March 11, 2004

Pet of the Week: Ginger

The Ferketich family has a gem in their mutt, Ginger. An unusual mix, part Rhodesian ridgeback, part bulldog, and part Lab, Ginger was irresistible from the moment the Ferketiches laid their eyes upon her in a San Jose animal shelter four years ago.

“She's a lover,” said co-owner, Kristie Ferketich. “She can be a little skittish when strangers come around, but deep down she has a heart of gold.”

But Ginger's is a tale of trials and triumphs stemming far deeper than anybody could imagine upon first glance into her dark brown eyes. Ginger is a survivor.

In her younger days, Ginger suffered the worst form of animal abuse. According to a caretaker at the animal shelter, Ginger and her brothers were found abandoned, wrapped in a giant burlap sack and thrown mercilessly into a dumpster behind an Albertson's. Even worse, after examining the pups and providing the appropriate medical analysis, it was determined by the veterinarian, that the deadbeat owner had attacked the litter before leaving them behind at the supermarket.

Yet in the past four years, Ginger has received enough nurturing care from the Ferketich's to nearly overcome the atrocities she'd suffered as a youth.

“She became very active,” continued Ferketich. “My mom, Miss Sue, was taking her for walks, and Ginger would play with her toys Ducky and Phatdog.”

However, in 2001, things took another turn for the worse. During what was assumed to be a routine checkup, the veterinarian discovered a benign tumor in Ginger's tail.

“I just remember thinking, ‘It's not fair,'” said Ferketich. “She didn't deserve that, too.”

Ultimately, to Ginger's displeasure, the tail had to go.

“I guess it's better,” said Ferketich. “Dogs without tails seem to look faster.”

Over the years, Ginger Ferketich has seen more than her fair share of ups and downs, but throughout it all, some things have remained the same: Ginger has a good attitude, she's well trained and well mannered, and best of all, she's loyal.

“She's had it kind of rough at times,” said Ferketich. “But things are looking up. She loves lakes and loves visiting the snow. I plan on taking her to Calero this summer.”

Send us an email ( Julie@timesmediainc.com ) or a letter describing your pet (name, age, breed–where applicable) and where you obtained your pet (animal shelter, breeder, friend, etc.) and any funny stories or interesting information about your pet. Include your name, phone number, and the names of anyone else in the household. If there are children in the household give their ages too. Then send us a jpeg digital picture of your pet or a ‘real' print through the mail.