My Old Friend Penny - RIP Beautiful Girl
This is a picture I took a few years ago of my beautiful American Pit Bull Terrier Penny. Here she is shown at age12 in her wheel cart, in my yard in Amherst, Virginia.
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CHALLENGE WINNER – MY OLD FRIEND CHALLENGE – ALL SOFT AND CUDDLIES

Penny was a puppy that I bred and was born in my house. She was always a special girl. She grew a little tall and lanky for a while, and back then I was showing dogs in the UKC (United Kennel Club). I didn’t think she would do too much at a show…but I brought her to her first show as a puppy just for fun and she took Best Puppy! She stood like a true champion for the Judge. I was so proud of her. She went on to become a UKC Champion. She loved to go to the river and swim. She liked to splash as she jumped in most of all, and would jump in and out most of the time we were there. Such a silly girl. At home she loved to chase the ball and just about fly in mid air and most every time catch it like a pro and bring it back wagging her tail happily and wait for you to throw it again. Over and over. She just never seemed to run out of energy.
At age 10 one day she fell over in the front yard and couldn’t get up. It was horrible. She went off to the Univerity for just about every test that could be done to see what could be wrong. Nothing really showed up and the best they could tell me was that she had had what is called an embolism..and most likely a small piece of cartalidge or bone had broken free and lodged in her spine and she couldn’t walk. I was devistated. I went to get her at the University and she seemed quite depressed. Myself and Victor (the person I live with) were showed how to walk her with a towel under her to hold her up while she moved with her two front legs. We toweled her out to potty and then to the car to take the ride home.
Well I brought her ball with me…which she had always loved…and as we started down the road I took it out and showed it to her. Her ears perked up and a light came in her eyes. So I threw the ball right at her…and she lifted her body up a bit and caught it!!! Her tail did an ever so slight wag. It was then that I knew she wanted to live. So as soon as I got home I called the doggie cart place and ordered the cart. It took about a week to get here. In the mean time as we toweled her out…she tried to run with us. :)) Such a tuffie. And every day she went to Hardee’s for a bowl of vanilla ice cream in the car. She loved that. :))
The cart arrived…and as soon as she got strapped in and I put her leash on and walked her a few feet…she realized that now she could go…so I unhooked the leash and off she went all over the front yard. If you took her ball or her tire…another very favorite toy…she would run you over trying to get it!! Such spirit.
Her embolism happened and age 10 and we lost her at age 13 due to an enlarged heart that began to press against her lungs.She had a wonderful life and a true enduring spirit. She was put to sleep humanely at the Vet before she began to suffer. I told her she was going to the Rainbow Bridge where she could run free again and fly through the sky and I would see her again one day on the other side.
This is a dog who truly made a huge difference in my life and my outlook on it.

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Brandie1
A lovely tribute to a beautiful animal.
She was so lucky to have you.xxx
Ginny York replied
Thank you so much Brandie! I was the lucky one. :)) She blessed me in ways I never knew existed.
kevinmawson
A wonderful tribute Ginny! Yes you will get to see her again one day!
km.
Ginny York replied
Thanks so much Kevin. I know we will see each other again on day. I appreciate your kind words my friend. :))
Lori Peters
This is just heartwrenching, Ginny. This is a beautiful tribute to a beautiful animal. xo
Ginny York replied
Thanks so much Lori! She was a treasure to have for all those years. Thank you so much for adding her to your favorites. that means alot to me. :))
Diana-Lee Saville
awww Ginny…so beautiful :)) We are kindred spirits :))
Ginny York replied
Thank you so much Di. I do think we are kindred spirits. I will still pray for Newman to keep getting better. Make sure you give him a soft hug for me.
Bootiewootsy
Beautiful story and sad at the same time. Beautiful tribute to a wonderful friend.
Ginny York replied
Thanks so much Bootiewootsy for your lovely and true comments. It really was sad that it happened at all, but I was so glad that she still loved life and got 3 more years to enjoy. And she did enjoy them. :))
LeighSkaf
oooh little baby. what a story. I am so glad she had that cart. Nice to know she lived her life out in a good way.
Ginny York replied
Thanks so much Leigh. I’m so glad that there were a few companies that made doggie carts and I was able to get one for her. It gave her 3 more happy years. :))
Zdogs
Oh Ginny, what a beautiful heartwarming story of your Penny, such a strong spirited girl, and oh so pretty :) She was lucky to have you in her life, and you were surely blessed to have her too. A wonderful tribute!
Ginny York replied
Thanks so much Danni…You really said it all in your comments. :)) Thanks so much for adding her to your favorites. You would have loved her in person. She was everything this breed should be.
cherylc1
Awww~ A wonderful tribute to Penny!!
Ginny York replied
Thanks Cheryl! She was really special.
