Zorro
We are deeply saddened by the loss of Zorro.
Zorro
was turned into an animal shelter because he was rummaging in a neighbors trash
and the neighbor complained about
the 4 1/2 year old black male with white marking on his chest and natural ears.
Zorro
came to MAGDRL in September 2003.
From looking at how skinny this boy is, it's obvious he was just looking for
a meal .
May he rest in peace and never have to worry about his meals again.
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Sorbon (or Zorro as we knew him) is
gone but not forgotten
This big, sometimes troubled boy was with us for nearly 6 months. He loved to go
or long walks, loved his little purple squeaky car (carried it with him
everywhere and hated to leave it for even a moment), and always stopped to take
time to lean over for hugs and rubs behind the ears. It was like clockwork
– 10 minutes into my own walks with him he would stop dead in his tracks, look
at me awaiting his expected hug, kiss on the forehead and kind word.
I think it’s so important for him to understand, and I know he did, that he
was loved during the last chapter of his life. He was loved by kennel owners and
staff that cared for him each day. He was loved by MAGDRL volunteers who
socialized with him, made sure he was healthy and tirelessly looked for the
right home for him.
We laughed and even admired his strength, determination and ability to knock
down 6 foot bolted walls of steel in an effort to hang out with people in the
front lobby. We marveled at his adoration for old, torn blankets. We tried our
best to make him happy.
Zorro
was one of the many Danes and Dobermans we’ve tended to at our kennel,
awaiting a foster home or permanent family to handle his ‘special needs’. He
had his quirks, certainly, and sometimes quirks erupt into a quick snap of
violence… unexpectedly and sadly.
Zorro, please know that we won’t stop loving and won’t stop trying to help
your friends in need. We’ll continue to speak for you as you couldn’t speak
for yourself. We won’t stop trying to understand what is making you so sad or
angry. We’ll ask questions, we’ll spread the word about responsible, humane
pet care, necessity of training, proper nutrition and medical care and structure
to curb your anxieties. We know how important it is for you to be loved.
You will always be remembered in our hearts.
Fondly and always your friend,
Susan
Bobinsky – co-owner Blue Ribbon Acres &
Exec.
Director SPCA of Winchester, Frederick & Clarke Counties, VA
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Zorro
was a four and a half year old black male Great Dane who came to WV MAGDRL on
Sept. 21, 2003. He was turned into the local shelter because he was rummaging in
the neighbor’s trashcans and they were afraid of him. Zorro came to us skin
and bones – about 40 pounds underweight, every bone showing on his huge frame.
I never understood the fear people have of black dogs, especially black Great
Danes -- until I met Zorro, that is. His face was so sunken and withdrawn, he
was intimidating. When I picked him up in the parking lot of McDonald’s, I had
to force myself to not be scared of him. He had the sweetest doe eyes, but a
very BIG and somewhat menacing face. We didn’t have any foster homes open for
him, so we took him to the kennel. While there, we discovered his resource
guarding issues, especially around trashcans. Due to this and his dislike of
other dogs, he stayed at the kennel while Jennifer worked with him. He made
wonderful progress with his obedience and his resource guarding. All the
Rescuers who worked with him fell in love – Jules Guthrie, Janine Kushner,
Jeff Cody, Susan Bobinsky, Jennifer Donnelly-Schofstall, and Eric Maier. Zorro
flourished at the kennel with Jennifer and Susan, along with weekly visits from
Jeff and me. As January progressed, Zorro started declining. He lost all the
weight we had struggled to put on him. His usual goofy-self disappeared and he
became depressed. The realization came to me the day I visited him and he lay
down before I left. Normally, Zorro was unhappy anytime I showed affection to
any other dog. He’d stand at his kennel door and bark until I left, then he
pouted once I was gone. This one afternoon, Zorro and I spent time in the yard
playing. I returned him to his kennel, gave him his treat for being a good boy,
and he curled up in a ball on his blanket. Zorro wasn’t happy. I was no longer
doing him justice by keeping him in this kennel. He wanted to be with people,
have a soft place to rest his head, and love his humans. Jules and I decided to
help him across the Bridge. Jules and I went to say good-bye on Feb. 8. We spent
some time with him in the lobby of the kennel, saying our goodbyes.
Unfortunately, the damage others did to him reared its ugly head. Zorro found
the goodies in the trashcan. When I tried to redirect him, he bit me. He
reminded me that no matter how much we love and how much we want to make things
better, sometimes too much damage has been done. Zorro crossed the Bridge on
Feb. 9, lying in Jules’ lap and being loved the way he should always have
been. Thank you Zorro for teaching me this difficult lesson. You were my first
rescue to have to be put down, and I will always love you. I know you are
waiting for me at the Bridge, surrounded by trashcans with yummy foods
overflowing for you. I can’t wait to see you again, my big sweet boy. –
Janine M. Kushner