The status of Gianna was
last posted on 09/26/25 by
Did someone say dognip?
Female Dog, Shih Tzu
Shih Tzu / Maltese / Mixed
Description:
Meet Gianna, affectionately known as Gigi, a sweet and gentle girl with the biggest, most expressive eyes and an utterly endearing crooked little smile. This lovely lady arrived at rescue after a rough start, likely used for backyard breeding. Her coat was severely matted and flea-ridden, requiring a complete shave-down. Despite this difficult past, Gigi's quiet charm now shines through, and she has blossomed beautifully in a home environment. Gigi's unforgettable grin and sweet demeanor make her easy to love. She's a dog destined to thrive in a home where she can continue to blossom and finally be cherished as the loyal companion she was always meant to be. She's starting to enjoy playing with other small dogs and toys in her foster home, and she loves a good walk. Gianna is excellent on a leash, displaying no reactivity to people or other dogs she encounters. While she currently has a fenced yard, Gigi initially showed interest in escaping under the fence line. Her adoptive family will need to supervise her closely when outside and keep her leashed until she feels secure in her new home. Gigi also has a high prey drive, intently watching for small critters, so a home without rabbits, squirrels, or chickens would be ideal. The good news? She's cat-friendly and gets along well with large dogs! Gianna would adore a home with a canine companion, though it's not a strict requirement. She respects other dogs' boundaries and is learning the ropes of home life by following their lead. You might even find her snuggled in a dog bed with her canine pals or enjoying a cozy spot on the couch. Gigi loves to snuggle with you if invited up, but she's not a fan of crates or exercise pens. She sleeps soundly through the night in a dog bed on the floor – though she's also enjoyed a few nights on her foster parents' bed! Rest assured, Gigi is 100% potty trained with no accidents and is even pee-pad trained. She eats well, and her foster parents are working to help her gain a few healthy pounds. She loves treats and shows no food aggression. If you're seeking a sweet, gentle, and affectionate companion, Gianna might just be your girl! Her crooked smile, big eyes, and charming swagger are sure to win your heart. Fill out an application – we'd love to tell you more about our sweet Gigi! Gianna is from Texas. This pet is currently undergoing treatment for heartworm disease. Activity must be restricted for several weeks during recovery. RSR will cover the full cost of treatment. RSR will provide heartworm preventatives until the retest is due. The adopter will be responsible for scheduling the retest and obtaining any follow-up prescriptions through their veterinarian. Click Here to learn more about heartworm disease. If you are interested in getting to know this animal better, please fill out an adoption application. An adoption application is the best way to show your interest in an animal and is not a binding contract. To learn more about Ruff Start’s adoption process and the care our foster animals receive, please visit our How to Adopt page. If you are unable to adopt but want to help this animal and others in our care, you can donate to support the medical and veterinary needs of all Ruff Start Rescue animals.
