Zoie032209

MEET:

ZOIE

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STATE:   NJ
AGE: 6
DOB:   3/13/03
WEIGHT:   65 pounds
SEX: Female
NEUT/UTD: Yes/Yes
COAT COLOR: Brindle
DOCKED TAIL:    Yes
CROPPED EARS:   No
CHILDREN UNDER 4: Yes
CHILDREN OVER 4: Yes
SEPARATION ANXIETY: No
OTHER DOGS:   No
CATS: No
CRATE TRAINED: Yes
HOUSE TRAINED: Yes
LEASH TRAINED:   Working on it
OBEDIENCE TRAINED: No
MICROCHIPPED: No
ADOPTION FEE: $300

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 1/29/10 - I've come to the conclusion that female Boxers are the most patient creatures on earth when it comes to children. I saw it in our previous female, and I see it in Zoie. The other day I walked into a room to find my kids playing doctor with Zoie. Poor Zoie had the plastic "band-aid" (like a bracelet) on one leg, the pretend blood-pressure cuff on another leg, and the big plastic thermometer hanging out of her mouth...and she just sat there patiently, enduring their game and wagging her tail. Now that's love!

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!!

UPDATE 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 - What an impression this girl can make. She is quite the charmer. I had about 20 people at my house for a baby shower and everyone just fell in love with this girl. She has the most soulful amber colored eyes that just scream "love me!" She followed people around all day and I swear never went for more than 5 minutes without someone petting her and telling her how sweet she is. She has even gotten so good that we didn't have to worry about her grabbing any food of the tables. Now anything that hit the floor, that's a different story. Clean up after a party has never been so easy. I barely had to sweep or vacuum.
Zoey continues to make improvements every day with her leash walking and basic manners. She still has a ways to go to be a complete lady but she is definitely trying. She is very good at sitting for her loving. She now comes over to us and wiggles and nudges us with her nose but as soon as she remembers that doesn't work, she sits right down. You should she her eyes light up like she is just so proud of herself. I can just imagine what is going through her head "See I can do it, I remembered, I'm sitting! So, aren't you going to pet me?"
We can definitely rule out small animals as being a mix with Zoey. I have two guinea pigs that I keep behind closed doors in my office. One of my guests left the door open and the next thing we know Zoey is going crazy trying to get into the little piggers house. I thought they were going to have a heart attack right there with all her barking and pawing at the cage. Thankfully they are ok. Lesson learned there.

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 - Ah Miss Zoey-Zo. This one is special. She is such an easy dog to have around. If you want to relax, she relaxes. You want to play, she plays. You want to lounge outside and just chill, she chills.    You just can't phase this girl. Half the time we have to go find her because she is just so content to lie in one spot quietly for hours. I swear this dog would spend the whole day just lounging on the deck if you let her. But, you want to go out for a drive or a walk? She is there in an instant, happy as can be! She doesn't jump anymore (household mantra - all four on the floor!), she doesn't beg for food at the table, and she only barks inside if someone comes to the door. Oh, and she is the absolute best alarm clock for sleepy kids!! My 5 year old is not what you would call a morning person, but a visit from Zoey first thing in the morning always does the trick. Zoey hops up on her bed and just sniffs and gives little gentle nudges until sleepy head wakes up. What more could you ask for?
     She visited the vet who instantly fell for this sweetie. She got a clean bill of health and the vet was pleased with her weight loss. Maybe another 5 to go but that's all. She is all set to go home to her new family.

4/10/2009 - Zoey-Zo is such a cutie pie. She wiggles so hard she folds herself in half any time you talk to her and then does the shrimp walk. So cute. He loves to play with her squeaky toys but has a hard time getting them away from Zeus. She just so chubby she can't keep up. Zeus better watch out once Zoey slims down with her diet and exercise routine! You would never know this girl is 6 years old the way she plays jumping and pouncing just like a 6 month puppy.
Zoey is definitely the watch dog of the two. She patrols the yard and barks at other dogs and kids if they get too close to the fence. Inside, the only sound she makes is snoring and snorting just like a little piglet especially when you give her a good ear rubbing.
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 - Zoey is one sweet little girl. She is always up for some loving and playing with her favorite squeaky toy. You wouldn't have any clue this girl is 6 when you see her play. She pounces on her toys or anything else in the way like a cat. Very cute! When not playing, she is very easy going and is learning the rules of our home very nicely. In just one week she has learned that she must go to the family room and lie down while we have our meals. No small feat for a pup that loves food as much as our Zoey does! She defintely has a couple of pounds to lose and has been on a strict diet and exercise plan to try to get her girlish figure back. I believe we are making some progress.

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 just 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.