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| MEET: ZEUS (I) |
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| STATE: NJ AGE: 6 years DOB: 3/17/03 WEIGHT: 63 pounds SEX: Male NEUT/UTD: No/ Yes COAT COLOR: Fawn DOCKED TAIL: Yes CROPPED EARS: Yes CHILDREN UNDER 4: No CHILDREN OVER 4: Yes SEPARATION ANXIETY: No OTHER DOGS: Yes CATS: No CRATE TRAINED: Yes HOUSE TRAINED: Yes LEASH TRAINED: Working on it OBEDIENCE TRAINED: No MICROCHIPPED: No ADOPTION FEE: $300 |
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| UPDATE 9/8/10 - This is it...the last of my monthly updates. I will actually miss this part, because I love talking about my babies to anyone who will listen!
The most important news is that Zoie went to the vet last week for her follow up EKG, and they found no trace of the VPC's that had appeared on the last EKG strip. I asked whether that meant she was totally in the clear (ie: not really developing cardiomyopathy at all), and he said it IS possible. If she was starting down that road, he would have expected to see at least as many (if not more) VPC's than he saw last time. He also said that everyone - dogs AND people - have irregular heartbeats every now & then. (Who knew?) We may have just captured Zoie's "every now & then" last time, and not really the beginning of a problem. But she's a Boxer, and so we will continue to monitor it, just in case. Otherwise, I want thank SCBR again for giving us the opportunity to adopt these two. Please know that they are very, very loved, and will always be well taken care of! UPDATE 8/9/10 - We went on vacation in July and again in early August, so Zeus and Zoie got to meet our pet sitter (I am a firm believer that dogs are happier and safer at home while the family is away, rather than stuck in a kennel). They did very well while we were gone. It also gives me peace of mind, knowing that her "day job" as a vet tech means they are in good hands during our absence! Yesterday, Zeus made me laugh so hard that I nearly peed my pants! Our neighbors were visiting, and 5 kids and 2 dogs were (literally) running around the house. Zeus must have been in hot pursuit of somebody when he came down the stairs at top speed. When he hit the hardwoods he tried to put the brakes on, but he couldn't get any traction...then he hit the tile in the kitchen and STILL couldn't get any traction. He continued across the entire kitchen floor, picking up speed, toenails trying desperately to grip on something, until he finally slammed head-first into my neighbor, who (of course) happened to have a drink in her hand, although not for long. It was one of those moments you wish you could have had a video camera. I am still laughing now, just trying to type this! Fortunately, Zeus was ok, and so was my neighbor! My kitchen floor & walls were a different story. UPDATE 7/1/10 - I can't believe we are almost at the 1 year mark - the months have flown by! Both dogs are still doing awesome. Zoie's medical update: the cardiologist and our regular vet decided not to start Zoie on medication just yet. She is in such an early stage of the disease, they preferred to wait until Sept, then run another EKG strip to see whether things are starting to progress. (They can tell by the number of VPC's that are recorded). If the frequency of VPC's has increased since last month, we will start her medication. If not, I am assuming they will probably continue re-testing every 3 months until they see a change, and start medication at that point. In the meantime, she is every bit the wiggly, happy girl she ever was, and isn't exhibiting any symptoms, which is great. I just can't put into words how much I love these guys - and the kids just adore them. If I am ever looking for my children, I need only locate the dogs & then everyone is accounted for! UPDATE 6/8/10 - Zeus went to the vet a couple weeks ago for his annual physical and shots, and he did really well - nervous - but well. His weight is up to 68 lbs now, and he looks fabulous! This boy does not have one ounce of fat on him - he is solid muscle! At one point when she was examining him, she said, "He has phenomenal muscle tone, you know"... ...Yeah, I knew that...he's really handsome too! Zoie, my sweet little girl, has also been at the vet recently. She started coughing one night - a lot. So off to the vet we went...bloodwork, EKG, chest x-ray, ultrasound, etc, etc... Long story short, Zoie is beginning to develop cardiomyopathy. Not the normal Boxer cardiomyopathy (which is hypertrophic cardiomyopathy), but the opposite kind: dilated cardiomyopathy. The good news is that it was discovered early enough where medication will considerably slow the progression of the disease. In many dogs, the condition isn't discovered until they are already further down the road, and there aren't as many options. So for that, I am very grateful. The cardiologist and our regular vet will be discussing what medication will work best for Zoie (I should know in a day or two), and we'll start her on it right away. The funny thing is that the cough was totally unrelated to this - it turned out to just be something