The Blessing of…Zoe

By Paulette Callen

She was taken from a wild pack in Queens. Something indefinable about her kept the ASPCA officers from euthanizing her right away. (The packs must be culled periodically; if they get too large they become dangerous. Most of the dogs captured must be euthanized because they are diseased or too wild to be adopted out — no facilities to care for feral dogs exist in New York).
And then, realizing she was not vicious and that she was pregnant, they asked my friend Erika (who used to work at the ASPCA) if she would foster this shepherd-chow mix until the pups were born and weaned, warning her not to get attached; a dog with her history almost always has to be put down.
Erika named her Zoë, (pictured above) found homes for all of her puppies, and together, they went to class: obedience, advanced obedience, agility, and all the courses required for Zoë to be certified as a therapy dog.
They could now make regular visits to a retirement home for priests. The priests and the nurses were all happy to see this beautiful dog. Even the old fellow who, when she first started visiting, would dash into his room and slam the door, yelling, “I like cats!” He was won over when Erika told him that Zoë liked cats, too – she lived with four of them.
One of the residents was confined to a wheel chair and, because of Alzheimer’s, lost to the world around him. The nurses told Erika that he spent most days screaming. No one could reach him any more – except Zoë.
When he saw her coming toward him down the corridor, he became quiet and recognition would light his eyes. When she rested her muzzle on his knee, he stroked her head and spoke her name. In her presence, he experienced a glimmer of lucidity, a moment of connection and peace.
This is a dog blessing a priest.

Dogs and Lightbulbs

Dogs and Light Bulbs

How many dogs does it take to change a light bulb?

Border Collie: Just one. Then I’ll replace any wiring that’s not up to code.
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Chip’s Chat – May 2009

Guest Columnist – Gizmo Ege (a pug of some reknown…)

It’s Pug Parade time again!!! Don’t miss it! At noon on Saturday, May 9th in downtown Longview. All dogs are welcome, even dogs that just wish they were pugs.
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HEAVEN’S DOGGY-DOOR

My best friend closed his eyes last night, Read more

Chips Chat – March 2009

“A door is what a dog is perpetually on the wrong side of.”
- Ogden Nash
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Chip’s Chat – February 2009

Have you ever bought a bag of dog food that says “new & improved flavor?  Who do you suppose eats it to decide if it’s really an improved flavor?
The Grand Design
God created dog, and said “Sit all day by the door of your house, and bark at anyone who comes in or passes by.  For this I’ll give you a life span of 25 years.” Read more

Chip’s Chat – January 2009

How does a dog stop a DVD player?
She hits the “paws” button.

Why aren’t dogs’ good dancers?
They have two left feet. Read more

If Dogs Could Send a Letter to God

Chip is on vacation this month, and has asked his cousin Vernie, a bodacious bulldog, to step up and submit a column. He claims no responsibility to what Vernie writes….

Dear God,
Why do humans smell the flowers, but seldom, if ever,  smell one another?   Where are their priorities? Read more

Chips Chat – November 2008

“How come every time a bell rings, my dog goes into the corner?”

“It’s perfectly natural, Read more

The Recipe for a Good Dog

Take one puppy, roll & play until lightly pampered.

Then add the following ingredients…

• 1 cup of patience Read more

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