Just lookin'

Zoe previously lived in a house with three active little kids who loved to pick her up. She has the most winsome face, and after a poodle clip, her personality and looks match. Her family is rehoming her because the kids are too rough for her and she was starting to be nippy to protect herself.

She arrived at our place Tuesday, August 2, 2011, for a trial run. I'm holding out for a wonderful doggie who suits us and who feels at home here: she may be the one. Sadly, she has hip and knee dysplasia. She was a bit ragged at walking, but did her first mile this morning.

Pros: 

• she's got great energy and is happy to follow us around the house, but not hyper or busy. She lies beside me when I study.
• completely housetrained! BONUS!
• she got over her yowling the first night and has been quiet and calm ever since. She cried at the door when her family left, but a few stern commands of "No, Zoe!" and she quit.
• she sleeps peacefully with Missy in the same dog bed. Missy is not reconciled to sharing food with her.
• she loves to snuggle. When put on a lap, she curls up. She's tiny enough not to be heavy or hot.
• she likes riding in the car and doesn't mind the carseat. She barked the first time I left her and Missy in the car (talking to a friend outside) but that has been it - no more yelping or crying. 
• she's a quick learner. She's fit in beyond my expectations and is a people and poodle pleaser. She tries to avoid doing anything that Missy dislikes, and hangs around close enough to be within reach, far enough away that I won't step on her getting out of a chair.
• she doesn't mind being groomed, though it would be exaggerating to say she likes it.
• she has a beautiful face and her conformation is good, ignoring the wonky legs.

Cons: 

• I don't know if she'll ever be able to go on walks with us. Her hips seem bad; and her knees are loose and shift when I pick her up. How can breeders be so cruel as to handicap an animal for life? 
• if her legs are like this at 6 years of age, what will she be like at 10, 12, 14? Ouch! [Actually she's 7, which I find out later in the week.]
• her teeth are filled with tarter, and she has to work hard to eat raw food. She's lost 2 teeth in recent months to "bad poodle mouth." Recently having spent a fortune getting Missy's teeth done, I hardly want to do the same with another dog right away.
• she doesn't know how to walk on the leash and trails behind Missy on the coupler. Missy trots ahead and takes her along, willing or not. Perhaps separate leashes are better. [Definitely!]
• she's SO little! at 5.4 lbs.