Giovanna aka "Gia"

Meet Giovanna (“Gia”)!<br/><br/>Giovanna, lovingly known as Gia, is in search of a second chance at life. She has already overcome more than most dogs ever should. Gia was rescued in San Juan, Puerto Rico in December 2024 along with her puppies. When her rescuers found her, Gia was doing what so many mothers do, giving everything she had to make sure her babies were safe - even though she herself was starving. One by one, all of her puppies were adopted and traveled to their forever homes. But Gia was left behind.<br/><br/>At the time, she wasn’t considered the “ideal” dog for adoption.<br/><br/>Since then, Gia has been quietly proving just how worthy she is of love. Now nearly 2 years old and weighing just 35 pounds, she has made beautiful progress. She has adjusted to a daily routine, walks nicely on leash, enjoys her crate, loves mealtime, and gets along well with other dogs. Most importantly, she has started learning that people can be kind and that the world can feel safe.<br/><br/>Gia’s biggest challenge is fear. She is extremely shy with strangers and in new environments. She is not aggressive, just deeply unsure. Because of this, Gia needs a very special adopter... someone patient, compassionate, and willing to let trust grow slowly and naturally.<br/><br/>She also has strong escape instincts when frightened, so safety will be absolutely essential in her new home. Gia must have a secure environment with careful door management, fully enclosed fencing, and full supervision anytime she is outside. She will come with a Tractive device as well as an AirTag as an extra precaution.<br/><br/>Gia would thrive in a calm, structured home where life is predictable and peaceful. A confident, friendly dog could be a wonderful role model for her and help her continue to blossom. She would do best with people who understand that progress may come in small steps, but every step will be meaningful.<br/><br/>Despite everything she has been through, Gia remains gentle, observant, and full of quiet hope. Beneath her timid exterior is a dog who wants to trust, wants to feel safe, and wants to know what it means to truly belong.<br/><br/>She has spent her life caring for others. Now it’s Gia’s turn to be cared for.<br/><br/>If you are interested in being the one to give this deserving girl the second chance she has been waiting for, please complete an adoption application on our website.<br/><br/>Adoption Info:<br/>• Apply at https://www.heartsandtails.org/adoption-application<br/>• Due to high inquiry volume, only applicants who appear to be a good match will be contacted.

Meet Giovanna (“Gia”)!

Giovanna, lovingly known as Gia, is in search of a second chance at life. She has already overcome more than most dogs ever should. Gia was rescued in San Juan, Puerto Rico in December 2024 along with her puppies. When her rescuers found her, Gia was doing what so many mothers do, giving everything she had to make sure her babies were safe - even though she herself was starving. One by one, all of her puppies were adopted and traveled to their forever homes. But Gia was left behind.

At the time, she wasn’t considered the “ideal” dog for adoption.

Since then, Gia has been quietly proving just how worthy she is of love. Now nearly 2 years old and weighing just 35 pounds, she has made beautiful progress. She has adjusted to a daily routine, walks nicely on leash, enjoys her crate, loves mealtime, and gets along well with other dogs. Most importantly, she has started learning that people can be kind and that the world can feel safe.

Gia’s biggest challenge is fear. She

Meet Giovanna (“Gia”)!

Giovanna, lovingly known as Gia, is in search of a second chance at life. She has already overcome more than most dogs ever should. Gia was rescued in San Juan, Puerto Rico in December 2024 along with her puppies. When her rescuers found her, Gia was doing what so many mothers do, giving everything she had to make sure her babies were safe - even though she herself was starving. One by one, all of her puppies were adopted and traveled to their forever homes. But Gia was left behind.

At the time, she wasn’t considered the “ideal” dog for adoption.

Since then, Gia has been quietly proving just how worthy she is of love. Now nearly 2 years old and weighing just 35 pounds, she has made beautiful progress. She has adjusted to a daily routine, walks nicely on leash, enjoys her crate, loves mealtime, and gets along well with other dogs. Most importantly, she has started learning that people can be kind and that the world can feel safe.

Gia’s biggest challenge is fear. She is extremely shy with strangers and in new environments. She is not aggressive, just deeply unsure. Because of this, Gia needs a very special adopter... someone patient, compassionate, and willing to let trust grow slowly and naturally.

She also has strong escape instincts when frightened, so safety will be absolutely essential in her new home. Gia must have a secure environment with car