Moving to a brand-new state is never simple.
There’s so much to learn—the streets, the neighborhoods, the people.
So, when Arielle relocated from Florida to North Carolina, she knew the adjustment wouldn’t happen overnight. Thankfully, one thing made every place instantly feel like home: her beloved dog, Gigi.
Starting Over Together
Gigi, a 5-year-old Chihuahua–Italian greyhound mix, was far more than a pet. She had been Arielle’s rock through the hardest days of her cancer treatment, never leaving her side.
Because of everything Gigi had given her, Arielle knew she had to prioritize her pup’s health, too. One of her first tasks in their new city was to find a vet.
“When we got to the vet office, one of the techs came in, saying she needed to take a photo of Gigi,” Arielle recalled in an interview. “As she was taking the photo, Gigi gave her what I like to call her ‘iconic Gigi smile.’ Gigi smiles when she gets excited.”
A Smile That Lit Up The Room
It wasn’t just an ordinary grin. Gigi’s wide-eyed, toothy expression looked so over-the-top it could have belonged to a cartoon character. Both the vet tech and Arielle burst into laughter.
Recognizing how hilarious the photo was, the vet tech texted Arielle a copy. That funny moment could have ended there—but then Arielle received Gigi’s official medical records. To her surprise, right at the top, next to Gigi’s info, was that very same smile.
“The photo the vet took for Gigi’s medical records… They also said she was in perfect shape,” Arielle wrote when she posted the image on TikTok.
It wasn’t long before the internet fell in love with Gigi, too. Arielle’s TikTok went viral, with millions of likes and thousands of comments.
“I knew Gigi was special the moment I met her, so it’s amazing how so many other people are seeing that as well,” Arielle said.
But while the viral moment was fun, Arielle knew Gigi’s true gift wasn’t her goofy grin—it was the unconditional love she gave every single day.
At 27, Arielle faced something she never imagined: a cancer diagnosis. Having Gigi by her side made all the difference.
“I’m a cancer patient, so having her in my life has made my treatments much more bearable,” Arielle shared. “Dogs are such a gift—we are so lucky to have them in our lives. I am forever grateful for my Gigi and will keep sharing how great she is with the world.”
The Bigger Picture
Stories like this remind us how deeply pets shape our lives. They bring light into the darkest days, comfort when we need it most, and sometimes laughter through something as simple as a silly smile.
Gigi may have gone viral for her quirky teeth-baring grin, but for Arielle, she is far more than that. She is family, a source of strength, and the brightest reminder of love in the hardest times.
Thank you, Gigi, for proving once again just how incredible our furry companions truly are.