Lover1969
What a beautiful girl! I loved reading the story about her life. She was very lucky to have you as her Mommy. I know her spirit lives on in your heart.
Ginny York replied
Thanks so much Connie. She does live on in my heart… and in her puppies… and their puppies….and their puppies. She has passed on her genes well. :))
TickerGirl
You obviously made me cry…
Thank you for sharing your story.
Ginny York replied
I’m sorry TickerGirl….I didn’t mean to make you cry. Yes…a tragedy did happen to my sweet girl…but she took it way better than I did…especially in the beginning. She taught me alot when she went through all she did and was still such a happy fun loving girl. She got to live 3 more happy years…so maybe you can keep that thought… and it might take the tears away. Thanks so much for commenting so beautifully and honestly about this image. :))
deegarra
OH WOW POOR FELLA
Ginny York replied
Thanks Dee. She was a girl…and a tuff one at that.
gabbielizzie
thank you for adding this wonderful work to our group!
such a beautiful girl,what a loving heart you have,and everything you did for her i know she’s waiting for you at the bridge!!!!!
Ginny York replied
Thanks you so much Gabbie. I would gladly do it all again for such a beautiful spirit as Penny. I do know she will be waiting for me at the Rainbow Brigde, and she sits in my heart now every day. :))
MarianaEwa
What a beautiful and sad story Ginny. It wet my eyes but I know that she must have had a wonderful time in your warm and loving family. You are a tru animal lovers.
Hugs
Ginny York replied
Thanks so much Mariana. I really treasure every moment I had with Penny. She was an amazing girl.
Chris Snyder
Bless you Ginny. This brought both a smile and a few tears reading it. What a wonderful friend you were to each other. Pitties are just so adapting!!
Ginny York replied
Thanks so much Chris.Pitties are definately the best and you are so right about them adapting. This girl taught me quite a bit. Thanks so much for adding her to your favorites. :))
mlynnd
Ginny, you made me cry. It is so wonderful that you had the cart for her, and that Penny was able to get around. Just shows the love you and Penny had and still have, for each other. May God bless you, for loving and caring for this beautiful lady.
Ginny York replied
Thank you so much Lynn. Sorry I made you cry. As soon as I showed her the ball in the car and her ears went up in anticipation…I knew I would get her one. I had heard of them before. She truly loved life and taught me more than most people in my life ever have.
Ginny York replied
Thanks so much for adding this to your favorites Lynn.
cdudak
Ginny what a beautiful tribute to this wonderfuld spirited girl. I know she will always be with you. For every animal Lynn and I have had, are still in our hearts today. We both said we have a mob waiting for us at the rainbow bridge.
Ginny York replied
She is with me every day Kay. I believe just like you and Lynn that they stay beside us as we go through life. And I know I will surely be mobbed when I get to the Rainbow Bridge! Thanks so much for your kind words.
Ginny York replied
Thank you for adding Penny to your favorites Kay!
Susanne Correa
Wow what a great job you have done with Penny, I wish all pet owners would be like you :)

Ginny York replied
Awwwww… Susanne….that is so nice of you to say. Thank you so much for Featuring my beautiful girl. I know she is looking down smiling. :))
Ginny York replied
Georgie Hart
Oh Ginny what a beautiful spirit she must have been. You’ve brought tears to my eyes too but I’m so glad you shared Penny’s story!
Ginny York replied
Thank you so much Georgie! She really was a fantastic girl. She was everything a good dog should be. I saw a challenge on here about old dog friends that made a difference in your life and that is what made me want to share her. I had thought about it before…but It is painful to write. Happy too…that she had such a wonderful lust for life. I’m glad you enjoyed reading about her. She was a very special girl.
ys-eye
Wonderful capture and story, thanks so much for sharing!
Ginny York replied
I’m happy to share my beautiful girl. Thanks so much for making this a favorite. You would have loved her in person. :))
Ryan Davison
thanks for sharing, lovely tribute
Ginny York replied
Thanks so much Ryan. I’m happy that you enjoyed reading about Penny.
DigitallyStill
Talk about a trooper! Wow. Chills ran up and down my spine when I read about Penny. Nicely done Ginny. And congrats on the featured. Well deserved.
Francine
Ginny York replied
Thank you so much Francine! She really was a trooper! You are so right about that. She never let anything stop her from enjoying herself. If we could all just be that enthusiatic about life…what a world this would be. :))
Carole Stevens
Incredible story she is absolutely gorgeosus, thank goodness you never gave up on her like others may have done.
You really are truly special owners and Penny is a beautiful girl!
Ginny York replied
Awwwww. Thanks so much Carole. I could never have given up on Penny. She had such a love of life, even when it limited her. She taught me so much. I treasure every minute i had with her. :))
Ellen
What a beautiful photo of your dog, its very special!
Ginny York replied
Thanks so much Ellen. She really was special.
