All About Zoe

Zoe Is Placed!

2011-11-15T07:08:00.001-08:00

What an amazing thing! Zoe has been placed with her new family and is helping Bev with her service dog skills. Even better, she now lives on a lake and has a pontoon to ride on! I couldn't think of a better place for her to have gone. As much as we miss her at our house, she is completely happy in her new home. We do get visits once in a while!

Practicing

2010-04-28T10:58:00.000-07:00

These are videos taken at Jordan Elementary where Zoe is going one or two times a week to "practice" her skills with a young person. Teagan has been kind enough to allow Deb and Zoe to interrupt her studies and spend some time on skills Zoe will need to use once placed. Enjoy!

Zoe Goes to Skateville

2010-04-21T19:36:00.000-07:00

We had a nice time watching family members do a little skating and a little falling! Zoe wasn't allowed out on the floor, but she did enjoy watching everyone. Not sure she appreciated the really loud music though! She does love "her" kids...

Names and Nick Names

2010-03-16T13:14:00.001-07:00

Really, how many names can a dog have?! Here is a list of most of the names Zoe is called and responds to.....

Zoe(pronounced zo-ee)

zozo

zozo bean

zoe bean

zoe bean banana

jojo

zso zso

peanut

peanut butter (the "t's" are pronounced as "d's")

Squishy face - truly must try and get a picture of this one!

Is there something wrong that I can't just stick to one name? I think it has to do with the different parts of her personality that shine through. She's sometimes very serious and sometimes hilarious.

Go, Find, Bring

2010-02-03T12:43:00.001-08:00

I have been working with Zoe on these commands...which if she didn't move my slippers, boots or towels in the first place we wouldn't have to be doing! Actually, this will come in very handy when she is placed as there may be a need for her to go and find something - right now slippers, but later maybe it's keys or a phone to call for help.
We're also working on "generalizing" commands which means she understands the command in various contexts (at home, in a store, outside). Next we begin much more intensive proof training so that she's solid on her commands no matter what distractions happen to be going on around her...food, toys, other dogs, loud noises.
She is getting closer now to leaving and it is such a poignant time. As excited as I am to see how great she will be, there's also a sadness in letting her go. The closest I can equate to this would be children going off to college or getting married and starting a new life. The good thing for me is that I will know where she is going and will be able to see her periodically.

CGC Success!

2009-12-20T17:25:00.000-08:00

I am happy to report that Zoe and I took the CGC (Canine Good Citizen) test yesterday and passed! I was so proud of how well she did. She's made great progress in her ability to control the urge to run/drag me to see either a person or another dog. We had one small glitch with her being in a new place and needing to sniff out corners as we were on our walking nicely exercise, but she suddenly seemed to realize what she was supposed to be doing and became the heeling princess - bouncy, tail wagging and watching me. Very cute! While this test isn't like being in an obedience trial, it's a nice way to show that your dog can behave and be a good "dog citizen". I encourage everyone with a dog to take a short class and see how they do on their test. :)
I have been working with Zoe on turning on a light switch by using a junction box I made with a light switch attached. Something we learn as we train dogs is that just because they do something "perfect" at home, it doesn't mean they understand it is the same request I'm making at the shopping mall. The same applies here in that her turning on the switch with her nose while I hold the box is not the same as turning on the switch on the wall. So I am now holding the junction box up against the wall and will begin moving it higher and higher until I can transfer this to the actual light switch. She does turn the lights off by using her paws.

Wishing all a very Merry Christmas and a Blessed and Healthy New Year!

Just Working

2009-12-02T06:38:00.001-08:00

I'll have to get a picture of this; I've been working with Zoe on helping with the laundry. I have a stacked washer/dryer, so she goes into the washer below and pulls out items, hands them to me and I put them in the dryer on top. She really enjoys doing this..although, sometimes the socks are taken for a walk-about before bringing them back to me! What is it about socks?!
We're also working towards taking our CGC. She will do everything fine, except meeting a person and meeting another dog right now...she just gets SO excited to see them and doesn't want to wait until we get to them - she wants to pull me to them to say hello, then she sits properly. While it's nice that she's good about meeting, I need her to understand she must wait for me. We're also working on her finding my phone and bringing items to others. It really is a fun time right now! I can't wait to see her reaction to the snow soon - she loved it last year when she was a little girl, I can imagine how much fun she'll have this year! And at least then my yard won't be dragged into the house every day on muddy feet. :)

Visit With Children's Hospital in St. Paul

2009-10-21T13:10:00.000-07:00

Zoe and I had the great opportunity to visit Children's hospital and give a short demonstration. We talked about the difference between a therapy dog and a service dog as well as show some of Zoe's skills that will one day help someone with a mobility impairment. The audience was a group of O.T./P.T. site managers who took their lunch time to listen. What a great group of people - I can certainly see they love what they do and the children they help every day! Our hats off to all of you! Thanks to Deb and Grace for being Zoe's assistant and camera person! One picture is of Zoe bringing a book bag to Grace - Zoe also tugged off her socks and shoes!

