Tucked away in New York City’s legendary Strand Book Store’s offices are the Director of Design and Merchandising, Lisa, and her loyal companion, Gizmo, or Gizzy, a six-year-old Maltese, Pomeranian and Shih Tzu mix. Gizzy’s day job, as morale booster and the cutest four-legged greeter, has earned her the nickname of “Littlest Bookseller.”
Lisa describes Gizzy as a “unicorn.” She explains that “everyone who meets her falls in love.” Lisa and Gizzy’s story certainly started out rather magically. Gizzy belonged to relatives of Lisa’s. On their first meeting, Lisa knelt down and Gizzy quickly jumped into her arms and didn’t move for the rest of the night. When Gizzy’s former family realized she needed more attention than they could offer, Lisa was their first call.
Lisa, a native Californian, has been in New York City with Gizzy for three years. Their Instagram @newyorkdog serves as a chronicle of their city life and adventures as they explore together.
Gizzy’s job as the Strand’s resident canine started about a year-and-a-half ago. Lisa was going through a difficult time personally and Gizzy served as a great comfort while she worked.
Soon, Lisa noticed that other Strand employees – and visitors – were as taken with Gizzy as she was. Lisa has seen the effect Gizzy has on the booksellers, providing much-needed moments of therapy in the often stressful, hectic environment of the sales floor and a boost to overall morale.
Lisa describes Gizzy as happy and chill. She is also “pretty good at picking up on people’s moods and has the ability to put a smile on anyone’s face.” Although she used to be shy and nervous, her new post at the Strand has led her to eagerly accept butt scratches from visitors.
Perhaps Lisa’s favorite moment was when Dev Hynes, the singer/songwriter of Blood Orange walked into the Strand’s Rare Book Room, pointed at Gizzy and said, “Can I say ‘hi’? This dog is famous!” The moment is captured below.
When asked if Gizzy’s popularity has surprised her, Lisa responds:
“The response from our followers has been overwhelming in the best possible way! Gizmo is my absolute life, and she’s done so much for me. I’m so happy to be able to share this little lady with the rest of the world! We’ve had everyone from native New Yorkers to new friends from all over the world who have come to the store in hopes of meeting Gizmo.”
Be sure to follow @newyorkdog and if you’re lucky enough to visit the Strand, keep an eye out for the Littlest Bookseller!
