I was a freshman in college, new to campus, not quite sure what to expect. I got a dog for myself because the landlord of my apartment allowed a dogs in the building. I was 19, and wanted to be a photographer.

I brought my dog back from the shelter (I adopted her because I couldn’t afford a mutt on my megre salary), and she immediately loved my apartment. She was a golden retriever mix. When I got her, she was 2 1/2 years old. I didn’t have her spayed because I wanted her to have puppies down the road, someday when I was out of school.

One night before exams, I was studying economics, which was one of my hardest subjects. Ginger, not wanting to be left out of the fun I was having, came up and snuggled up to my feet. It was about one in the morning,and there was noting to be heard but the TV on low volume. Being bored as hell, I took a break from studying and went to watch some of the news. I walked over to my bed, and Ginger hopped up next to me.