GABBI GARCIA
lets the 'sunshine' in at animal shelter
Gabbi thanked the Pawssion Project for its dedication and love of saving animals, saying she was glad to see the rescued dogs well-taken care of
As a tribute to her late dog Sunshine, GMA 7 talent Gabbi Garcia personally handed dog and cat food, including Sunshine’s remaining supplies, to the rescues of the animal welfare, non-profit organization Pawssion Project in San Jose del Monte, Bulacan on 29 November despite bad weather.
It coincided with the pre- birthday celebration of Gabbi, who turned 22 on 2 December. “I’m sure she’s smiling up there, knowing that other dogs can enjoy her treats,” Garcia posted on Instagram, with a series of photos showing her, along with her family and boyfriend Khalil Ramos, during their visit to Pawssion Project. “This is our way of paying it forward because Shine filled us with so much love.”
Gabbi thanked the Pawssion Project for its dedication and love of saving animals, saying she was glad to see the rescued dogs well-taken care of.
Pawssion Project also expressed its gratitude to Gabbi and her family for choosing to honor their family dog of almost 14 years by making other dogs happy: “Heartfelt thanks to @gabbi who chose to celebrate her birthday and their beloved Sunshine’s life by paying it forward through visiting our rescues and sharing their blessings to our fur friends at the shelter.”
It added: “She (Sunshine) is definitely proud of you. Remember, they are just physically gone. We all know, they will forever stay in our hearts.”
For her birthday, Gabbi had a memorable dinner at home with a few of her closest friends and boyfriend Khalil. Sunshine, the Garcias’ fur companion, had been part of their lives since Gabbi was a child. The dog died on 18 November. “Sunshine is not just a dog, she’s family. She has been with us for 13, almost 14 years of our lives,” said Gabbi in a letter on Instagram, Gabbi recounted how Sunshine would be present in all their family photos, joining them in meals and sleeping in their room.
True enough, old photos from Gabbi’s adolescent years and family snapshots were always accompanied by the small, white dog held by Gabbi.
But companionship wasn’t the only thing Sunshine had given Gabbi.
Gabbi said: “Shine, thank you for genuinely loving us. You showed me what true loyalty means. You made us all happy and comforted us during the sad times.” Gabbi added that she will miss their goodnight kisses and morning cuddles.
Alexandra Lopez, Gabbi’s sister, also wrote her farewell to their family dog. Alex was in fifth grade when the dog came into their lives.
“It’s been such a long and beautiful ride, Shine. Thank you for fighting so hard just so you could stay with us. I will miss you every day. I love you, Shine, thank you for the most incredible 13 years.” Gabbi ’ s post concluded: “It was a good and happy 13 years, my love. Run free in paradise. You will always be in our minds and in our hearts. We love you forever and ever.”