Gia’s Follow-up

When we first introduced Gia, a spirited Spinone Italiano with undeniable charm, she was just starting her transformation from a cherished family pet to a devoted hearing dog. Over the past few months, her journey with her handler, Chris, has been truly inspiring, filled with remarkable progress and meaningful milestones. Along the way, Gia added her own special touch to the adventure—spending part of the summer exploring the woods in Illinois and part of the fall valiantly "protecting" the lawn from falling leaves.

Most recently, Gia reached an exciting milestone, calmly responding to the sound of a bell and guiding Chris to an exit door. This accomplishment showcases her ability to perform critical tasks while maintaining focus and composure—essential qualities for a successful service dog.

Every service dog faces unique challenges, and for Gia, impulse control was one she was determined to work on. Her excitement sometimes led her to jump on people nearby, greeting them as if they were her friends. Chris fondly remembers joking that Gia thought she was "weightless and invisible." Through patience and consistent training, Gia has made remarkable strides. Calm and polite greetings are now second nature, highlighting just how far she’s come on her journey.

The next phase of Gia's training will focus on expanding her alert skills. She will learn to recognize and respond to critical sounds that Chris may not hear, such as smoke detectors, fire alarms, and doorbells.

Gia’s journey isn’t just about mastering tasks—it’s about the growing bond between her and Chris. Together, they are building a partnership rooted in trust, communication, and shared goals. Gia is well on her way to becoming not only a capable service dog but also an invaluable companion to Chris.

We can't wait to share more updates on Gia’s progress as she continues working toward certification. Let’s celebrate this incredible team for everything they’ve achieved so far!