Yesterday, on Easter, Andrew and I said good-bye to Gigi. We didn’t know, but she apparently had cancer of the spleen for quite a while. Yesterday, her body couldn’t self repair any longer (which she evidently did several times). We gave her one last treat, snuggled her and told her how good she was, and she crossed the rainbow with the help of the most caring Dr. Rachel Griffiths, and the team at Blue Pearl. We are so grateful for their compassion❤️.
Gigi was abandoned at AWLA in Arlington as a puppy. She lived there for many months, making tons of friends with the dogs, staff, and volunteers before we were in a position to adopt her. Gigi made me look at life differently, she brought Kona out of her shell, she was always pushing the limits!
She was loud – so loud! Gigi loved to bark, talk, and sing. She was one thousand percent present in her life. The thrill of breakfast and dinner times would cause her to literally jump, dance, wag her body, and tremble with excitement as she sang and did her triple bark. This was a twice a day experience, everyday.
A walk with Gigi meant that she literally pulled me at the end of her leash – she wanted to see and smell everything, and greet everyone. Gigi was also an excellent pee-mailer; she mastered the ability to lift her hind leg like a boy and aim as high as possible to be sure all the dogs knew she was there.
After chewing logs that weighed more than her, playing fetch, and leaping and running as if she were in a race, she would curl up and sleep for hours. Then we would do it all again. She loved life; she loved me; and I loved her.
Gigi made me laugh everyday! It was impossible to be in a bad mood for long with her. I will remember her as the beautiful spirit she was. She is a part of my heart always. As time passes the sadness will fade and the gratitude I feel for our time with her will grow. I know this, as I have gone through the process twice before with Rhyo and Mica.
I will practice the lessons Gigi taught me, and if you were lucky enough to know her maybe you will too!
Be present. Find absolute joy in the simple things. Be loud, be happy, take naps. 🐾🐾