Susanne Correa
Oh Ginny this is a very beautiful image of a beautiful Dog that has a very caring ower, I just love it and it should be featured all over RB, well done!
Ginny York replied
Awwww. Thanks so much Susanne! I appreciate your words so much. :))
Yool
Sitting here reading Penny’s story with tiers in my eye’s the same happend to my terrier ‘Bonkers” he was only 5 years old when it happend and we did the towel thing for a long time because then there where no doggie weels avalable yet. In the end we have to let him go to the rainbow bridge ( they maybe compairing notes there :))
Ginny York replied
I’m so sorry to hear about your Bonkers. And so sorry to hear that no one had come up with the carts yet then. I know all the work you put into toweling him out. That was very strenuous and I only did it for about a week or so till the cart came in. I’m sure he is running in the sky with Penny as we read and write our words. Thank you so much Yool.
kmulls
HI Ginny (just now making it back to Red Bubble). What an amazing story. All of your pups are blessed to have you, and Penny was especially blessed. I remember seeing her when I picked up Molly. You are right, our animals can teach us a lot about life and how to live it. I carry a piece of Kasey in my heart every day. Thanks again for sharing.
Ginny York replied
I’m so glad to see you back here on Red Bubble Kristin! We need you and your photography here! I’m so glad you got to meet Penny…and so you know how special she was. I remember when your little (and I mean little…lol) Kasey was born sooooooo long ago. All those puppies stayed small in that litter and lived long lives too. :)) I hope Molly is doing good. Let’s see some pictures girl!!! Thanks for commenting.
laureenr
This is such a beautiful moving story Ginny. A beautiful tribute to a spirited courageous dog. Thank you so much for sharing it.
Ginny York replied
Awwww. Thanks Laureen. This was a truly special girl with an awesome love for life and although tragedy struck her, she still was happy and had fun with what she had. She taught me so much. I was blessed to have her.
laureenr
I think so too Ginny, you were blessed to have her, but it was mutual. She was blessed to have you too.
Ginny York replied
Awwww. You are so sweet!
Sharon Mau
The Rainbow Bridge ........ your wonderful story brings tears to my eyes. You are so sweet. I very much enjoy reading this and seeing your darling honey girl.
Ginny York replied
Awwww. Thank you so much Sharon. I’m glad you enjoyed reading about my wonderful girl…and seeing her.:))
gabbielizzie
Ginny York replied
Thanks you so much Gabbie for this feature. It means so much to me. :))
Ginny York replied
HardtArdt
Congrats on your feature Ginny!! Penny was such an amazing dog with a great love for life. Thank you for giving her those extra years of happiness. Many people would have given up on her – I’m glad you didn’t!!
Ginny York replied
Thanks so much Linda. The thought of giving up on her never entered my mind. I loved her. I know you would do the same for your dogs. I appreciate your comments so much Linda. You’re a sweetie pie. ;))
Zdogs
Congrats on your feature Ginny, truly deserved, you’ve brought Penny Into the hearts of many, I am just one of them :)))
Ginny York replied
Awwwwww. Thank you so much Danni! I really appreciate that.
Andrew S
Ginny York replied
Wow! Thank you so much for the great news Andrew! This has just made my day. :))))
Ginny York replied
Ginny York replied 10 days ago
My Old Friend Challenge!
Jan Landers
ginny…..through tears i read about penny…..touches my heart so deep….your love was a blessing and oh, what a grand reunion across the bridge it will be! thank you for sharing her and for your challenge win!!!
Ginny York replied
Awwww Jan….so sorry to make you cry. It really was a sad thing when it happened…and really all along…to me anyway. Penny just accepted it it….and still had such a great attitude about everything in life. She really taught me alot. It will be a wonderful day when we meet again . Thank you so much. :))
gabbielizzie
congratulations on your feature ,with your beautiful penny and her wonderful spirit
Ginny York replied
Awwwww. Thanks so much Gabbie. I wish you could have known her.
Linda Costello...
Such a bitter sweet story. She was lucky to have you. My mother’s Maltese had the same thing happen. Only the cartilage lodged near her brain. They took her to Va. Tech. It took her a long time to learn to walk again and still walks sideways and wobbles. Nevertheless, congratulations on your challenge win!!!
Ginny York replied
Thanks so much Linda. I’m so sorry to hear about your Mom’s dog. Va. Tech. is where I took Penny. In the beginning she couldn’t move either back leg and just bearly move her tail. After a while she could move one leg back and forth on the couch and she could wag her tail…but whenever we tried to set her onto the ground to try her out…her back feet had no control and would just curl under. I was so glad people had made the carts when she needed one.
Ginny York replied
Thanks so much for adding Penny to your favorites Linda. :))
Linda Costello...
