Bringing Zoe home, five years ago
December 8th, 2009 by Leslie
Zoe on her blanket. (Photo by L. Kawamoto)
I can't believe it's been five years since Zoe joined our family.
It was just about Christmastime in 2004 when I went to the Hawaiian Humane Society to make a donation. I saw a small white dog in the back of the kennel. As other dogs ran toward me to say hello, this dog stayed in the corner looking extremely sad and forlorn.
She was very thin, her coat was dirty and stringy, and she was labeled "heartworm positive." Something told me, take this little dog home. No one will adopt a dog that is heartworm positive.
So Zoe went home with me that day.
She had some unusual traits too. Zoe refused to bark for two weeks. She also liked hiding behind the television. We wondered why she was so shy.
We didn't even know how old or what her ancestry was. Dr. Scott Harada at the Pet Clinic estimated Zoe's age to be about 2 by the condition of her teeth. He guessed that she's a mix of Papillon, terrier and Spitz.
The heartworms caused an enlarged heart. She was treated twice with a strong medicine containing arsenic to kill the heartworms in her bloodstream.
For the first treatment, she stayed at the vet for a week. Then she was allowed home for a month to rest, then back again in the hospital since not all the worms were gone. The drug is powerful and one of the side effects is it can damage the lungs.
During her treatment period, she wasn't allowed to run around, get excited or do anything fun. Any excitement could cause emboli to break off and cause a stroke.
Everytime she came home after her treatment, she'd be lethagic and depressed. You could tell she didn't feel well.
It took many months before Zoe was finally considered free of heartworms. Once she was cleared to run and play like a normal dog, she went to obedience and then to agility classes. She enjoyed conquering the obstacles on the course, running as fast as she could (with me, huffing and puffing, trying to keep up.)
Zoe at agility class. (Photo by E. Kawamoto).
Zoe gets her share of love and attention at home. She gets several kisses throughout the day and constant hugs by everyone in the family.
I was once asked: "What's the best thing about Zoe?" Zoe is a cuddler. While watching tv, sleeping or while I'm on the computer, Zoe has to be right next to me, even when it's 90 degrees outside.
Today, Zoe has fully recovered from her health issues. She has plenty of dog and people friends, goes to animal blessings, doggie birthday parties and gatherings at the park, and is 5 pounds heavier. And, she found her voice. She barks a lot!
Tags: dr. scott harada, hawaiian humane society, heartworm, zoe
December 8th, 2009 at 10:32 am
zoe is very lucky to have found such great parents....
i believe finding each other was meant to be. :O)
December 8th, 2009 at 11:34 am
So happy for Zoe on how she recovered! She definitely is a blessing.
December 8th, 2009 at 11:37 am
thanks deegah.. you are right. she is a blessing to us. i cannot count how many times she has given me comfort through the years.
December 8th, 2009 at 12:10 pm
Zoe is fortunate that you found her. Thanks for this story, Leslie!
December 8th, 2009 at 12:29 pm
I can relate to you taking Zoe because of her problems. I always seem to be drawn to the animals that are injured or shy. My cat, Nicky, had an upper respiratory infection and was not socialized when I adopted him. The upper respiratory infection was treated but he is now prone to runny noses and colds. He is also very shy but is very loving with me. I wouldn't trade him for the world.
I am glad Zoe found a loving home with you. The joy of a loving animal friend is beyond words. May you both have a wonderful and joyous holiday season!! Give Zoe a kiss for me!
BTW - A good friend of mine just found out his dog, Layla, has cancer. They are going to the oncologist on Friday. Layla is a big sweetie and may lose her leg. Any prayers would be appreciated. Thank you.
December 8th, 2009 at 12:48 pm
Zoe is a lucky girl and we are so happy that she has found a friend in Kiko too!
December 8th, 2009 at 1:32 pm
Leslie - Thanks for sharing your wonderful story with us. Indeed Zoe is a lucky dog. You in turn are lucky to have her!
December 8th, 2009 at 3:20 pm
Hi Leslie
A match made only in heaven
December 8th, 2009 at 4:18 pm
zoe and i have something in common. i'm 5 pounds heavier now than i was five years ago.
December 8th, 2009 at 4:18 pm
Happy homecoming day?
December 8th, 2009 at 4:57 pm
I enjoyed Zoe's story. She's a lucky dog.
December 8th, 2009 at 6:38 pm
Hi Leslie,
I didn't know the story on Zoe until now. I knew there was something about you and Zoe that attracted me to you both when we first met. It's the love that we have for our dog and others too! Zoe is a great dog and exceptionally loving. I know that I give her treats, but even without the treats, she is attached to me as you can see in that picture that I sent you of her next to me and Kiko-boy laying on the couch.
She is truely special and is certainly lucky to be in a good home. I'm looking foward to taking her even more now to see Dr. Yoza when I take Kiko-boy on his next visit. BTW: I encourage BRE to tell her friend who has the dog Layla about seeing Dr. Yoza too! It couldn't hurt! Options! See you soon and give Zoe a Big Kiss from her Uncle Bobby and Kiko.
December 9th, 2009 at 4:22 am
Leslie, that's a beautiful story. We can relate to the hugs and kisses from Mika...family hugs are a daily treasure. Happy anniversary Zoe!
December 10th, 2009 at 10:31 am
Leslie
Your white dog is getting darker.