Introducing:

Zen

Summary:

Taken in: 2017-05-22

More detail:
2017-06-21: Zen is an adorable black lab mix. The vet believes he is around 8 years old but he acts much younger - more like a dog around 6 years old. He is about 75 lbs. He is very mellow but has no problem running down to the bottom of the hill and back. He's very playful in the morning and tries to play with his foster buddy, Kona, but, unfortunately, Kona isn't interested. He came to us extremely under-weight from a shelter in Lake Elsinore with all his ribs and tailbone showing. He also had some skin issues - bacterial infections with missing hair on chest and belly. All that has been taken care of and he now has a beautiful black coat and has put on weight -- no bones are showing any longer! I believe he was once from a loving home because he is very well mannered. He will not walk through a door without me going first. He waits to come into the house until I invite him. It's heart breaking to think he was once in a home and ended up on the streets starving. Regardless of this, he has no food aggressions at all and eats his food slowly - even though Kona eats his food like it's his last meal! He does like to eat his breakfast around 6:00 a.m. and will verbally tell you so! He also likes to eat his dinner around 5:30 and will also tell you so by kicking his bowl! Kona has also shown him how to stick his head in the trash for some extra treats but he usually just looks.

He is very friendly and loves to rub his face against you to get some affection. His tail is constantly wagging whether eating his food, getting brushed or just watching everything happening around him. He loves to play with his rope - it's his favorite toy. He will fetch it and bring it back to you, however, he would rather play tug-o-war with you when he brings it back then go fetch it again, but he will play along with you if you want to throw it again.

He is great with other dogs and has been friendly with everyone he has met. We are not sure how he does with cats but he has been around small dogs and hasn't had any problems with them. He loves to watch the golfers in the backyard and only periodically barks at one. His hearing is amazing which makes him a good watch dog. He hears people walking out front and once in a while will let them know he's in the backyard but it's usually just one bark. He also gives the deer a bark when they are walking by the house. Which we love because they eat our flowers and we want them to stay away!

He's great on a leash and loves to go for walks. He knows basic obedience commands, sit, down, out and doesn't jump up on anyone. He also rides great in the car. He hasn't been around small children but I would expect he would be just as gentle as he is with everyone else. He is truly a sweet boy and has been through a lot. He deserves a good forever home. If you are interested in adopting him, please contact your family rep.

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If you are interested in making this Lab part of your family, please contact your SCLRR family representative. If you have not yet applied with us, please submit an online application to adopt; an SCLRR volunteer will then contact you. Please note that your homecheck must be approved in order for you to be put in touch with the dog's foster home.