MEET GIGI: A 13-YEAR-OLD BLIND RESCUE WITH AN UNSTOPPABLE SPIRIT

Meet Gigi, a remarkable 13-year-old blind rescue with an indomitable spirit and zest for life. Despite her challenges, this cheese-loving pup races to keep up on walks, snuggles during basketball games, and occasionally attempts daring (if confused) escapes through the front door. Rescued at age 12 after surviving cancer and breeding, Gigi has transformed from an anxious dog to one who embraces each day with calm joy. Her dad Aaron cherishes every moment with this special girl who's teaching him the beauty of slowing down and appreciating life's simple pleasures.

QUICK FACTS

Age: 13
Birthday: January 3rd
Nickname: JooJoo Bean
Special Talent: Finding cheese crumbs

GETTING TO KNOW GIGI

What's Gigi's favorite toy?
Her mom's finger. She loves to nibble on it! 

What's her favorite treat?
Cheese

What activity does she enjoy most?
Watching basketball games with her dad

What's her most adorable quirk?
She likes to sneak out the front door but she's blind so then she gets scared and doesn't know where to go

A CONVERSATION WITH GIGI'S DAD, AARON

What's your favorite memory with Gigi?

When we first introduced Gigi to our other two dogs, she immediately came over to me and asked me to carry her. I had only briefly met her once before, but her energy towards me was so incredibly trusting. I instantly fell in love with her. I never wanted to let her go - and I don't think I did for the next week! haha!

What's the most important lesson Gigi has taught you?

Gigi has helped me celebrate the calmness of life. Sometimes just hanging out on the couch is all you need. We rescued her when she was 12 years old and blind and she was bred many times in the past. She's gone through cancer, and we think she's had a really stressful life. Now that we have her, she's gotten less and less anxious by the day. She no longer gets startled at little things. She's enjoying her comfort and loves cuddles. It's a great lesson for me. Life doesn't need to move so fast all the time - sometimes less is more. Stillness, calmness, mindfulness are all the most important things to Gigi and I never want to take those things for granted myself."

How do you celebrate and make special moments with Gigi?

Every single day is special with Gigi. I'm not sure how much longer she'll have on earth, so every day is a celebration. I love for her to try to new small bites of things - weather its a new cheese or a cut of beef. Every time I'm watching sports she just wants to cuddle with me and it's so incredible to have that bond with her."

Anything else you'd like to share about Gigi?

Gigi loves to walk! We were a bit worried when we rescued her that she would severely slow down our daily walks with our other two bigger dogs but Gigi is quite the speedster. She loves to try to keep up and smell everything. She has so much life in her still even after everything she's gone through. It's beautiful to witness.

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