When Samantha and her partner Jai fostered an eight-month-old French bulldog puppy named Gigi, they were instantly smitten and discussed adopting her. But being responsible pet owners, they were concerned about whether their lifestyle was suitable for a dog with only three legs.

“Even though we’re not super active, we like getting out in nature, going to the beach and camping. So there was a lot of consideration of whether we could integrate Gigi into that, and whether that was fair to her. But that was 100% just us putting limits on her.”

Gigi had come to Lort Smith with a badly broken front leg, a dislocated kneecap and nose and mouth issues that prevented her from being able to breathe properly.

After four surgeries at Lort Smith, made possible thanks to the support of our generous donors, Gigi went back to live with Samantha, Jai and their fox terrier mix Ari, and proved that there’s nothing holding her back!

“We have been blown away by how quickly she has adapted and the fact that it doesn’t stop her from doing anything,” Samantha said.

“Now, when people see Gigi and make comments like “oh, the poor thing” or “how sad”, it makes us realise how humans and animals are only limited by other people’s perception, not their abilities.

Our other dog Ari lost his eye in 2019 so we are well accustomed to life with dogs that are ‘different’ and know that these dogs are no less worthy of love … in fact, it makes us love them more!”

As animal lovers, we know that every dog and cat is deserving of a happy and loving family, no matter what their differences are.

Samantha acknowledges that it can be difficult to adopt a specific breed or type of animal and encourages anyone with a passion for animal welfare to get involved with their local shelter to find the right cat or dog for you.

“For us, volunteering at Lort Smith and then becoming a foster carer gave us the opportunity to have other avenues into adoption,” said Samantha. “Fostering is great, because number one, you can prepare yourself and your other pets for what it’s like to bring a new pet into your house, and number two, you can foster fail if they are right for you!”

Looking at Gigi today, the word “fail” couldn’t be further from the truth. This sweet little dog is absolutely thriving in her loving new home. And it’s all thanks to the generous support of our animal loving community.

A generous donation to Lort Smith today, can help Lort Smith heal, rehabilitate and change the lives of even more animals like Gigi.

Please donate today.