Freyja, the almost two-year-old full-blooded German Shepherd, embodies the perfect blend of strength and sweetness. She joined the Canion family when she was only ten weeks old. “Once we saw her, we knew she was special and the perfect dog for our family,” says Freyja’s dog mom, Stacy. At eighty pounds, and paws that “still look too big for her body,” Freyja’s sheer size is juxtaposed with her sweet, gentle nature. “She is by far, the sweetest dog. The kids can take treats or toys right out of her mouth and she just lets them,” says Stacy. “A true gentle giant.”

Choosing Freyja’s majestic name was a family affair, determined democratically in a series of votes. “In the end, it was either Freyja or Petra,” Stacy says. “Freyja won out.” Stacy explains that Freyja is the Norse goddess of love, beauty, and death, and she rode a chariot pulled by cats. “She loves our cat, so it fit,” Stacy adds. “To be clear, the cat doesn’t exactly love her.”

One of the traits that makes Freyja so unique is her ability to catch cheese thrown in the air. Along with her affinity for dairy products, Freyja is enamored with a few of her own toys: a stuffed rabbit, her soccer ball-size ball, and her “donut.” Despite her playful nature, Freyja has yet to share playtime with any neighborhood pups. “Haha, call me,” says Stacy. “She needs all the play time.”

Freyja also has a special fondness for one particular local business. "Freyja loves to go play at the Groom Room!" Stacy says. Freyja isn't just a pet to the Canions; she’s part of the family. If given the choice, Freyja’s perfect day would be filled with chasing rabbits, but she’s more than happy to spend time with the family who loves her dearly.