irritating her throat, so they put her on a 10-day course of prednisone, which cleared it right up. But if it hadn't been for the cough, we would never have known this early in the game...I guess everything happens for a reason... UPDATE 5/6/10 - Zeus and Zoie are doing very well. Both are healthy & happy as ever. I don't have very much to write about this month, but didn't want to miss "checking in". UPDATE 4/1/10 - We had an impromptu "invisible fence test" a few weeks ago, and both dogs passed with flying colors! Our next door neighbor's cat (who co-exists peacefully with two of her own boxers) decided to come into our yard for a visit. Poor thing must have thought that all dogs who look alike must act alike. Well, she found out rather quickly that that isn't the case! Zeus and Zoie both went flying after her, chasing her just to the limit of the fence & came to a dead stop while she made her getaway. Good job Zeus and Zoie! More recently, Zoie was not happy with me at all. I made her wear the cone of shame for an entire week! Oh the horror!! She somehow scraped or scratched the callous on her elbow, and it started to bleed. Then she kept licking it, and leaving little blood spots wherever she would lay. So into the cone she went...and then we found out what a drama queen she really is... But one week later, the callous healed and the cone came off, and all is well with the world once again! UPDATE 3/1/10 - Can't believe Zeus and Zoie have been with us 6 months already! They are just the sweetest dogs, and we are so happy that they are part of our family! Last month, my update was all about Zoie, so it is only fair that this month's update be all about Zeus. Zeus has discovered that he likes to be covered up when he sleeps. The best way to do this? To climb under the covers of our bed, of course! Lately, I wake up in the middle of the night to find him curled up happily between my husband and myself, halfway down the bed. I have no idea how he gets himself under there without waking either of us up...he must be very sneaky. Maybe I should take it as a hint not to turn the heat back so far at night! LOL Zoie isn't a fan of being all covered up, although she does enjoy sleeping on top of Zeus while he is under the covers! UPDATE 1/5/10 - Zeus and Zoie had a great Christmas. They loved their new toys from Santa, and especially loved that their family was on vacation for two weeks with them! We had a big group for Christmas Eve, and the dogs were excellent hosts - they wandered around making sure that each guest had an equal amount of time to love them. Then they went back to their favorites for round two... At the end of the night, everyone commented on how sweet and well behaved the dogs were. The funniest observation I've made about these two is that they absolutely HATE the snow and cold! They want no part of having to go outside in it. Mid-December brought us a blizzard with about 20" of snow, and my husband had to take the snowblower into the back yard to make paths and "bathroom areas" so my two chickens would venture out. At one point, I was in the yard picking up poop as they stood on the patio pleading with their eyes to go back in the house. As I walked by them on my way out to the woods to dump my parcel, I muttered under my breath "lightweights". Well, I didn't get 10 steps before I heard this whoomp, whoomp, whoomp behind me - Zeus rose to the challenge and decided he was going to race me to the woods, which was no small feat considering that the snow was up to his shoulders! But he was a sport & did a victory lap out to the woods & around the swingset before returning to the patio for high-fives from Zoie. UPDATE 12/3/09 - Zeus and Zoie continue to be an important part of our family. We love them more and more every day. The kids each have their favorite, which works out well, so there is no arguing over whose turn it is to pet the dog! Unfortunately I don't have too much to write about this month...it has been pretty quiet around here! Both dogs are healthy and happy! Hopefully I will have more to write next month. Happy Holidays to all. UPDATE 11/5/09 - Zeus and Zoie have been with us nearly 9 weeks now and they round out our family perfectly - 3 girls and 3 boys! I am very happy to report that Zoie has dropped 5 lbs and is now exactly where she should be. She is more than capable of keeping up with Zeus when they run in the yard, and sometimes I swear she chases him just because she can! She went to the vet last week, as she was due for a couple vaccines, and the vet was ecstatic with Zoie's new girlish figure! Obedience training is now complete, and the part we are happiest about is that they come when called. I was a little concerned about how the dogs would behave at halloween, but they did great. Zoie sat at the top of the stairs behind a baby gate & just watched all the kids while Zeus preferred to sit somewhere he could see, but not be seen. Every now and then he would bark and people would look strangely at Zoie, wondering how she did that without opening her mouth. We are so happy that they are part of our family. Not only do we love them to