IslandVibesIOP.com 26 A When Carrie and Andrew Davis adopted Gigi just a few weeks ago, they knew they were taking a chance on a dog who needed patience, understanding and time. What they didn’t know was how quickly this sweet rescue pup would capture the hearts of not only their family, but much of the Isle of Palms community as well. Gigi is a mix of pit bull, beagle and American bully. Before finding her forever home, she spent nearly two years in a shelter before being fostered by the founder of Little Black Dog Rescue, Amy Scarella. She spent three months with Scarella after a snowstorm left her previous shelter without power or heat. While little is known about Gigi’s early life, her experiences left her cautious and shy around unfamiliar sights and sounds. “She’s very sweet, but she’s nervous,” Carrie said. Shadows, sudden movements and unexpected noises still make Gigi uneasy. Being the Davis family’s first rescue dog after losing their beloved 13-year-old golden retriever, Buddy, they’ve devoted ample time to helping Gigi feel safe and secure. Fortunately, she does have one thing that brings her out of her shell almost immediately: other dogs. She loves meeting new furry friends and running around with familiar faces at the dog park; this is where her confidence soars. Carrie said her tail sits higher there than anywhere else. In fact, Gigi’s perfect day would be simple: a trip to the dog park in the morning, an afternoon at the beach and then another visit to the dog park before heading home. The more dog park, the better. While she’s still settling in, Gigi’s personality is beginning to emerge. She’s an enthusiastic squirrel chaser and surprisingly talented at hide-and-seek. Gigi also prefers sleeping under the bed, a habit that inspired Andrew to build a special bed underneath theirs so she would have a comfortable place to retreat to when she wants some quiet time. The couple shared that one of the best parts of adopting Gigi has been watching her slowly gain confidence. “We wanted to give a shelter dog a chance and give her a good life,” they said. Though she’s only been home for a few weeks, they can already see signs of the dog she’s becoming. Every day brings a little more trust, a little more comfort and a little more of her unique personality. Gigi has also gained quite a fan club around Isle of Palms. Neighbors know her by name, and people will often roll down their car windows just to call out, “Hi, Gigi!” For a dog who spent years waiting for a family, it’s a heartwarming sight. The Davis family knows there’s still a journey ahead as Gigi continues to adjust to her Pet of the Month Gigi By Allyah Harrar PEOPLE & PETS new life, but they’re confident that with time, patience and plenty of love, she’ll become everything they know she can be. Judging by the growing number of people rooting for her, she’s already well on her way. www.MPvets.Pet Keeping our Four-Legged Family Members Healthy Easy access to Veterinarians East of the Cooper POINT, SCAN,CLICK Discover the Carolina Coast www.ExploreCoastalCarolina.com Including a FREE 12-month subscription to Island Vibes
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