Oh, Hi! My name is Gigi Grace and I am not a Sheltie! I am a herding breed, a German Shepherd Dog. I belong to Yavapai District 3 Supervisor, Donna Michaels, and my trainer is Jan Tomlinson. Since I was born in July, I didn’t get to meet and know Chase, but I’ve heard a lot about him.
I go to the office every day with my mom, but her schedule is so busy that she got me my own personal trainer. That’s how Jan came into my life. I’m only 13 weeks old, but I’m very smart and really keep Jan on her toes. She needs this after having a perfect dog like Chase.
I am going to learn all of the things that Chase knew; like obedience, agility, and how to be a therapy dog. My mom is really good about giving me exercise and practicing what Jan has taught me in my lessons.
Since I am still a baby, there isn’t much to tell you yet, but don’t be surprised if you see me write an article now and again. I heard that Chase was an excellent writer, and I’m sure I’ll have many adventures to also write about.
My first adventure this week was going with Jan and Supervisor Michaels to Verde Valley Medical Center to deliver some Chase Jr.’s to the infusion unit there. They were taking them to give to the patients to make them feel better. I’m not old enough yet to be a therapy dog and go with them, but I did get to ride along with all of those Chase Jr.s and keep them in line!
When we got to VVMC, I used my secret video camera hidden on the Chase Jr.’s so I could see what was going on inside. When they got to the unit, they were able to give each person a Chase Jr. to hold and to have for their next visit. There were so many smiles and thank you’s. One person even said just hugging Chase Jr. had made her blood pressure go down! What a great thing to see and I hope some day I can go in and visit. I’m a bit wild right now, but know I can follow Chase’s paw-steps.
Our next visit was to DaVita Cottonwood Dialysis lab in Cottonwood. I don’t think my mom knows that she has my hidden camera on her! She and Jan were allowed to go in and give each person a Chase Jr. and visit with them. We wanted to let them know we care, and also to help make the time go faster.
There were more smiles and stories about THEIR dogs and hugs for Chase Jr. He’s really doing a great job as a therapy dog until I can go and visit.
Since this is my first story, it may take a little practice to get as good as Chase was. I’ll have to learn to use the computer, so Jan will have to teach me that. And I’ll get my mom to buy me one to use while I am in my doggie play-pen. Maybe being a famous writer will keep me out of trouble!
Here’s to all the good people and dogs out there. If you come to visit Supervisor Michael’s office, you’ll get to meet me. I hope to share more of my adventures with you soon.
~ Baby Gigi ~
(As told to Jan Tomlinson)
