Zippy lived in the Forked River area.He had run away from home several times, picked up by the same shelter folks.His owners decided on the 3rd time or so that they didn’t want to bring him home.He was so matted, his coat had to be shaved down.So thin you could see every bone in his spine, hips and ribs[weighed about 15 pounds].While at the Forked River shelter, he was neutered, teeth cleaned, brought up to date on shots and microchipped.
We picked him up on September 11th.What an adorable and luvable little fellow !!!He had excellent house manners [no marking/no accidents].He loved to cuddle and play with fuzzy/squeaky toys.Liked meeting people when we were out on walks .. all ages/no gender preference.Liked to bring his favorite toy along for an outing.
He did really well with Buddy ~ they’d play tug with the various toys.Sashi was another story ~ he was never quite sure of the way she roughhoused with Buddy.Zippy would circle around them, barking excitedly and looking as though he wanted to nip Sashi on the rump.Maybe Mr. Zippy ~ all of 20 lbs at the time ~ was coming to Buddy’s rescue[double everyone’s size at 50 lbs.].
Zippy, or Zippy-Doo as he became affectionately known, was adopted by a wonderful mom in New York.She has continued since October 2004 to send updates, pictures, and keep us smiling with Zippy’s antics.
the boys playing tug
his favorite floppy crabs
now that's what I call relaxed.....
September 2007 Updated pictures from Zippy's Mom ~ Can't believe it's been close to three years since he was adopted !!!
Zipper and I have moved to the new townhouse in Connecticut, and while he's given up his backyard, there's lots more for him to see up here.
On our first visit he could not wait to get out of the car and had to rush to explore everything. Normally he won't go up stairs anymore, but not this time..... he was up and down them many times looking at everything, and then when we walked around the block, he was leading the way like he used to do.
There are much more interesting smells here. He also likes to look out the window at the construction workers across the street and when they sit on my curb he barks at them. Now there is a lovely lawn he can lay down in and roll around a little bit (a favorite pastime for Zippy doo). At night we sit on the porch and he lays next to me looking into the dark. There's a bit of woods nearby and I'm sure there's lots of interesting smells for him to enjoy as his sense of smell is the one thing that has not diminished. He's so exhausted he now sleeps through the night (snoring a little bit) which is something he has not done in a long while. So seems like he's enjoying the move.
Still the same sweet personality, basically healthy..... just acting a little more senior. Oh, and he still barks like crazy when he sees another dog or cat, just for not as long.
Zippy attended the Annual Rescue Picnic on 9/16/2007
He had a very busy day ~ all that barking/herding takes lots of energy :)
Pup-date 11/13/2007
Zipper is settling in nicely in his new home…he doesn't bark quite so much and he absolutely loves to lay on the porch and look at what's going on outside. On nice days he can sit out for quite a while. On the cold days l leave the door open a little bit and he lays on the carpet and looks out. I think it's really the scents that he picks up, because his sense of smell is quite good [eyesight/hearing not that good anymore]. He gets up and down the stairs ok, albeit with something of a limp, and enjoys a nice walk. And he finds the occasional deer very interesting.
original foster mom's note ... Zippy is probably about 14 years old now, and it's really wonderful to get pictures/pup-dates from his mom :)
from Zippy's mom ~ May 2, 2008
It is with a very heavy heart I have to tell you that I had to let Zipper go this morning. His heart was failing and the vet told me his prognosis was poor. At best, with medication he would have a few more months and the quality of his life during those months was uncertain. I thought the kindest thing to do would be to let him go since he was beginning to have a great deal of difficulty. The vet thought that for Zippy's particular case it would be the best as well.
I do not regret at all adopting an older dog, Zipper was wonderful, gentle and well behaved, and well liked by the neighborhood. In fact the only reason I know any of my neighbors at all is because of my Zippy doo. He will be greatly missed and not just by me. I hope I gave him the retirement he so richly deserved.
Dear Helen ~
We are so sorry to hear about little Zippy. He was incredibly sweet..... an unforgettable character in every way. Zippy was such a lovable little clown, we were always taking pictures of him. With a heavy heart ~ I'll add him to our rainbow page.
It takes a special person to risk his/her heart with an older sheltie. They are as dear, as valuable as younger ones and I cannot thank you enough for bringing ZippyDoo into your life.
Fondly, Linda
Web Art Courtesy of Clan Duncan Shelties www.kennelcity.com
