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Zoë
In August of 2002, my family visited HSCI to adopt a dog (puppy) after losing our beloved Buddy. I
wanted this cute calm border collie puppy. My daughter, then 2, was scared of the puppy. Of course
we had to pick one that she liked. She picked a very wild 8 month old aussie/german shepherd mix
name Zoë. She was crate trained but that was it. My husband, gave me 2 years to turn her into a
good dog.
It took a couple of months to find a training facility and get signed up. Zoë dragged me to the
class every week. We went through basic obedience twice, intermediate obedience twice, tricks
class and now ongoing agility. We can’t wait for Flyball class to start. We look forward to going
to class every week. Zoë cheers on all the other dogs. Of course, first she has to greet everyone
(dogs) when she gets there. She is off lead sometimes during agility. The greatest accomplishment
was the STAY command. She use to jump on me when I would say STAY. Now, I can tell her to STAY,
drop the lead, walk out 6-10 feet and turn my back. With the help from 4 R Dogs, formerly Downstate
Dog Training, Zoë has become a very good dog and lovable family member. My husband told someone in
June of this year that Zoë is a good dog. He recommended to them to adopt a pet from HSCI. I guess
in his opinion, Zoë turned into a good dog within 2 years.
Zoë and I go out every morning for a run or walk. We have taken her to car shows and my daughter's
ball games. She always was well behaved.
Zoë follows me around the house. If I’m in the kitchen, she is in the middle of the floor. She
lies next to the shower door when I’m in the shower. If I’m outside working in the yard, she
doesn’t stray too far from me. Sometimes I have to move her in order to get some work done. If
I’m in the garden, she sits right outside the garden gate waiting for me.
Zoë is so affectionate; she will give hugs and kisses when I ask for them. Zoë loves people and
other dogs. Zoë loves to play with the tennis ball. She is a great guard dog. No one can walk up
to the house without her knowing about it. She is definitely a house dog. She doesn’t like the hot
weather.
With time, love, patience and training, any dog can be turned into a good family member!
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Name of Pet: Age of Pet: Gender of Pet: Month / Year Adopted: Type of Pet: Name of Pet at HSCI: |
Zoë 2 1/2 years Female August 2002 Dog Zoë |
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Staff Notes:
Zoë was adopted as a 3 month old pup but returned to HSCI when the family thought she was too much for the kids and needed more attention. It is not uncommon for people to want puppies and then discover they are more work than they expected. HSCI highly recommends training not only for dogs but for people too. This is a great story as it shows that animals require work and dedication and then they will blossom! |
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Copyright © 2008 Humane Society of Central Illinois. All rights reserved.