Zena

My story

Meet Zena!! The Boxer that holds hands. Zena came to us because we always leave the door open for the dogs we help.  She was trapped by us after spending 5 days in the center divider of an 8-lane freeway in San Diego, huddled in a little ball during a freezing rain.   She was chipped with current information, so we returned her back to her family. Fast-forward to 4 months and we received a call from the family at a loss of what to do. They were unable to keep Zena contained and were receiving multiple complaints from the HOA as well as San Diego Humane Society, who ultimately forced an appointment to relinquish or impound. Since we specialize in Escape Artist Dogs, we agreed to find her a more suitable home with a secure yard and home enviorment that supported keeping Zena Safe. While Zena has some insecurities she is your typical Boxer Puppy. Lots of wiggling, lots of paws in the air and a zest for life that is not only infectious but can be hard to contain at times.  Her ablity to just roll with her transition to us then into foster says it all.  She just wants to feel safe and loved.   This girl is insanely smart and busy! Food Puzzles are her favorite past time.  She loves chasing balls, bubbles, and self-entertains herself by throwing toys in the air, catching them and if missed racing to fetch and put in your lap.   She is fantastic in a crate with minor soft howling for 1 minute or so, with an occasional bark. Never exceeding 2 minutes then goes to bed. She has been crated for 10+ hours with no accidents or bed shredding. She is house broken (cries softly at the door which can sometimes be missed) and does her business almost immediately. If Zena had it her way, she would prefer to climb into your shirt, or ride on your shoulders being as close as she can to you. In foster, her family has come to an agreement that they can hold hands as long as she doesn't try to smother them with her face while she licks their ears. She DOES NOT like to be left in the yard and always wants to be that heartbeat (or tail beating) at your feet. When you are in the yard with her, she loves to play ball, chase blowing leaves and lizards and will play at the fence line with the neighbor dogs.    With other dogs she is exuberant which can be off-putting to some. Leash-walk introductions do best for her, so she doesn't get those springs loaded in stationery excitement. She doesn't quite understand how to get play going, so that too can be a bit confusing to other dogs. An understanding housemate and knowlegeable parents is a must.    She is great in the car, occasionally feels the need to drive so keeping her buckled into the back seat, or crated, is recommended. Out at adoption events this girl is SOLID with anyone she meets in any situation. Originally, she had a fear of men in hats with beards, as well as people going into her crate and leashing her up but seems to have gotten over that fear from what we can tell. Because of this though, and her zest for life, we are recommending 8 years and older when it comes to kids. She also has an intense prey drive so we are thinking it's probably best for her to live without small animals in the house other than dogs.   If you are interested in Zena, please fill out the adoption application and snag her before someone else does. This girl is destined for greatness! ##2467937##

If you have any questions or would like to adopt Zena, please reach out to the adoption group directly. PetSmart Charities does not facilitate the adoption process. Thank you.