During a time when the world felt uncertain and distanced, one Ardsley Park resident found a small but meaningful way to bring joy—not just to her neighbors, but to their four-legged companions as well. Christina Gonano didn’t set out to become a local legend, but over the past five years, she’s lovingly earned her title as “the dog treat lady” of the neighborhood.

It all began in March 2020, when Christina, like many others, shifted to remote work during the early days of the pandemic. As she worked from her dining table, she noticed something interesting: a steady stream of people walking their dogs past her window. In just one hour, she counted 14 dogs. “I thought, ‘Let me put out a bowl of treats,’” she recalls. “It was an uncertain time, and dogs probably weren’t used to getting so many midday walks—it was my way of bringing a little happiness.”

What started as a sweet idea intended to last a few weeks has now become a cherished tradition. Christina still refills the treat bowl daily, and some dogs won’t pass by without stopping for a snack—or a quick cuddle first. “They’re creatures of habit,” she says with a smile. “I couldn’t think of disappointing them by stopping now.”

Her faithful assistant in this venture? Her own dog, Crosby—who contributes mostly by barking greetings from inside the house.

Christina’s “dog treat house” has grown into more than just a stop for snacks. It’s a point of connection for neighbors and a symbol of joy in Ardsley Park. The community has embraced the idea with warmth and generosity. “People started leaving boxes of treats on my porch to contribute to the cause, and I love the little notes that get left with them—I keep all of them,” Christina shares. Some of the most poignant contributions come from pet parents who have recently lost their companions. “I’ve had people leave boxes of treats after their dogs have passed away. I always get a little teary-eyed when I receive these, but I’m so honored that they think of us.” 

One day, she returned home to find a surprise from the Savannah Arts Academy Tennis Team—a large bowl of tennis balls for the dogs to play with. Since then, they’ve continued to drop off bags of balls to keep the container stocked. Even the current treat stand came from the neighborhood’s Buy Nothing group.

Originally from Pittsburgh, Christina moved to Savannah in 2006 and settled in Ardsley Park in 2019. What she loves most about the area is exactly what she helped foster: a sense of connection. “I’ve met so many people through this,” she says. “A lot of the dogs even come up for a pet first before they sit for their treat.”

For Christina, it’s not about the recognition. It’s about the small joys that come from seeing a tail wag or hearing a happy bark. It’s about neighbors waving hello as they pass, grateful for a woman who saw a need for kindness and decided to fill it—one treat at a time.

So, next time you’re walking through Ardsley Park with your pup, make sure to pass by Christina’s house. Chances are, the treat bowl is full, Crosby is on alert, and you’ll leave with a smile—whether you’re walking on two legs or four.