“She was quiet and just watched everybody as they walked by …”
Earlier this year, animal control officers in Eastford, Connecticut came across a very unusual sight: a 4-year-old dog named Ginger wandering the streets. What made her stand out immediately was her unique appearance—she had just one ear atop her head.
Assuming her owners would be relieved to hear she had been found, the officers contacted them. Instead, they were met with rejection. Ginger’s family said they no longer wanted her, claiming she “escaped too often” and it was too much trouble to keep her.
When PawSafe Animal Rescue learned about Ginger, they immediately stepped in. While her appearance was certainly remarkable, it was her sweet, gentle personality that truly won the team over. “She was just a fantastic, cute, wonderful dog,” said Diane Mangold, director of PawSafe Animal Rescue. “I can’t believe her owners didn’t want her back.”
Ginger’s uniqueness went beyond just her missing ear. Most one-eared dogs still have two ear canals, but Ginger had only one canal as well as one external ear. Remarkably, this did not affect her hearing, and it only made her even more endearing. Social media commenters even called her “the closest thing to a real-life unicorn.”
The rescue team was hopeful Ginger would find a new home quickly. They shared her story and photos online, and dozens of people expressed interest. Yet, when the day of the adoption event arrived, no one came through. Ginger watched quietly as people walked past her, untouched and overlooked. “Tons of people responded that they were coming, and then no one showed,” Mangold said.
Thankfully, the story didn’t end there. Soon after an update was shared online, a young couple came to the shelter to adopt her. Ginger’s excitement was palpable—she bounced around the adoption room as the paperwork was filled out, eager to finally leave the shelter and start her new life.
After being rejected by her previous owners, Ginger now has a second chance at life with a family who loves her for exactly who she is. Thanks to PawSafe Animal Rescue, this one-of-a-kind pup is finally getting the happy ending she deserves.