California Family Grieving Their Dog Can’t Believe It When They See Her In An Adoption Post
It all started years ago when three tiny puppies were dropped off at Pasadena Humane in California by a kind stranger who couldn’t turn away.
They were a tiny trio full of wiggly energy and irresistible cuteness: Ginger, Dakota, and Maverick.
One family instantly fell for Ginger and almost took her home, but ultimately, they decided Dakota was the right fit.
So, the siblings went their separate ways, each heading into a new life full of promise.
Dakota grew up to be the kind of dog everyone dreams about. She was playful, loyal, and happiest when tossing a ball around with her family.
She filled their home with joy for 11 wonderful years, until cancer came and took her far too soon.
Losing her left a hole in their hearts, but the family found comfort in knowing Dakota had been loved every single day.
Her mom, Vickie Showalter, shared in an interview:
“She had a wonderful 11-year life and was still playing fetch until the end.”
Life went on slowly after that. Then, one day, something extraordinary happened.
Vickie and her daughter were scrolling through Facebook when a post from Pasadena Humane caught their eyes. It was about a senior dog recently returned to the shelter. Her name was Ginger.
The shelter had paired photos of Ginger as a puppy with recent shots of her as a senior, hoping to remind people that older dogs still deserve loving homes.
But when Vickie looked closer, her heart skipped a beat. Those puppy eyes, that sweet little smile… It was Dakota’s sister, the pup they had almost adopted all those years ago.
It felt like fate had winked at them. The resemblance between the two dogs was uncanny.
Ginger had the same sweet gaze, the same loving aura. Seeing her face was like glimpsing a piece of Dakota again, a memory come to life.
The shelter had worried that Ginger’s age might make her harder to adopt. Senior dogs often get overlooked, even though they have just as much love to give.
But for Vickie’s family, there was no hesitation. They knew immediately where Ginger belonged.
That same day, they went to Pasadena Humane and brought her home.
From the moment Ginger stepped inside, she melted into her new life. She cuddled into blankets, claimed her favorite spot on the couch, and snuggled right into the arms of her new family like she had always belonged there.
It was almost as if Dakota’s spirit had guided her home.
Kevin McManus, the shelter’s PR and communications director, said:
“We never expected that the adopter of Dakota would see the post, much less recognize the photos from 12 years ago!”
For Vickie, seeing Ginger every day is both surreal and comforting. It’s like a circle has closed, and love that felt lost has found a way back, as she shared:
“It feels strange at times because we feel like we are seeing Dakota. It really feels like we have known Ginger her whole life.”
Ginger is now living her golden years surrounded by belly rubs, treats, and endless affection. Dakota may be gone, but in Ginger, her love and joyful spirit live on.