Emma Krumbees with the Sullivans

2009-08-26T10:46:00.000-07:00

We had a great time visiting Emma Krumbees in Belle Plaine. Zoe was a very good girl in the restaurant and laid down to sleep for the time we spent having a wonderful meal. Afterwards we were able to go out and play on the pirate ship, tractor and truck - these were super-sized! Zoe had a great time following the boys. Thanks to Michael, Elija and Gabriel for giving Zoe so many great hugs, she loves them!

Sharing Photos

2009-07-25T20:20:00.000-07:00

A couple new pictures taken today. It's amazing to look back at the earlier posts and see how much she's grown. How quickly time passes. Zoe continues to impress me and those she meets with her lovely personality and steadiness. I can't wait to see what the future holds for her.

Twins Game!

2009-07-09T11:47:00.000-07:00

Gotta love those Twinkies...oops...did I say that out loud?! Actually, it's a lot of fun to go to a game. Especially taking the light rail down. Zoe did very well on the train...other than finding a lump of gum on the floor (notice blue spot on her nose) and enjoying a chew before I had to take it out of her mouth -- YUCK!!

She did very well in the tight seating - she behaved going past the people on the end of the row and laid down under the seat. I wonder if it was the spilled popcorn under the seat that really had her going under so quickly! It was quite funny when she popped up with front legs on my shoulder and those behind us gasped a little in surprise! They hadn't been able to see her when everyone stood up to let us in. After a couple of innings, we moved down to a section that had a lot more room for both of us. ahhhh...

Zoe Takes a Day Off!

2009-06-15T12:14:00.000-07:00

What fun we had going up to Grandma Sue and Uncle Steve's lake in Wisconsin. Zoe had the opportunity to run around in the water chasing tennis balls with Glory and Smooch. It wasn't quite deep enough to swim, but that was o.k. with Zoe! She also got to go on her first boat ride - the getting on part was a bit scary, but once she saw the other two dogs going on and off, it was no big deal.

This picture is Zoe enjoying the pontoon ride and just hanging out with the girls.

On Sunday, she enjoyed playing with the sprinkler....
Fun with water never stops!

Zoe and Ruby Do a Commercial!

2009-06-10T13:46:00.000-07:00

Zoe and her pal, Ruby, were used in a shoot for By The Yard furniture. This is one of A.A.D.'s Businesses of Honor. They have been a great support for our organization. It was nice to be able to help them out. Sounds like these two little girls had a great time while shooting it too!

Zoe's Progress and Newspaper Article

2009-04-28T13:52:00.000-07:00

Zoe and I have been going to obedience classes. Because we've been working a lot outside of class, she moved from beginners into intermediate rather quickly. I'm hoping to take her CGC test somewhere around her 1st birthday...which is coming up very quickly! She does a great job in the classroom, but has a tougher time applying that to outside work! Just so many wonderful smells to find!

Here are a couple pictures taken by Katrina Styx of the Jordan Independent newspaper. Zoe and Ruby have become a bit famous in our small town of Jordan. A very nice piece about American Assistance Dogs ran in the Jordan Independent, April 23rd issue. Katrina was able to get some great shots of Zoe working around the house. Thank you Katrina and Jordan Independent for the story and the pictures!

http://www.jordannews.com/

http://www.jordannews.smugmug.com/gallery/7970722_ZgTwE#517789438_VdPyV

I have to say for a 10 month old pup, I'm very impressed with Zoe's progress in her training. She's at a point now where she loves to learn. She's also developed a rather fun and silly personality...every morning I wake up to slippers in my bed that she has kindly brought to me! Of course, there was also the "open field tackle" performed by her and Monty... thank goodness I landed in the grass!

