I have the funniest little dog. She is all white and only weighs about 13 pounds. This inability to make note of her own small stature is the hallmark of her breed, for she is certainly a terrier. Jack Russel or Fox Terrier are my best guesses. I have no guarantee that she is a "pure" bred anything. What is for sure is that she was picked up by the Asheville Humane Society cruising the streets of the city at 3am, without a collar, of course. This is something that has happened numerous times since we met five years ago.
The long hours in which she is gone are heartbreaking, and during those times I find myself questioning my loyalty to her. But all Houdini qualities aside, she is a great dog. As good a partner as they come and liked by way more people than I am. Among certain circles, I am known as Zoe's owner. Before moving to Maine, more than a couple friends "offered" to "protect" Zoe from New England's harsh climate by keeping her with them, in North Carolina.
Ironically, she loves the winters here. Snow and ice just make everything that much more fun to explore for her. Not being particularly adept at setting boundaries for myself, I find it difficult sometimes to be a leader for Zoe. I often find myself wanting to trust her in ways that aren't very dog-like. She is certainly no human. She is dog, through and through. Terrier, in fact, and quite funny.
Often, I look down at her and her ears fall back in ways that make me laugh. She grunts and jerks and squeals while asleep. She hardly ever naps on trips in the car, preferring to watch the road instead. She is a bundle of experience-loving-mania, just like her caretaker - me.
Oh, and did I say that she is little, white and lovable?
Ironically, she loves the winters here. Snow and ice just make everything that much more fun to explore for her. Not being particularly adept at setting boundaries for myself, I find it difficult sometimes to be a leader for Zoe. I often find myself wanting to trust her in ways that aren't very dog-like. She is certainly no human. She is dog, through and through. Terrier, in fact, and quite funny.
Often, I look down at her and her ears fall back in ways that make me laugh. She grunts and jerks and squeals while asleep. She hardly ever naps on trips in the car, preferring to watch the road instead. She is a bundle of experience-loving-mania, just like her caretaker - me.
Oh, and did I say that she is little, white and lovable?