pieces, but they have really helped me get over the grief of losing our beloved boxers, Otis and Kayla, this past summer, at 10 and 12 years old. There's nothing like a wiggling butt (or two) to put a smile on your face!! UDPATE 10/5/09 - Zeus and Zoie are thriving in our home! They settled in very quickly, and it feels like they've been with us forever. They are very patient with our children, soaking up all the love, hugs, and kisses that they can (and getting in a few of their own kisses wherever possible). We've been to two obedience classes so far, and they are very quick learners. They definitely need more work on ignoring other dogs while they are on leash, but we'll get there, I have no doubt! They also trained very quickly on our invisible fence, and now have tons of space to run and play in our large yard. Zoie seems to like chasing frisbees, which we try to get her to do twice a day (she's still got a couple pounds to lose, according to our vet), and Zeus likes wandering around, investigating & eating grass and acorns (are you sure he's not part squirrel??) They went on a quick visit to our vet to drop off their medical records and say hello, and she said that both dogs looked awesome & very healthy! We are very grateful to SCBR for giving us the opportunity to adopt these two sweethearts, and also to LeeAnn and her family for being so patient with all our questions and e-mails during the adoption process! 9/5/09 - I was adopted today! 8/9/09 - So Zoey got the charms and Zeus got the looks and goofy attitude. Now my family are not boxer people. I know, I don't get it either. I have always heard them call my dogs terrible names like ugly and funny looking (wow-that's mean!) But yesterday, I kept overhearing everyone say how handsome Zeus is, what a classic look he has, so regal. And yes, he is all those things, and then he goes and falls down the steps of the porch while trying to catch a squirrel. Gorgeous does not graceful make. You would think he was a puppy with how clumsy and silly he is. This morning we were taking down the decorations including two dozen helium balloons when Zeus decided to help. No kidding he had all those balloons completely dead within 2 minutes and was quite pleased with himself. The loader the pop the harder he went after the next one. It was quite the workout keeping up him to make sure we got all the pieces as soon as he popped the balloons, wouldn't want him to choke. But honestly, once he popped the balloon he couldn't care less about what was left. And now the pair. I was watching tv the other night with Zoey sitting in front of me so I could pet her. Zeus just woke up and came over, sat next to Zoey and just started kissing her. This went on for about 5 minutes and then they laid down together and fell asleep in a ball. This morning while Zeus was attacking the evil balloons, there was Zoey cheering him on from the sidelines, wiggling and woofing. When he was done, she walked over and gave him a big kiss on the nose. That's the pair. Where one goes the other is right there checking things out, making sure they are ok and having a good time. Zoey loves to be outside just sunning herself, Zeus prefers to be inside but if you close the door between them, he paces and whines until he can get out to where Zoey is. I took Zoey with me Friday night on an errand for the party, you would have thought Zoey was gone for days the way Zeus reacted when we got back home. She was just showered with kisses and head nudges. These two are amazing together. If only people could be that pure and loving towards each other. 8/4/09 - So imagine, it's midnight, lying in bed just about to drift off and all of the sudden there is an earthquake. Something was making the bed shake terribly and the only thing I could think of was the dogs. Since there was absolute silence, I immediately thought omg, seizure! Threw on the light and went to find the dog. Zoey was laying peacefully sleeping but I couldn't fnd Zeus until I looked under the bed. There he was, not seizing, but completely stuck. I had to lift the bed off the floor and push him out with my foot because he kept getting caught up trying to crawl out. Poor guy scared the wits out of himself. I just can't believe he didn't make a peep. There is always an adventure with this one. What a goof... 7/27/2009 – Zeus and Zoey continue to thrive in our home but I can’t understand why they are still here. Ok, yes so they come as a set but let me tell you, there is nothing better than a pair of boxers to keep each other company and wear each other out. These two are so sweet together. They have been together their whole lives and depend on each for everything from entertainment to security. They sleep together all cuddled up in a big boxer ball. Zoey is a pro at the drive-by lickings, always sure to get one in as Zeus walks by her. Double the boxer really equals half the work with these two so please don’t be intimidated by a pair. I have had only one boxer at a time in the past and that never lasted long! That boxer would get so bored and overly excited with more energy than I can burn off, we have