Tuesday, January 2, 2018

Gigi: Grace iconic, Goddess incarnate



We lost Gigi quite suddenly and unexpectedly. Something happened to her spine that left her back legs paralyzed. The paralysis was partial at first, but it progressed rapidly in less than 24 hours. By the time we saw the vet, she was completely unable to walk or even support herself. Xrays were not informative and the next steps would have been an MRI and surgery with a specialist, if there was even a surgical option. In any event, Gigi would have been immobile and completely dependent upon us for even basic bodily functions for an unknown length of time. Having gone through that in the past, we felt the toll on the dog's quality of life was too great and the benefits too uncertain. 



When we got Gigi she was just called GG and we were told it stood for "good girl." She was a good girl indeed, but she was so much more. We gave her the more elegant name of Gigi, thinking it was a more appropriate title for a beauty queen.













We shared our bed but you made it your throne. Surveying your domain with benevolent authority and power. 

We gave you love and kept you in our hearts, always mindful that it was you who had chosen us to share your home. 

You had canine companions, but no peers. You filled the interstitial realm between dog and man. 

You didn't walk, your delicate feet caressed the ground, leaving it blessed by your passing. You didn't run, you flew close to the ground with a faerie's grace. 

We brought you jewels, but they had no intrinsic beauty. They did not shine except when hung around your long, graceful neck. Even then they paled in comparison to the glistening silver on your brows, your lashes, and your face. Silver that you acquired with the years, earned value and beauty that required no adornment. 




Here are a few snippets from prior blog posts that I've written about Gigi. They have stood the test of time.

Gigi had learned all she really needed to know in this life long before class.  I hate to say it, but she learned that I'm a soft touch, easily manipulated to get anything she wants.  She doesn't have to obey or be sociable or do stuff.  She doesn't have a job and she doesn't have to babysit the foster dogs.  The female dog is an exalted position in our house, Gypsy made it so and every female dog who has followed her has benefitted from that.  Gigi stepped into a sweet spot when she landed here and all she has to do is act like she deserves it.  She learned to do that pretty well.

Gigi is the girliest girl we've ever had around here.  Molly was the consummate tomboy.  Gypsy was the Iron Lady.  Emmylou was sweet, but she was a country girl, happiest when hunting through a field or forest.  Gigi is just dainty and elegant.  She likes dogs well enough, but she's not one of them, she's a princess.

I've never been one for dressing up my dogs, but she's tall, slender, and basic black--everything looks good on her.  The dog was born to accessorize.    Valentine's Day is right around the corner.  I'm thinking she might like diamonds.





Wishing you fields of buttercups by day, and a comfortable bed at night.



17 comments:

Risa said...

Oh, I am heartbroken for you. RIP beautiful Gigi.

Anonymous said...

Oh, I am so sorry. I will miss that beautiful girl. That face she gave her dad when she wanted her bed back was priceless. RIP sweetheart.

Jamie

Unknown said...

I am so sad for you. You were an excellent daddy for Gigi.
-Hugh

Frodosmom said...

Oh Brent, I am sooo sorry! These danes are different. Some are royalty amd some are jokers!! You clearly had royalty.. and were blessed by her! My heart breaks for you and I wish there was something that I could say to make the pain easier....or a magic wand to wish it away!!!! You were blessed as was she to have the amazing relationship that you had. I am sure that without you, she would never have blossomed onto the wonderful queen that she was inside!! She was so lucky to have landed with you... and you just as lucky to have had the same live in return. XOXOXO

Elle Clancy said...

I am so sorry to read of Gigi's passing. What a beautiful, beautiful friend she was.

Anonymous said...

So saddened to see this but I know you gave her the best life

Ann said...

Oh Brent, we are so sorry to hear this. They are all special in different ways, but Gigi had a unique light in her spirit. We've just been through this and still recovering so we have an inkling of your sadness.

Julie Garrou said...

I’m shedding tears for a dog I never met, because you paint her picture so vividly with your words, and because I understand the sadness of losing a best friend. Gigi was precious and one of a kind.

Tanya2 said...

Boy did she ever look happy with you! Condolences <3 (trmille on Ravelry)

Elisabeth Sloan said...

I am sorry for this sudden loss. Gigi was a beauty. She will missed. A hard way to start the new year. Hugs to you both.

Liz

Margo said...

Oh man, I am so sorry for your loss.

Andrea said...

It's so hard to say goodbye. You could tell she was a very special dog just from your pictures and description. What a lovely tribute to her in this post.

hammer1924 said...

Heart breaking for you Brent. Oh beautiful, lovely, Gigi.

Unknown said...

They break our hearts but are worth every second. Hugs to you both.

Veronica said...

I am so sorry.

VGSR Golf 4 Dogs said...

So very sorry, Brent. She had the best life possible, with you. RIP, Gigi.

SS in VA said...

Brent- I started looking through your blog after learning about Tennessee Blue. My heart breaks for you. We lost our boy Hotch at four a year ago and miss him every day. Hoping that TB is bringing you a little comfort.