Zoe & Ruby Visit 2nd / 3rd Graders

2009-03-06T14:19:00.000-08:00

Zoe and Ruby visited the classroom at St. John's elementary school in Jordan. What fun we all had! The children were so polite and had wonderful manners. The puppies did great too. It's tough for them to settle down. We read the book, "My Buddy" about a young boy in a wheelchair who receives a service dog. We talked about what service dogs do (you can see Zoe fetching a spoon in one of the pictures), how long they're trained, whether you can pet them when you see them with a vest on, etc. The children were kind enough to pet the puppies the entire time...the pups sure loved that! We hope to visit again soon!

Pet Expo 2009

2009-03-03T10:20:00.000-08:00

What a couple of long, but fun days! We met so many great people and the two puppies, Ruby and Zoe, were amazing. There were dogs and people walking past our booth constantly and yet we were still able to put our puppies on down stays, do some training, and have them greet both people and dogs with good manners. They were able to take a few outside breaks and just goof off some, which was very helpful for their attitudes. I was even able to teach Zoe to pick up her leash! We were just down the aisle from the "dock dogs" - those are the dogs who take off and leap into the air and land in a pool...Zoe was quite jealous she wasn't up there with them! Hopefully, she'll get her opportunity at a lake this summer.

Snow Days!

2009-03-03T10:01:00.000-08:00

This little girl sure is growing fast! I hope to have some new training pictures soon. For now a few pictures of her in the snow. She and my dog, Monty, now have access together during the day to go outside and play. We still "practice" using the kennel from time to time so she continues to be comfortable in it, but it's nice to come home to a somewhat tired puppy! She absolutely loves the snow - running, jumping, chasing the shovel, burrowing her nose in it - just tough to get pictures of all that! One thing that Monty has shown her is how tasty the berries are on the bush in our yard....

As much as I'm looking forward to spring, I'm not looking forward to mud season! Having the nice white CLEAN snow covering the frozen ground has it's advantages!

Zoe's Photo Shoot!

2008-12-12T13:49:00.000-08:00

I know I have to get some shots of her in the snow, but honestly I feel like we live in the dark!! Dark when I go to work and dark when I get home! She absolutely loves it when I kick it up and she jumps like Tigger - all four feet at once!

In the mean time - I wanted to share a photo from her recent photo shoot with Lifetouch. I knew she was cute, but boy, I think she's just beautiful after seeing these pictures! We have really good photographers! ;)

Gunther and "Foster" Sister Zoe

2008-11-21T14:18:00.000-08:00

Just had to post a picture of these two on the blog! Gunther's mom, Panda, is Zoe's great-great grandmother. Definitely Snowshoe dogs!

Gunther is 14 years old in this picture and Zoe is 5 months. "Gunny" has a hard time getting around, but has such life about him it's amazing. He still play fights with his "siblings", but mostly he lays down while he does it! He gets to go for rides now instead of long walks... He's a very good big brother! (I lost my Gunny two months after this picture was taken)

The "Golden" Gophers Women's Volleyball

2008-11-09T12:23:00.000-08:00

Zoe was able to attend a U of M Gopher Women's volleyball game last Friday night. This was the first time she's attended a sporting event. It's a very fun, loud, rowdy bunch and she did amazingly well!

She was also the hit of the stands...it took us about 45 minutes to actually leave the stadium as we were stopped by countless fans! In fact I actually had to pick her up to finally go - even though she wasn't quite done with her adoring fans...

The highlight was to get a picture of her with two of the players on the team! The team won three straight games - I think everything was "golden" for the Gophers! ;)

It's Fall!!

2008-11-04T10:46:00.001-08:00

You know, I had forgotten how much fun it is to watch puppies play in falling leaves! Or leaves that are kicked up by feet, or piles made by rakes. The only problem is the actual raking - Zoe LOVES to jump after the broom or rake (and my guess is snow shovel later this season) which makes it nearly impossible to get any work done!

Zoe Visits Buffalo Exchange

2008-11-04T10:34:00.000-08:00

We had a great field trip to Buffalo Exchange in Uptown, Mpls. Buffalo Exchange is a used clothing store and chose A.A.D. as one of their charities for the time frame Jul-Dec. If a person doesn't take a bag for their purchases, they are given a token to put in one of three charity boxes and that charity receives .5 cents!

Blade also joined in the fun! A BIG thank you to this great store!

Zoe's A Working Girl

2008-10-17T07:18:00.000-07:00

Not the kind you may be thinking of though! Zoe is learning to do her commands no matter where she is -- restaurant, busy mall hallway, dog class, home. You get the picture!

