 |
NIKI JESKY - ZODIAC CD NA CGC |
|
As my fabulous Border Collie (mix?) Oreo began to approach 9 years old I started thinking about adopting a younger agility dog. So when Happy Tails Animal Sanctuary, the local all breed rescue we had been fostering for, called to say they had just taken in a 2 year old BC I told them to bring him over.
When the dog arrived I was doubtful that this was what I was looking for. He did not look or act like a Border Collie. He was completely shaved except for his head and tail and looked around in confusion and disinterest as Oreo chased balls and Frisbees and did agility. However, given his previous lifestyle this was not all that surprising. He had lived his entire life in a backyard with little or no interaction or stimulation. He had never worn a collar, been on a leash, in a car or to the vet. He had never been vaccinated, neutered, or on heartworm prevention. He had no toys and was drinking out of a puddle of rainwater. Despite all of this he loved everyone he met and was a real cuddlier from the start.
We called the new dog Zodiac and began taking him to obedience and agility classes where he slowly began to learn that there was a world of activity and fun to be had. He started learning new commands and skills faster and faster and took a great interest in toys, Frisbees and herding all our other pets. Less than 2 months after he came to us as a foster dog I signed the adoption papers and filed for an ILP number.
Zodiac has been with me now for 14 months. He completed his CD in just 3 attempts and will be working on his CDX starting this fall. He completed his NA in 3 consecutive runs taking first place in all three. He has 2 legs on his NAJ and 1 on his OA. He passed the CGC and TDI (Therapy Dogs International) test this spring and has been doing therapy work at local school, libraries, and hospitals.
Zodiac continues to be everybody's friend and since his hair has grown back he has proven to be beautiful on the outside as well. He is truly a dog that can do it all and I am looking forward to seeing all that he can accomplish. It's hard to understand why anybody would want to give up such a wonderful dog-but I'm sure glad they did!
Page Updated 08/31/2008