Ladybug
Every day, from now until our calendar contest ends on September 17th, we’ll feature several of our calendar dog contestants. We’d like to introduce you to Ladybug.
(by Charelne Ragsdale) Ladybug came to us in 1997, weighing barely 2 pounds. At the time, she called her “Lady.” She quickly became our “Baby Girl” and was always by our side, tucked in our jackets, bags or riding in the car.
A few years later, while walking her outside our home, a ladybug landed on her nose and from that moment, her nickname was “Ladybug.”
She was a vibrant, playful and spunky Jack Russell who loved to sleep under the covers, play with tennis balls, sitting up for treats or “love” or bark at the falling leaves.
In February 2012 she started to rapidly lose weight and in March, she was diagnosed with kidney cancer. We spent her final days and hours loving and caring for her the best we could. On March 11, 2012 – she began her eternal rest.
The heartache has been immeasurable, but we carry on. As a runner, I race all my races to honor her and bring about awareness of cancer. The day after her passing, I ran the race of my life to be an example of courage that she possessed until the very end. Please read the entire story of that race day here.
Since her passing, you can find me or any member of my family on race day, with our signature Ladybug patches on our shirts, “The Ladybug Brigade.”
We would be honored to have Ladybug featured in this calendar, as an everlasting memory of her legacy to our family and friends.
To vote for Ladybug, please follow this link.
