Giant and the Leanstalk

by Austin Healy
(atlanta, ga)

My dog's name is Giant.He was given to me as a gift from a friend whom I no longer know. I believe the whole reason I had a relationship with that person was to receive Giant! He is a 12yr old Pyrenese mix. I've had him since he was about 6 months old. He is my best friend, seriously.

He has been through everything with me, touring, on-stage at rock shows, moving all around the country, being homeless, sleeping on floors next to me when I was couch-surfing. He does what I do and doesn't EVER give me a hard time. Most people, even one's who are scared of dogs, warm up to him once they meet him. I've had landlords make exceptions to NO DOGS Policies just by meeting him and seeing how amazing he is.

He's actually a local celebrity. I own a screen-printing shop called Gianthead Screeprinting, named after Giant. Everyday he greets each customer as they come in to make an order, and we end up talking more about him than what they came in for. He loves to get up in the front display window and watch people walk by. Everyone who meets him falls in love instantly and say he's the most adorable dog they've ever seen. I agree.

He has learned everything he knows naturally, without any special training. He obeys most commands. He's not much of a trickster, but he has human-like qualities. He only comes when his name is called. Like, you can tell him to sit and stay while calling him over without saying his name. Although he wags his tail in excitement, he will not move unless you say Giant. I didn't teach him that specifically, but he just knows how to behave properly. He is truly a great man!

I could go on forever on how much we love him, but you probably have more stories to read. I hope you consider posting this guy on your site. Next year, I'm flying to L.A to get a full-color portrait tattoo from the best portrait artist in the country, Nikko, from L.A Ink. I can't wait. This will be my first tattoo. I'm 27. Thanks for reading!

-Austin Healy