simpler. Though you lost some vision, you still loved retrieving toys and tugging with me during playtime. Even in your final days, you were your usual cheerful, loving self.

When I had to leave for a family trip, you patiently waited for me to return home before transitioning. I’ll never forget how the dog sitter described you: you spent your days resting, but at exactly 8 pm, you reminded her it was time for your stuffed kong and training/stretching with treats time.

When I walked in the door late that last night, you greeted me with joy, ready to play one more time. I didn’t realize it would be our last, but I cherished it, just as I had with every moment we shared together.

You gave me 14 incredible years of unconditional love, and even at 15 and a half years old, you were as joyful and loving as ever. I’m so grateful for the time we shared.

Thank you, my sweet Gina, for waiting for me so we could share those final moments. Being with you as you took your last breath was the greatest gift you could have given me.

You are my soul dog, Gina. I’ll carry you in my heart forever.

Pet Calming Maestro and Juilliard alum Lisa Spector is a canine sound therapy expert, with music heard in over 1,500 shelters worldwide. Her piano recordings relieve stress for both ends of the leash. Her Piano Meditations will soon be available on Audible. For a free sample, visit
https://MyZenPet.com/PianoMeditations