Ginger

Ginger (name changed to Shadow) passed away April 30, 2021 after a bout with gastroenteritis. She followed me everywhere, and when I didn’t take her with me, she would sit in the window waiting for me. I miss her a lot. Bob
Bill Keeney's son Greg told me in an email, "Dad and Ginger are finally reunited, my Dad passed on January 23rd."

Ginger, a 14-pound Italian Greyhuahua

Born Jan 3, 2009 in an RV park where Ginger lived for 3 years. Apparently not wanted, Bill Keeney (P.O. 604, Elma, WA 98541) took her in July 2011.  

On Aug 5, 2011, she was spayed at Brady Veterinary Hospital, 450 Monte Brady Rd, Montesano, WA 98563 (360) 249-3700

On Aug 9, 2011, Bill reported that Ginger was doing well, drinking well, no vomiting. She had some soft stool when first coming home. The incision was healing well. Bill noticed that she was not too interested in dry dog food, and would eat lots of treats and other yummy snacks. She nibbled on her dog food, still not eating a full meal.

Feb 15, 2012 Bill was not sure that he was able to properly treat her ear infection with his "bad hand" and living alone. Ginger’s ears had bothered her since Bill acquired her. By April 13, 2012 her ears were free of redness and swelling, but there was still some tan waxy debris along the walls of the right ear.

Sep 15, 2018 - Bill’s health declined and his son Greg (775-636-0235) gregkeeney@yahoo.com had him moved to a Virginia Veterans Administration assisted living facility, Heritage Hall, 5580 Daniel Smith Road, Virginia Beach, VA 23462 - http://www.heritage-hall.org/our-facilities/heritage-hall-virginia-beach.aspx. Greg signed Ginger’s ownership with records over to Obedient Paws  obedientpaws@icloud.com 403 Davis St, Virginia Beach, VA 23462, (757) 663-8020. Obedient Paws Care Giver Adam became Ginger’s guardian for about 10 months before turning her over to Becca Peril who gave her to Betty Jardine (Harborview) who found a possible forever home in July 2019 with Alexandra Zakowicz. In acquiring a new job, Alexandra realized she couldn’t take care of Ginger. She put her up for adoption thought the SPCA. After Ginger’s four month stay with Alexandra, on Nov 15, 2019, myself (Bob Perrine) and my wife Barbette Timperlake (plus their 10 year-old cat Sadie and 11 year old dog Scout - http://1bob1.blogspot.com/2010/04/carolina-dog.html) gave her a permanent home - http://barbette-and-bob.blogspot.com/2011/01/perrines-places.html. We took her to our vet, Great Neck Veterinary Clinic https://www.greatneckvet.com/contact on Nov 27. My main concern was her ears, this long-standing problem. Other than that, she checked out ok for an eleven-year old. I give her ear medicine every other day and once a month Ninnette (Got A Pet...Get Net -941-626-0314 https://www.facebook.com/pages/Got-A-PetGet-Net/1547482838910672) comes to our house and gives Ginger a bath plus the works in her van.

Sadly, Scout died Dec 23, 2019 so Scout and Ginger had a little over a month together. Scout, I believe, sensed that Ginger was a replacement and accepted it by being very kind to Ginger. Since Bill was her owner for 7 years, she naturally has favored me over my wife, but in time I’m sure she’ll love both of us. However, almost immediately Ginger developed separation anxiety, overly attached to me. When I return from being gone, Ginger is excited, jumping up and down turning in circles and barking (the only time she barks).

Ginger loves to run on our Cape Henry Beach in front of our house and go for walks, but frequently stopping to sniff something, a ten-minute walk turning into thirty-minutes. While Ginger has adjusted well in the house, she is afraid of Sadie, and Sadie knows it. Sadie will lie of the steps and Ginger will be afraid to go up the steps past her. Ginger gets back at Sadie by eating any dry food Sadie leaves. Now Sadie is not the foraging anymore like she used to.

I was told by Alexandra that Ginger was part Chihuahua and part something else but didn’t really know the other breed. On one of our first walks, a neighbor who has an Italian Greyhound said she probably has some Italian Greyhound in her. Well, it didn’t take long to find on the web what she was, an Italian Greyhuahua!

Bob Perrine 757-481-1269

Italian Greyhuahua - https://www.101dogbreeds.com/italian-greyhuahua.asp

The Italian Greyhuahua is a very small breed of dogs crossed between the Italian Greyhound and the Chihuahua. Like its funny name, this adorable dog has an apple-shaped head studded with dark almond-shaped eyes and ends in a small, black nose. They have two large bat-like ears protruding out of the head, standing erect like the chihuahua’s, though some might inherit the floppy ears of the Greyhound as well. The body is slender with four sleek legs and a long, dangling tail gradually narrowing at the tip. These dogs are suitable for all families, as well as for single persons looking for companionship. They make an ideal apartment dog, or for anyone with limited space. As pets, they are quite common among dog lovers, and are also easily available from the breeders or for adoption from rescues.

Italian Greyhuahua’s are dependent and peaceful. They are apt for serene environments and quiet households. Both the parent breeds of the dog are known to be fun-loving, friendly and playful; hence the Italian Greyhuahua has inherited the mirthful and amusing nature. These dogs are completely devoted to their masters, like they are loyal and sweet to the owner’s family. When they are happy or impressed and want to show their gratitude, the expression of their face can change so dramatically that it would often seem like it is smiling at you.

Very much like its Chihuahua parent they would see everything around with their big eyes while pulling things off the shelf, pull the stuffing out of teddy bears, or even chew on wood if you would not supply them with chewables. They are responsive and are good with children and would often been seen playing with them. So are they with their fellow pets. Though, like its Italian Greyhound parent, they are wary of strangers, and would display a very gentle behavior and timidity when strangers are around.

They love people and spending time with them. Hence be sure you give enough time to your little one in order to keep it happy. They are obedient and would listen to you with all concentration when you ask them to do something. They are also immensely curious. They will find a way to stumble upon anything.