These pictures were taken at the MOA and although they're not very good quality (I'll update with better ones later) you can see how even at 4 mos of age, a puppy can learn all sorts of good stuff. :)

She is a hit wherever she goes! You can see in the pictures also that she is getting her adult coat...I'll certainly miss that oh-so-soft puppy fuzz!! She's also getting her adult teeth! Better get more chew toys quick!

She's still a bit put off at dog school, so we're starting the next class in November. The more she's exposed to this environment, the more she'll accept it as normal and just another part of life.

The other morning (early morning I might add!) she spotted the moon and stood looking at it in a very quizzical manner - very funny! This morning she tugged of my socks for the first time..she also tried to walk away with them..but hey, a little at a time!!

October Update - Zoe's Really Growing Up!

2008-10-02T06:55:00.000-07:00

Boy how time flies! Zoe is such a fun puppy - she's smart and loves to learn so training is going very well (she definitely makes me look good!) Zoe will be 4 months old on Monday...she's now 25lbs!

Let's see if I can run through all the things that have happened since the last update:

Zoe was auctioned off at a fundraising event for Angel on a Leash (check that out at http://www.akc.org/) put on by Sue and Steve Schnarr. Sue and Steve are the people who so graciously donated Zoe to A.A.D.

O.K. - so she wasn't actually auctioned off... the bidders had the opportunity to donate money towards Zoe's care for the next couple of years while she's in training.

A VERY special thank you to DON AND LAURA BATEMAN for the highest bid and LAURENCE AND KATHY HARMON for their generosity. We will have their links in our "Businesses of Honor" on the A.A.D. website (http://www.americanassistancedogs.com/)

Puppy class started and what an eye opener it was! Thinking that Zoe was more than socialized, it came as a bit of a surprise to see how she hung back and was unsure of herself off leash with the other puppies. She's making progress -- it will be very interesting to see where she's at when the classes are over!

She has the "sit" command mastered and we continue to work on "down", "Stand" and "watch me". Of the skill commands she's learning "tug", "bring the ____", "give", "leave it" and "touch".

Zoe has also become part of the family...as evidenced in the next picture - which I call "Three Dog Night"

She's also been working on using the dog door. While she understands she can come and go through it, she has yet to figure out if she needs to potty she can use that door; she still goes to the back door to let me know "it's time!" - she's a good girl, so I'm just fine with that.

We'll be working at the MOA next week - I'll be able to update with some working pictures after that...it's difficult training and taking pictures at the same time!

2008-09-17T12:40:00.000-07:00

Zoe sure has changed in 6 weeks! She's now 20lbs - instead of the 8lbs at arrival.

She learned the "sit" command very quickly - mostly from copying the other dogs. We're working on "down", "stand" and "come" - she's getting those pretty well.

We start puppy kindergarten next week - this should be interesting! She's used to other dogs, but has deemed them part of her "pack". A new set of circumstances will be interesting for her I think.

Zoe - newest service dog in training

2008-08-14T09:30:00.000-07:00

Zoe is the newest member of AAD and had to have her introductory picture taken in the littlest coat available! She's awful cute in it!

Zoe has joined the family of Nancy, Gunther and Monty - while Gunther has welcomed her, even though he gives me the, "can't you do something to control this whirling dervish?!" look! He's so very patient and good at showing Zoe the ropes. Monty on the other hand is still a bit put out that another dog has joined us - I think he thought everything was good just the way it was! As you can see...only Gunther has allowed Zoe to sleep snuggled up to him. Good dog Gunny.

Her first day of daycare found her in the land of BIG DOGS and babies! Being just 8 weeks old, she certainly doesn't seem to be too affected! Thanks to Deb for helping me out these first few months - I truly appreciate it.

Zoe is working on her potty training - which is going very well actually; crate training - going well, but not as popular and she's learning how to be a good girl with other dogs and children/babies. We won't start "official" service dog training for awhile. She'll attend a puppy kindergarten class soon to help with social interaction with other dogs and her public outings will help her find her place in the human world. This will be important foundation work for her being comfortable when her role as a service dog really begins.

She's an absolute doll and a joy to have in the house...even though sleep is no longer the priority!

Just a Baby!

2008-06-23T14:09:00.000-07:00

This is a picture of Zoe, her mom Flirt and her litter mates just one week old. Although, I can't tell yet which one of these cute little fuzz balls is Zoe! Each litter has a theme and this litter's theme is "Life".

"Zoe" is of Greek origin, and its meaning is "life"...coincidence??!!

Her registered name will be: Snowshoe's The Meaning of Life

To the right is Zoe at 5 weeks of age, originally known as "Thimbles" because of her collar pattern. Look at that belly!!