Zoey is a very special girl in so many ways. She is from Sophie's last litter -- the litter she died whelping. Zoey is short for Zosia -- the Polish endearment for Sophie, because she reminded me so much of her mother in personality.
When Zoey didn't turn out to be a show dog, she was placed with an elderly lady who was looking for a quiet, calm companion. Although I'm sure Zoey was loved, she was not well taken care of. When she was ten I got a call from her owner, who had recently had a stroke. She was recovering well, but Zoey had pulled her off her feet during her daily walk and Louise had broken her shoulder and collarbone. She was very upset with Zoey and said she was going to put her to sleep. I picked up Zoey that afternoon.
Zoey's physical condition was deplorable. She was a small girl, but she weighed 41 lbs. She was exactly as wide as she was long. She was being treated for incontinence. This medicine was causing a chronic bladder infection, so she was also on antibiotics. Her toenails were so long, her feet were splayed, and her rear toenails had grown into the bottom of her feet. When I saw her I almost cried. She was a sad, sick-looking dog. She could hardly walk, she had a ruined ear, and she had had back surgery. I didn't think she was going to live very long.
It took us 9 months to get Zoey down to fighting weight -- 26 lbs. Regular toenail trimmings have kept her nails comfortably short, but her feet are permanently deformed. She was never incontinent. It hurt her so much to walk, she wasn't housebroken anymore. No more incontinence medicine, so no more bladder infections. Today Zoey is 13 years old, and although she has some arthritis from her back injury, she has been very healthy and happy. She is a much-loved valued member of our household. She looks wonderful for her age and I expect her to last a long, long time.
Here are some pictures of Zoey with last year's puppies. I'll post more pictures as they become available.
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Zoey and Nero. |
Zoey and Josie (left) and Nero |
Zoey died in July 2000 after a series of strokes. Her passing has left a big hole in our hearts and the house seems quiet and empty without her. She was a super special lady and her memory will go on and go.
Percy/Sammy/Zoey/Gloria/Trixie/Jett/Trouble/Rudy/Nemo/Nicky/Peter/Camille/Franny
