Anne and Jerome move for family
“Gigi gets us up and moving no matter the weather or how sluggish we feel some mornings.”
For Anne, Jerome, and Gigi, movement is a family rhythm. Walks, trails, lake mornings, and dog duty helped them stay connected through pregnancy, pandemic, and everyday life.
For Anne and Jerome, movement often begins with Gigi.
“We love exploring the outdoors and having a dog to do that with makes it all the more fun,” they say. “Gigi gets us up and moving no matter the weather or how sluggish we feel some mornings.”
Anne has had dogs all her life and has spent a lot of time outside hiking and being with them. Jerome had never had a pet before, but during Anne’s pregnancy he took over all of Gigi’s dog duty.
The walks became more than exercise. They became a way to explore trails, meet neighbours, and learn a new area through the people and dogs moving through it.
“Being outside and exploring different trails” is one of their favourite parts, they say. “Also we meet all kinds of interesting folks out with their dogs. It can be a great way to orient yourself with a new neighbourhood.”
Living by the lake made the routine even more meaningful. Gigi loves the water, and mornings by the lake became part of Anne’s pre-COVID rhythm.
“My precovid routine was heading to the lake at 6am with Gigi for her to meet her dog pals and take in the sunset,” Anne says. “I really feel that this did wonders for my health — both physical and mental.”
She would arrive at work refreshed and with a clear head.
The pandemic limited most activity to the outdoors. Anne and Jerome tried at-home workouts and yoga together early on, but it was hard to stay engaged. Walking, hiking, skating, swimming, and time outside with Gigi remained more natural.
Pregnancy also changed what movement looked like. Complications limited the amount of activity Anne could do, and she had to stop walking Gigi alone, which altered her daily routine.
Still, movement stayed connected to care.
“We love being outdoors and being with the animals,” they say. “Doing activities together is also bonding time for us.”
For Anne and Jerome, Gigi is not just part of the walk. She is part of the family rhythm that keeps them moving.
Anne and Jerome move for family.