Pet Mascot
Meet Our 2026 Pet Mascot, Gina Bonita!
The Thomas family is no stranger to loving animals. When a local rescue, Green Dogs Unleashed, stepped in to help an overwhelming seizure of hundreds of dogs from Oklahoma, they opened their home without hesitation.
At just one year old, this tiny Shih Tzu had already endured more than most. She was held in poor conditions in a puppy mill. Forced to breed too young, she delivered one puppy and lost one in utero. Her start in life was anything but gentle.
But everything changed when she arrived in Charlottesville.
In the safety of the Thomas home, Gina slowly began to blossom. What was once a shy, timid little girl transformed into a spirited, strutting Belmont darling, full of spunk and undeniable pizzazz. Today, she confidently trots through the neighborhood as if she owns it.
When she’s not at home playing with her sister, a lively Chihuahua mix named Billie, Gina can often be found at King Family Vineyards, soaking in polo matches alongside her human and equine friends, enjoying a leisurely local meal on a dog-friendly patio, or joining her mom at the office.
With time, patience, and open hearts, the Thomas family realized what was already clear — Gina wasn’t just a foster.
Gina was forever.
FUN FACTS:
Favorite genre of music: hip hop
Special skill: Dancing…genre… twerking
A reminder from Gina’s humans: “We can’t explain the feeling of fostering an animal, you have to experience it, you won’t regret it, and you’ll want more.”
Gina Bonita was the winner of the 2025 “Make Your Pet a Star” package. As part of the auction package, Gina Bonita had her portrait taken! She also received a featured story in Whiskers and Tales Magazine and will be featured on the 2026 bow-WOW-walk tee shirt! Congratulations, Gina Bonita!
