THE BALLAD OF ZOEY

34 CommentsAnimal Aid, Creative Writing, Dogs, Life, Memoir, Photography, Poetry

Zoe, Zoey, Zoé or Zoë (Greek: ζωή)
is a female first name of Greek origin, meaning LIFE.

Zoey - rescue photo
From the streets of Kentucky
To the ‘burbs of Toronto
Young Zoey was plucky
But needed help, pronto!

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Zoey's first day at home Sept. 24, 2020

With a lovely black coat
And a cute beggar’s face
A scar on her throat
Did not debase

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Zoey on the bed

What was her story?
Nobody knew
It must have been gory
The things she went through

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Zoey looking sad on the couch

Stuck in a shelter
Ready to die
Had they felt her
Pain – did they cry?

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Zoey couch potato

At last, help arrived
From a country up north
Young Zoey survived
Life got better, henceforth

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Zoey at the park

It was love at first sight
When we met this sweet girl
The feeling was right
Let our new life unfurl!

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Zoey and me

We adopted Zoey on Sept, 24, 2020 when she was approx. 9 months old. Can you imagine such a young dog being left on the streets to fend for herself? 

At first, all was well, but as time wore on, we noticed she was prone to leash reactivity and fear aggression. We have been working with a behaviourist, who says Zoey is highly insecure. 

We can only imagine the horrors she may have experienced (the scar on her throat is a permanent reminder) and remain committed to giving her all the love and patience she needs. 

[Click on images to enlarge in a separate window]

Debbie signature style 5

Top photo courtesy of Niagara Dog Rescue, who saved Zoey’s life.
Their donation page►

heart and paw

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ZOEY’S INSTAGRAM:


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34 thoughts on “THE BALLAD OF ZOEY

    1. Thank you for reading Zoey’s story, Jacqui! 💖 I’ve had dogs all my life, but this is my first experience with a rescue. It’s been a difficult but rewarding journey and we love our precious girl. 🙂

  1. Oh, Debbie, that photo of the two of you together is wonderful. Your darling girl is so sweet. I’m sorry Zoe had hard times, but I’m glad she ended up with you.

    Love,
    Janie

    1. Thank you, Janie! 💖 We are glad to have a dog again. After my boarding business died (thanks to COVID!), the house was too empty and sad. Zoey and I rescued each other! 😀

  2. Zoey is a pretty girl. I hate reading about animal cruelty. I believe we should be loving and kind to all creatures 2 legged or four, big, and small. I’m happy she has a good home with you!

  3. That was a charming poem, DEBBIE!

    I have always been a major dog-lover, and I recognize how fortunate Zoey is to have adopted you. 😉

    Growing up, our family had several dogs. I loved them all. But my favorite was Yoey (not to be confused with Zoey). We found Yoey (real official name: George) wandering the streets of Garden Grove, Orange County, California, and he lived with us the rest of his life. He was the smartest dog we ever had, and I hope to see him again some day in the not-too-distant future.

    ~ D-FensDogG

    1. Hi Stephen, thanks for reading the poem. We are fortunate to have found Zoey. 🙂 After my dog boarding business died (thanks, COVID!), the house was too empty and I couldn’t stand it. Your Yoey sounds like a great find as well. A toast to all of our wonderful dogs! 🐾🐾

  4. Zoey is beautiful and a very fortunate girl to find a safe home with you. After years of working in rescue, I always love these happy resolutions to mistreated and abandoned dogs. Thank you from a dog lover.

    1. Thanks, Becky! I believe we are equally lucky that Zoey came into our lives.💖 After years of resisting getting another dog, my husband finally gave in and now, Zoey is his special baby girl. 😀

  5. Hi Debby – Zoey is having a peaceful and happy time of her life now – I hate the horrors people inflict on animals … so I’m grateful Zoey has her ballad and is with you both – all the best – Hilary

  6. My baby was named Zoe. I lost her when she was almost 7months in my belly. She was my second miscarriage,..Your Zoey deserves all the love…

    1. I’m so sorry for your loss, J. Gi. That must have been devastating! ? Thanks for coming by, though. We do give Zoey all our love. ❤️

  7. Sidelight note: Our community was one of several that divided up more than 4,000 beagles from a research lab ( I believe in NJ) that was shut down for cruelty. We received 25, and 18 were deemed ready for adoption today. Half were adopted IN THE FIRST HOUR. One couple drove up from Indy and waited in line 4 hours before the shelter opened to get theirs.

  8. I loved your Zoey poem you wrote, Debbie. It said it all so beautifully telling her story and also showing the love you have for her. So glad she has a FURever home with a caring soul like you who understands the ordeal she’s been through. She looks like such a sweetie. All the best to you and Zoey!