always added another one. Zeus has settled down since his neuter. He is well-behaved when we are gone but always very eager for our return. He is ablsoutely my shadow and loves to lie down at my feet whereever I am. even if that is rigth behind me while I am cooking. Very sweet but I have learned to turn and look before stepping away from the counter. He will go lie down in the next room when asked but sometimes the company is nice. This guy is just such a love bug with everyone soaking up everything he can. Zoey is a very mellow girl who is content no matter what you ask of her. She has slimmed down and looks great. Still loves to bask in the sun and watch the neighborhood from our deck. She does so love her night time snuggles after the kids have gone to bed and have stopped interrupting her "me" time. I can't even begin to explain how patient she is with my girls. Just a lovely dog to have around. 6/10/2009 - Zeus continues to do really well in our house and we are really falling for this sweetie. I have given him a full official name of Zeusy-Poosy Puddin' & Pie and boy does he wiggle for you when you call him like that. Just say Zeus and he'll pretend he doesn't hear you, but sing Zeusy-Poosy Puddin' & Pie and he is at your feet in no time at all. I think he just wants you to recognize how sweet he is. Typical boy, always in search of compliments. He talks like Chewbacca all the time, which is just too funny. We have been working on leash walking and he is coming along really nicely. He does need more work, but is getting the idea that foster mom would like to have her shoulder in one piece when our walk is over. We now only have trouble when we come across another animal, which will just take some more work with learning to ignore distractions. We are working on the "Leave It" command, and he is learning quickly. He is a great walking companion though. Lots of energy and a real motivator to keep moving at a good pace. Oh and our household mantra of all four on the floor is coming along very nicely as well. He will now sit like a polite little gentleman for his pets and loving. Good thing too, he is one strong pup, and was a bit too much to handle before. This pup learns really quickly and really wants to make you happy, so I am sure that whatever the rules and routine of your house are, he will fit right in in no time. 4/10/2009 - We are having a great time with Zeus. He's playful and talkative and just wants to be with us at all times. He would be best with bigger kids as he plays very rough and thinks all toys are his. The good thing is my kids have learned to pick up after themselves. What doesn't get put away gets taken by Zeus. He also does not hesitate to take toys, especially balls and stuffed animals right out of the girls hands. We are working with him but he just has such a drive to play that he has accidentally been way too rough with the kids. I would say big kids are best for this pup. Zeus sure does love to talk. If you are not paying any attention to him, he will moan and whine at you until you do. If that doesn't work he will bark but quiets down as soon as you ask him to. He doesn't bark at people outside or other dogs which is great. Every other dog I have ever had barked at every leaf blowing by the window so this is such a nice treat. This was a tough week for us as a family as we lost our grandmother. So we spent almost all day from 7am to 11pm away from the house with just an hour stop off in the middle to feed and potty the dogs for 4 days straight. Zeus and Zoey took it all in stride and were perfect angels in my house the whole time. Not one accident and nothing destroyed. They were also great at consoling and providing all the loving we needed to help us get through this tough week. These two are truly a wonderful pair. 3/31/2009 - Zeus is definitely much needier than his friend Zoie. He seems to be lost if she is not in sight and will cry until he finds her. Zeus is the biggest sweet heart always ready for pets and hugs, and kisses and more hugs and some more hugs! This boy is in need of a confindence boost as he always seems to be a little unsure. We are working with him on some basic obedience, always an excellent builder of self-esteem. He just loves when we praise him for doing his sit-stays and downs. With time, I think he will really come out of his shell. I would say that he may be a bit much for young ones as he is very active and really doesn't get how big and heavy he is. 3/25/09 - Zoie and Zues are settling in very nicely. They are super sweet and affection but in need of some manners. Our new mantra in the house is "all four on the floor!" They jsut love to give hugs and want to be in your lap. They are truly bonded and will not go out alone or eat alone. I am trying to feed them separately because Ms. Zoie is a food hog and tries to steal Zeus's food. He on the other hand is a little too ribby and needs all of his dinner. I think they will slowly be ok with eating separately but for now, we have the dishes just separated by a baby gate. Here's the info for the site. |
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