Dad, who grew up on a farm with outdoor pets and has always considered "house dog" an oxymoron, admitted Kirsten would be a blessing to her doggie and Zoe would be a great friend in return. "She is just the right one and they'll be good for each other," he said. I was surprised that he affirmed the pairing of doggie and gal. Since we got permission for Kirsten to love Zoe as her own, we've seen how those two have enjoyed each other and become best buddies.
Monday we got Zoe's vet certificate of health so she can go in the airplane cabin with Kirsten. She has knee luxation on right side, otherwise her heart, lungs, and and body are healthy. She's been tested for heartworm. She had vaccinations and rabies shots, all for her body size.
The doc and assistants loved her. Mind you, Zoe always gets oohs and aahs. Yesterday people waiting at the vet kept saying, "She's so little! Wow, tiny princess! Is that a real dog? She looks like a stuffed toy." The vet's assistant lifted her off the weigh scales and exclaimed, "She's 5.5 lbs. Smaller than my cat! Amazing." Of course, her calm temperament and snuggling endear her to everyone.
The vet said the walks have helped a lot with her knee condition, and to keep walking her. I think running at her own pace straightens her leg most. She walks more briskly afterwards without knee bending. Hopefully Kirsten can find a small dog park where Zoe can amble and trot.
When we got home from the vet, Missy kept sniffing Zoe. The meds or vet handling must have smelled funny.
We go to the park a few times a week after a good walk. Missy got a good run alongside the bike on the Walky Dog yesterday. For such a small beastie, Missy is an athlete. She wanted to go further, but the wind was blasting us and Zoe's hair was ruffling through the wicker weave, so we made it a short 2 miles. Meanwhile, Zoe kept looking down at Missy from the wicker basket.
When we got to the park, I lifted Zoe out of the basket and set her on the ground. I started pedaling slowly across the lawn. Zoe took a few glances at the receding bicycle and started running after us. Missy of course took off at a gallop as soon as I unclipped her.
Zoe had a blast! She raced at her top speed first behind the bike, then chased Missy, who runs circles around her. Missy ran all around the trees, searching for squirrels. By the time Zoe caught up in a straight line to Missy, Missy was off, criss-crossing the field at top speed.
It's a marvel to see a poodle in full flight. The bounce smooths to a deer-like glide. I am in awe every time I see Missy at a full run. Beauty and grace. When the dogs finally slowed down, I put them back in the basket and on the bike leash for the short ride home. They bounded around the house before settling down for naps.
This morning Zoe goes to our groomer with Missy. Yvonne at Barkers makes the dogs more beautiful still. Can't wait to see Zoe with a full trim! Pictures to follow.
We are excited to have Zoe's first family visit tomorrow evening... hope they are as happy with her as we are. She has thrived under the attention and care; she no longer barks unless Missy is going crazy at the door. (Cacophony!)
Thursday, Zoe's off to TX for new adventures with Kirsten. We'll miss them both! Kirsten's roommate can't wait to see them, though.
Those two, Kirsten and Zoe, are still asleep downstairs. Zoe burrows into Kirsten's covers and keeps her company until I take the dogs for their morning walk. The sun's almost up, time to get out and walking. Good doggies.
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