Losing My First Pom: Spice
Hi, I’m Monique Cohn. I’m not particularly eager to talk about myself, so I will talk about my Poms instead. Seven years ago, I lost the love of my life—my first Pom, Spice. She was only eight years old. I had taken her to an orthopedic surgeon recommended by my vet to repair a herniated disc in her back that left her debilitated. The surgeon assured me the procedure was routine, safe, and highly successful, promising it would allow her to walk again. Unfortunately, Spice suffered a stroke coming out of anesthesia and passed away three days later.
Dealing with Heartbreak and Guilt
I was utterly heartbroken over losing my dear Spice girl. I was devastated and angry at the surgeon for not fully explaining the serious potential complications of the surgery. Even more, I was angry at myself. As a physician, I should have known better—that any surgery can have potentially fatal outcomes.
I cried for months, and to this day, I haven’t been able to fully overcome the guilt I feel for making that decision. I swore I would never get another dog again. I knew I couldn’t face the inevitable end-of-life situation that all pet owners must eventually endure.
Five Years Without a Pom
For five years, I kept my vow. However, every time I saw a Pom on the street, on TV, or in a magazine, I thought maybe I should try again. But then I would remember those last few terrible days with Spice—after her stroke, when she was so sick and in so much pain—and I knew I couldn’t do it.
Throughout those five years, I knew something was missing in my life. That void could only be filled by the love of a dog, and for me, that has always meant a Pomeranian. Many people asked me why I love Poms, especially my tiny Ginger, who weighs only 4 1/2 pounds. Some even asked, “Why don’t you get a real dog?” Nothing is more real than a dog who can be with you 24/7 and share life’s moments with you.
The Joy of a Tiny Companion
Unlike large dogs you must leave at home, a small dog like Ginger can go everywhere with you. And Ginger does go everywhere with me! We go to work and shopping, and in the summer, we head out to our lake house for boating, jet skiing, and kayaking. Before anyone else is awake, we sit on the dock early in the morning and watch the sunrise together. We relax on the deck in the afternoons, watching the boats and jet skis go by.
That’s what having a dog is all about—developing an inseparable bond that only Pomeranian owners truly understand.
Why Pomeranians Are Special
I believe Pomeranians, in particular, have a unique nature that makes them “one-on-one” dogs. While Ginger loves my kids and my husband, her strongest attachment is to me. This is the trait that drew me to Poms in the first place. Of course, their absolutely adorable faces didn’t hurt either!
A Special 25th Anniversary Gift
Two years ago, on our 25th wedding anniversary, my husband asked me what I wanted for this milestone celebration. By this stage in life, I had everything I could ask for—an amazing career (I’m a dermatologist and plastic surgeon), jewelry, clothes, bags, cars… but there was still one thing missing. So, I dared to ask him for a Pomeranian.
He quickly reminded me of all the reasons I had vowed never to get another dog. I acknowledged them but told him, “I’m ready now. It may be an old cliché, but I truly believe it is better to have loved and lost than never to have loved at all.”
Finding Ginger
On my 25th anniversary, I got my absolutely adorable Ginger! We found her through an internet advertisement from what was supposed to be a reputable Pomeranian breeder. While the picture of her was truthful—she was exactly what I had wanted, with her petite size, sable coat, big black eyes, and classic Pom smile—but this so-called Pomeranian breeder was more like a puppy mill..
When I arrived, I saw dozens of Pomeranians crammed into small, filthy kennels that reeked of urine and feces. I knew immediately that I had to take Ginger away from this horrible place and give her the life she deserved. And so our journey together began.
A New Bond with Ginger
Ginger is very different from my old Spice. She has a more independent spirit, and her playful puppy personality is all her own. Over the years, we’ve developed a unique and wonderful bond that I cherish daily. Pommy Mommy, you once posted a quote on Facebook that resonated with me: “Whoever said diamonds are a girl’s best friend never owned a Pomeranian.”
I look forward to whatever years Ginger and I have left together. When the time comes for us to part, I promise myself that I will be strong, knowing I gave her the best life possible.
Bringing Ginger to Work
Since I run my own dermatology and cosmetic surgery practice, I have the luxury of bringing Ginger to work with me every day. We have a non-medical section of the building where we do billing and keep medical records, and I’ve set up a small office for Ginger. She has her bed, toys, food, water, and a pee pad. At lunch, I take her out for a long walk, and everyone in the office loves spending time with her.
So, for me, every day is “bring your Pomeranian to work day”!
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