You’re an inspiration, Ginny. My mother’s dog still has days when she can barely walk. And as you know, it’s heartbreaking to watch them when they want to run and play and can’t. On bad days, she drags her right back leg and her sweet little curled tail flops over. I wonder if she would benefit from a cart, as well. She was not even two when it happened. Your so right when you wrote that they have such a strong will to live. One can see it and feel it. Penny still looked so healthy, even in her cart. Healthy enough to eat a tire! LOL
Ginny York replied
Well she LOVED her tires!!! If you tried to take one away from her she would shake it like crazy. lol She could still catch her ball in the cart too. I think a cart would be great for your Mom’s dog…especially if she is young. Mine was about 400.00. I’m pretty sure the smaller ones are less…and lighter. I got the thicker wheels for Penny’s cart which weighed more, because she was always on grass and needed them for traction. And she was so strong. In the back of Dog World or Dog Fancy Magazines are ads for the carts. Lots of different companies make them now. They would be on the internet too I’m sure. You should check them out. They are awesome.
pat gamwell
I’m so pleased there is equipment for animals (as well as humans) to help them in old age and illness! Heart warming shot, Ginny….well deserved award.
Ginny York replied
I am too Pam. It was fantastic to see Penny run again. Thank you so much for your wonderful comments.
lilian marshall
A very beautiful story Ginny of courage and love . Congratultions on your feature .
Ginny York replied
Thank you so much Lillian. Penny had the true spirit of what her breed is truly supposed to be. She never did give up on anything…so I could never give up on her. She was a true blessing and taught me more than I ever knew before.
Beverly Lussier
This is amazing and inspirational!
Ginny York replied
Awwww. Thanks so much Beverly. She was worth every minute that I got to spend with her. I appreciate your comments. :))
Ginny York replied
Thanks so much for adding her to your favorites!
Alex Gardiner
Faithful and loyal to the very end.
My demands, those of a friend.
My wide dark eyes will let you see.
My love for you will always be.
Always.
Alex.
Ginny York replied
Awwww What a beautiful poem Alex. So true of dogs. Thank you so much for that.
Michelle McFar...
Great photo of a lovely dog. I had tears in my eyes – happy and sad – happy that you loved her so much and she had a great life, and sad that she is now gone !
Ginny York replied
Thank you so much Michelle. I get teary eyed over this too. She was a really wonderful and special dog and especially on a day like I had today I just really miss her. Thanks for making her one of your favorites.
Phineous Cas...
your a champ and what a great dog …
Ginny York replied
Awwwww. That is so sweet of you to say. She was worth every minute of it all. Thank you so much!
Helen Lewis 29 days ago
Someone said earlier in this long list Ginny, that you are an inspiration! They are right! – as Penny was an inspiration for you. How I love these beautiful giving animals that touch our life!
Ginny York replied 29 days ago
I love them too Helen. Thanks so much!
Bec Brindley 29 days ago
What a trooper Penny was! She was a lucky girl to have you there for her.
Ginny York replied 29 days ago
Awwww. Thanks so much Bec! She certainly was a trooper! I was the lucky one to have such a wonderful girl. Thanks for stopping in my gallery and commenting on this image. :)) She loved that tire! she would run you over to get it if you had it. lol
Heidi Garner 11 days ago
Tears in my eyes I read your story. Animal are just the best, best friends and know everything. Way smarter and truer than most humans. Your ‘kids’ are awesome Ginny :)
Ginny York replied 11 days ago
Thanks so much for going into my pages and picking out Penny to comment on. She was a most special girl. I agree with you that animals are much smarter and way more true than people. They have true unconditional love. A blessing. I’m so glad you think my kids are awesome! That just makes my day. :)) Thanks Heidi!
Ginny York 10 days ago
FEATURED IN PHODOGRAPHY – 11-30-09

Thank you so much!
RtImages 10 days ago
Ginny you made me cry with that beautiful story about Penny..what a special relationship you shared with her..what wonderful spirit she had…ty for sharing and congrats on the feature : )
Rhonda
Ginny York replied 10 days ago
Thank you so much Rhonda. Penny was really a wonderful and special girl. Such spirit! I was lucky to have her in my life. :))
Nancy Stafford 10 days ago
Ginny this is a beautiful story and heartwarming.
thank you for sharing..
congtrats on your wonderful features..
Ginny York replied 9 days ago
Thanks so much Nancy! I wouldn’t have traded a minute I got to spend with Penny. She was an amazing girl. :))
Twistedwhisker1 2 days ago
Ginny, this is a beautiful picture of a beautiful friend. I heard about Penny several years ago, (I live in Canada) and I was very excited to see her here. You did a wonderful thing for her when many would have called it quits that day at the vet. Kudos to you and your partner for giving her three more years of fun.
~V
Ginny York replied 2 days ago
Hi V! How do you know about me and Penny???
Thanks for the wonderful comments!!!