Sadly Zoe's environmental allergies turned out to be too much of a challenge for her new adopters and reluctantly they returned her to FBRN.

Zoe is now looking for people who have previous experience managing and caring for an allergy sufferer, can keep her on a healthy raw diet and don't mind the regular bathing when required to keep her skin healthy.

Zoe's journey with FBRN began when she was surrendered as an irritable and very itchy little frog. Her vet records show that around the time of her second vaccinations at one year old, she began showing allergic symptoms: itchy skin and hot spots. This was treated on and off with Prednisone and medicated baths until Zoe was surrendered to FBRN after biting a two year-old child. Another much-loved cute Frenchie, Zoe grew up without many rules and was adored by her owners. It’s easy to see why—she is super cute and has her way of melting the toughest heart. In foster care, it soon became apparent that while Zoe loves people, she lacked doggie communication skills, preferring to boss around or bite other dogs in order to be the centre of attention. Fortunately, Zoe has had a long stay in a foster home with a volunteer who is a professional trainer, and is now ready to join her forever people.

Under the guidance of her foster mom trainer, Zoe has been taught that she is not the pack leader, and has learned to behave well with multiple dogs in her foster home. But, we think Zoe is best suited to be an only dog. She has rarely played with other dogs, and at best tolerates them, and does better with the boys than the other girls. Simply put, Zoe prefers the company of humans and adores everyone, whether familiar or a stranger. Her sweetness and affection will shine in a home where she can be with people, so a single dog home will likely be best for Zoe. Potential adopters who are experienced with managing multiple dogs and with one easy going male may also be considered.

Because Zoe had an incident with a small child (the details are not known) she has not mixed with children under 12, but has been trusting and loving to the few older kids that she's encountered. For this reason Zoe will not be placed in a home with small children, though sensible older children are fine. Zoe loves toys and is very happy to amuse herself or play with you. Sunbathing on warm days is a favorite pastime so a home with a fenced yard would keep her safe and happy. Zoe is a medium-energy girl and does not require lots of exercise. Zoe is happy to spend time in a crate when needed, and boy does that girl love her car rides!

Battling her allergies has been a tough road for Zoe; she has had just about every treatment and drug that conventional medicine can offer. Despite these efforts, Zoe did not experience much relief, and in fact, some of these medical interventions left her feeling very sick, lethargic and depressed. Over the past couple of years her little body has been bombarded with drugs in an attempt to relieve her of her terribly itchy skin. Finally Zoe met a vet who also uses Chinese medicine in his practice and with a combination of acupuncture, herbs and conventional medicine, she has been feeling much better. Her doctor felt that she couldn't continue another day on drugs without dire consequences to her body. All drugs have been stopped apart from a tiny daily dose of Prednisone that we hope to be able to reduce or eliminate at some point, Because the addition of an holistic approach to Zoe’s skin issues has been far more successful than conventional medicine alone, we are asking that her adopters continue on this path, as anything else could be detrimental to her overall health. With the help but not exclusive use of holistic medicine and loving care, Zoe has undergone a dramatic transformation from a raw and itchy dog to the happy, bouncy girl that she deserves to be!

Zoe would do best in a quiet neighborhood and/or rural area. She would not do well in a busy city, where she would likely react to the noise and encounter far too many opportunities to express her dislike towards other dogs. Zoe is not a candidate for dog parks or meeting other dogs in elevators or in confined spaces on the street. A fenced yard is a must for Zoe, where she can play happily with her people or find a sunny spot to nap in without the intrusion of other dogs. Her foster mom plans to assist Zoe’s new family in how to manage her in different situations, but the less exposure to the trigger of other dogs would suit her best.

Zoe would love to accompany you to work, where she’d be an excellent greeter and morale booster. Of course, she’d need to be the only dog, but she would be the best canine pal a company could offer; she is an absolute lover of all people! If you were unable to bring her to work, Zoe would do fine with a mid-day dog walker. To ensure good bladder health, Zoe should have several opportunities to relieve herself throughout the day. She is house trained but if she needs to go ( and she will ask to be let out) and no one notices, she will relieve herself on a rug by the door. We don't consider this a naughty behavior but when she needs to go, she needs to go.

Because of her allergies and temperament, Zoe would do best with a person or family with bracycephalic experience. But perhaps more important than breed-specific experience would be for Zoe to join a person or family who knows that strong leadership is a sign of love, and who would not melt at those big ears and wrinkly face and let Zoe rule the roost. And of course, her potential adopters should know that loving to cuddle and play are mandatory!

Despite her disdain towards her fellow canines, Zoe has such an affection and enthusiasm for humans that anyone wanting an only dog will be rewarded with a wonderful companion with an outstanding and charming personality. If you love to play, cuddle and can set moderate rules, then Zoe might just be the girl waiting to complete your family. Adopters must live within 3 hours' driving distance of New Haven, CT or should plan to spend at least two days in the area in order to meet with Zoe's trainer/foster mom and receive some education on Zoe's triggers and how best to respond to them. Zoe will not be shipped.

Apply for me here!