Gianna
May
2, 2007
When I was a little girl I had a re-occurring
dream. I dreamed I would sneak out of my house in the dark of night
and sneak through the neighborhoods and unhook all the dogs that
were tied outside. I set them free. I dreamed this same dream for
years.
In March, Don and Connie brought three dogs
that they rescued from Hell (often called the pound). I happened to
be at the door when they arrived. I took one look at the beautiful
cinnamon colored hound, dropped to my knees and said "I'll foster
her" Ended up she fostered me. I named her Gianna (means beautiful
lady in Italian). Gianna had a profound effect on my soul.
She had been tied out her entire life. The mere
thought of that makes my heart ache.
Gianna had serious medical issues, it was no
secret. We would do everything in our power to make her better and
comfortable. She was a complete joy. Gianna loved me but she truly
was a Daddy's girl. Her favorite part of the day was when her dad
came home from work and the two of them shared a sandwich. She
couldn't believe she was allowed on the couch and took full
advantage of the comfort. She amused us often. If her sister,
Stella and her brother, Vinnie started barking at (you name it, the
mailman, a jogger etc.) she would rise up from her prone position on
the couch with a look that said "Oh, I must have dozed off" and
start baying that beautiful resonate bay that only a hound can
make. Just ridiculously cute. She loved car rides, ice cream and
everyone she met. Just a complete sweet soul.
The look she had on her face as she fell asleep
during a massage on her atrophied leg muscles was so peaceful.
We did everything we could possibly do to help
her. The battle was too hard for her. It became about making her
as comfortable as possible. When her pain became unmanageable Tom
and I made the decision that we would give Gianna the ultimate gift
of a pain free forever home. That day came when Tom was at work and
though he couldn't be with us physically he was certainly with his
girl in spirit. I held that sweet being as she passed to peace. I
loved her so. Later, Tom told me he went outside at work at the
time Gianna passed and looked at the sky through tears and there was
a RAINBOW. He loved her so.
I must thank Cindy from the depth of my soul for
doing what she does with such a beautiful spirit. Love you Cin.
To Don and Connie for saving Gianna from that
horrible place.
To Dr. Esplin, Dr. Karissa and Dr. Jen for
exploring absolutely every possibility in treating Gianna. You all
are amazing.
To Aunt Sarra and Aunt Kelly for taking such good
care of our girl during her hydrotherapy treatments.
To Aunt Heather for helping Gianna pass with such
peace and for being there for me. Love you Heather.
To Gianna for reminding me of my dream.
The first ever anti-tether dog law was passed
last year in California.
I will do everything in my power to pass such a
law in Ohio.
Gianna’s Law
She was an angel.
Gianna, I will love and miss you always. Love,
Mom
Jodi
Belding
Sylvania Veterinary Hospital
Boarding Dept. Mgr. |
