A Welcome Donation For My Health Care

Thanks to Build-A-Bear Workshop Bear Hugs Foundation for their grant to help with the vetting costs for GiGi's medical bills.

The Build-A-Bear Workshop Bear Hugs Foundation is committed to making life more bearable for children, families and pets in need of a helping paw. With the sale of each full-sized Bearemy’s Kennel Pals® friend- a collection of Build-A-Bear Workshop® plush dogs— one dollar is donated to domestic pet programs including local animal shelter, stray pet rescue and rehabilitation organizations, and pet education programs around the country.

I've Come A Long Way Baby!

I'm getting my strength back every day.

The stories I can tell you.

There's room to share.

People beds are so comfy. I have it so good. Who would of guessed just a couple months ago, I'd be here enjoying life once again.

My foster mom has this to say about my recovery, "Gigi is recuperating quite well at our house. She is such an easy girl to have around. Her large suture area is almost completely back to normal. We are looking forward to getting her back out to the dog park since that is one of her favorite things to do. Her appetite is great and she's gained all of her weight back pre-surgery. She justs looks fabulous considering all that she went through with the difficult surgery. Gigi is an extremely sweet little girl who would love to cuddle up with her new family. She loves all the other dogs and my 2 cats too! Lately she's taken to sleeping in bed with us. She would sleep on her own bed if I asked her to but right now she needs some major spoiling."

Spring Has Sprung and So Have I

Hi everyone. Spring is in the air and I can feel it now. I just wanted to let you all know that I am finally feeling better and I am now on my way back to my foster home. It sure was a long stay at the vet's, but they made me all better and I feel GREAT!!!!! They took such good care of me, I can't thank them enough. I made friends with everyone there and they were all so happy I was going home. For my going away party, I got to wear something really special. And I have to tell you, I felt pretty special too. I know I have a long road to follow for recovery, but I can tell you this, the way I feel today, I have no doubt, that I will be up and running in no time. Thanks everyone for your prayers and donations and love. I will continue to need all of those for a while, so please don't stop thinking about me.

GiGi is a testament to the inner strength of believing and the will to fight, in order to overcome obstacles that are tossed our way. She didn't give up and we hope she can be an inspiration to others.



What a difference from before my surgery, but as you can see, I'm on the mend and I plan on staying that way too.

Sugery Update March 6th,2009

It's been 12 days since GiGi's major surgery. Due to some complications she may need to be re-sutured where the incision opened. It is amazing how stoic GiGi has been through all of this and the clinic staff just adore her. Unfortunately the next surgery will add onto her already expensive vetting bill. So far the cost is over $1700 and we really need some donations. If you are a dog lover and know anyone who is a cancer survivor, please give generously.

This Didn't Have To Happen To Me

As you look at the size of GiGi's original tumor- you have to wonder how could someone let this happen? Unfortunately GiGi was used as a brood bitch and because she was never spayed she developed mammary cancer later in life. We are sure once her previous owner saw the tumor- instead of doing the responsible thing, he dumped her at the local shelter not caring that her odds of being adopted would be slim to none. Spaying and neutering not only helps decrease unwanted litters of puppies that may eventually be euthanized in over-populated shelters across the country- but it also helps prevent hormone related cancer in dogs and cats.

GiGi is the third birddog we have brought into the rescue that needed a complete mastectomy- meaning all of her mammaries have been removed from her belly up to under her arm pits. She has a Y shaped "zipper" of stitches and we were lucky she had a lot of skin- as the surgeon was able to remove most of the affected areas. Her chest X-rays were clean so we know the cancer had not metastocized. The road to recovery will be long- however. It will take months of TLC in foster care for GiGi to regain all of her strength- but to her credit- she is still showing her bubbly joyful personality and we are confindent in a few months we will find her a loving new forever home.

Gigi Surgery Went Well

Gigi had surgery today and after 4 hours, she is doing well. The vet feels confident that all signs of the tumor have been removed. She will need a lot of TLC for a while, but we are hopeful that she will have a full recovery and will find the loving forever home she deserves.

GiGi's medical expenses are over $1500 mark right now and any donations to offset these would be greatly appreciated


Pictures will follow in the near future. Thanks for stopping by.

GIGI Needs Your Help