My name is: Gina
I came from: Cyprus
Now I live in: North London
My favourite things are: Playing with my bouncy ball, playing chase with other dogs, licking, sunbathing, plane and train spotting, and sitting on top of my adopters (basically as close as physically possible)
Follow me on Instagram: @gina_kokoni

Gina’s story

We adopted Gina in May 2019. I had been routinely showing photos of dogs for adoption to my husband (then fiancé) and even though we both love dogs and grew up with them we didn't think we were ready and living in a small London flat we didn't think it was fair. One day after I started following Eve and Underdog International I showed him a photo and he said yes! This particular little Kokoni was already taken when I contacted Eve, but when she sent over Gina's photos and bio our hearts melted and we couldn't believe she hadn't been snapped up already! She was a small young dog so perfect for our London lives. 

The process was relatively straight forward and after filling out the forms, making payment and having our Skype home check we just had to wait four weeks for her arrival! We got photos and videos and basically started nesting! Picking her up at South Mimms service station we were surprised at how tiny she was! She was understandably nervous after her journey and sat on my lap in blanket on the drive home and then wouldn't leave my side from then onwards!

Whilst it may not be as easy as getting a puppy from a UK breeder it's absolutely worth any extra effort you have to put in. When Gina's Cyprus dog shelter was set alight a few months after she had arrived we couldn't believe she had lived there at all as she is such a little princess and very into her home comforts. Whilst she might not like her alone time or the car (we are still working on both!) the rest of the time she is the sweetest, most loving and funny dog. She makes us laugh every day and wake up with smiles on our faces as she bounds over to say hi and incessantly lick us. She is honestly the most complimented dog in the park and makes everyone who passes by smile too. She is amazing with our friends babies and lets them practically tug her ears off. In July, Gina was flower girl at our wedding and she has become part of the family and our friends now know that where we go, Gina goes. 

- Anna