Gia
My Soul dog & the purest love to Fill my heart
Gia's Story
Gia's aura was that of a fairytale princess, so it's only fitting we begin her story as such.
Once Upon a Time...
In the Fall 2009, the most beautiful black and brindle baby was born in the land of Tennessee. Through the dedication and compassion of volunteers at ROAR (the Ridgefield Operation for Animal Rescue), this darling and her brother embarked on a journey to Connecticut.
Fate would then bring us together.
While scouring the vast world of Petfinder, I happened upon the most precious face I had ever seen.
Then named Bridget, her description read as follows:
"Breed: Rottweiler, Hound (mix)
Sex: Female
Age: Baby
Size: Large
About me: Can you say 'adorable?' Can you say 'puppy?' Can you say 'trouble with a capital 'T'?' Nah, just adorable and fun-loving. Bridget and her brother Bentley are very fun, active and loving puppies who will grow into large, fun-loving and devoted adult dogs."
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They were spot on... And so, 2010 began with an addition to my family that would forever alter my life for the better. Gia was a stunning Rottweiler-mix, and quite literally the most perfect being I have ever known. She was enchanting---- glistened iridescently in the sunshine and radiated that sparkle through every element of her personality. Each day that began with that glorious smile of hers, became the best day.
No matter what woes life had in store, Gia was there, ready to wave her magical tail and make all my worries disappear. She delighted in greeting me with her favorite toy--which at times consisted of my house slippers-- a trait that only made me swoon over her more. I'm convinced her mission was to keep me in an ongoing state of laughter, and she excelled daily.
Gia's etiquette and intelligence was unmatched. She politely requested belly rubs, loved playing hide-and-seek, and learned to open doors with her snout (already ajar of course). If that didn't do the trick, she would scratch at them with her paw, awaiting my assistance so she could resume shadowing me everywhere I went-- especially the bathroom (I suppose she enjoyed returning the favor).
Gia was a gentle guardian, keeping a watchful eye on the premises, and even communicating with animals on tv, ensuring they would not intrude.
Her charming quirks were limitless.
"Couch cuddle time" was among our most cherished pastimes, along with receiving her daily "2 million kisses." She lifted her snout and forehead to my lips, and always asked for more. Blankets were also on standby and in abundance to keep her tucked in and cozy.
Gia wanted to soak up all that her senses could experience wherever we went, her nose to the air, the ground beneath her paws, tasting the rain and snowflakes, embracing all that each season would bring. At the end of our day we'd wash away the bits we picked up along the way, but preserve the impressions taken with every paw print. I was fortunate and proud to give Gia every opportunity I could to fill the chapters of her story, her statuesque frame gracing every page.
On our many grand adventures, Gia gleefully accepted important duties like carrying her own water bowl and leading the way back to my car. Her curiosity never wavered, her joy contagious; I would catch her reflection in my side view mirror on our way to new fond memories, her head poking out, a big smile on her face, tongue and ears flapping in the wind. She encouraged me to live my best life, so that she could have one too.
I found myself constantly in awe of her, and couldn't believe I was so lucky to be her mother. It was an honor I did not take for granted; an endless supply of bliss, so long as we were together. I made it a priority to offer her experiences she could later dream about and took note of her favorite places to explore. I wanted her to have the privilege to connect to the rhythm of nature and urban life equally.
Among our treasured spots was Rye Playland, a nostalgic and whimsical amusement park with a dedicated off-season dog beach.
Featured on the silver screen in the 80's classic, "Big," I found this setting particularly fitting, as she would remain a baby-- my baby-- in my eyes throughout her entire life. Seeing her bounce around the sand and splash in the water unlocked a new level of happiness.
My cheeks are still sore reminiscing of those moments.
We celebrated throughout the year, every occasion or just because. Each birthday with her was a gift in it of itself. As her mother, it was my privilege to make her feel wrapped in love, always knowing how extraordinary she was. The extra special festivities though are cherished most of all. The times she would "help" me decorate for the holidays sitting by my side, stepping over wrapping paper and sprinkling her furfetti onto the tape that sealed each present, or how she would nose through each gift bag one by one, and light up when she would discover her own were icing on the cake. Witnessing the joy through her eyes filled my heart endlessly.
Gia was all that a soul dog represents: patient, loving, kind, attuned, brilliant affectionate and wise. She was my daughter, best friend and other half. She brought me so much joy in her thirteen years, that I will forever feel indebted to her. We were bonded in a way that can never fully be explained, able to sense each others' feelings with just a look.
This longing and love will always remain in my heart, and will continue to grow as the time continues to pass. It was the sweetest hello, and the hardest goodbye. Until we meet again my love...
Baby G, Dudas, Gia Donut, Angel Pie, Doll Face, Your Grace.
