It seems like Zorro has always been a part of our family. It's hard to believe we haven't even hit the six-month mark
yet!
Zorro came to us as "Sonic". So the first week he was "Sonic Zorro", then "Zorro Sonic". By the following week, he
had his new name down pat and we dropped "Sonic". Immediately we realized how bright Zorro is. He learned a new command
each day in the first week and caught on really quick to the rules of the house. He started obedience training in March 2004.
We are all attending! We probably need it more than Zorro!
In the beginning, we had some nasty growing pains and a tail infection that really scared us. After a visit to the
vet and a call to his DAR&E foster mom, we were able to care for Zorro properly. His foster mom assured us that all the
limping was probably caused by Panosteitis - a sort of "growing pain" that young dogs can experience. It was awful to
watch him in so much pain. But, I'm happy to announce he seems to be over it and is picking up speed, gaining grace,
and losing the floppity, cloppity puppy run. Which means he's growing! Zorro will be a big dobie indeed!
Zorro is VERY social. His playmates are a rescued border collie next door named Sadie and a golden retriever puppy named
Bailey. Sadie and Zorro have play dates and run the fence line with each other multiple times daily. Bailey and Zorro
met during a walk and have been friends since! He loves to meet and greet other dogs when we are out on walks in the
neighborhood. If a canine isn't around to play with, the kids in the neighborhood work just fine. Maddie, my daughter,
is 11 and she is his best human friend. When we take Maddie to school, Zorro whimpers as she walks into the building.
Of course, he soon forgets her when we pass the tree with the squirrels! Mad and Zorro spend after school and the
weekends out in the backyard playing ball, chase, or just lounging about. Zorro has even gone roller blading with her!
Speaking of roller blading, Zorro is the mascot for two inline hockey teams. He comes to practice with Maddie & me, and
quietly watches the Storm and Dominators practice from the side lines. The kids love to rub his belly and feed him dried
pig ears we bring for treats. After practice is over, Zorro gets to run around the court off leash and play ball with
the kids. He's much more interested in the kids than the balls. Zorro's public appearances at the hockey practices
have educated many persons who didn't realize what a great family dog a Doberman can be.
Zorro learned "let's go bye-bye" early on. When I had my Acura, he loved to stick his head out the sun roof and enjoy
the fresh air. We've since bought two new much larger cars to accommodate Zorro as he grows. We take him everywhere
with us on the weekend. His favorite pit stop is "Your Dogs Best Friend" in McLean, Virginia. The owner adores Zorro
and gives him all sorts of treats and loving. Thanks to the store owner, Zorro is on a very healthy diet to help his
joints with growing and his sensitive stomach. Zorro is also a regular at Starbucks, several outdoor eating joints,
and the inline skate park where he loves to kick back, people watch, and show persons how his toys all squeak.
He and Phoebe, our calico cat, have come to terms with each other. We never knew Phoebe could spit and hiss like an
irritated drama queen until Zorro moved in. Now we practice animal management and everyone is working well within their
proper territories. Please note that Zorro just wants to be friends and play, she's the one with the attitude problem!
The thing we say over and over again is how amazed we are that Zorro ended up a rescued Dobie. The guy is so easy-going,
loving, and just plain good. Everyday we think we are the luckiest family to have him. At first glance, given his size
and breed, strangers are very wary of him. But once they are properly introduced to Zorro, he's on his back wanting his
belly rubbed in exchange for kisses - he loves to give kisses.
As you can tell by the photos, he's found his home - all thanks to DAR&E's efforts.
