Zack's Story

by Jessica
(Stratford, CT)

One ear up, one down. Have you ever seen anything so adorable?

Zack, a German Shepherd & Chow Chow mix, started his life in sad circumstances. His owner was looking for a guard dog, we think, so he was very disappointed to find his little GSD mix puppy was as sweet as can be.

His way of solving this problem and making Zack a ferocious dog was to lock him in the basement- and beat him periodically.

This went on for three years. Eventually this awful person gave Zack up to a shelter. He was beaten down pretty badly- thin as a rail, and terrified of everyone around him. A wonderful loving family fell in love with him anyway- and took him home from the shelter. He cowered in corners whenever they approached, and refused to take food from anyone. Eventually, through months of love and affection, Zack learned that not all people are cruel. He became a wonderful and beloved part of their family.

Unfortunately, this family came upon hard times a couple years later when Zack was 6 years old. They were forced to move into subsidized housing, that didn't allow dogs of Zack's size (a healthy 85 pounds). Crushed by the thought of giving up their dog- they put word out to friends and family that a wonderful GSD was in need of a home.

I took Zack in on a temporary basis. My landlord only allowed two dogs in our house- and my roommate had two already. She was on vacation for a week, so Zack was the only dog in the house. In that one week, I fell in love. Zack was the sweetest, most calm and loving dog I had ever met. At the end of that first week, I gave my notice to my landlord and started looking for a place that Zack and I could live together.

He's been with me for six months now- and every second I spend with him is a gift. He's grown confident and comfortable- resulting in some stubborness associated with a dog of his intelligence level. I think its adorable, and I love working with him. He rides in the car with me every day, and sits next to my desk when I'm at work. He goes to doggie daycamp twice a week to play with his friends. He sleeps at the foot of my bed every night.

Zack's story is one that begins with unthinkable cruelty, and ends with unwavering love. He's made my life infinitely better- and I love him with every inch of my heart.

Adopting a twice given up, middle-aged dog was the most rewarding thing I've ever done. And he's glad I did too!