23-029 Serabi, also a 2-year-old un-spayed female Golden, was the third of the trio surrendered by an owner who had moved to Sun City where there were HOA restrictions on the number of pets. Serabi was described as taller and darker than her siblings, loving, sweet and loves to give kisses. As with the other two, we quickly dis- covered that Serabi was terrified of strangers, especially men, and took a while to become comfortable around anyone new. Serabi was placed with an adoptive family in Peoria. At her new home, she met the resident dog, Nash, and they were both very friendly. She was very anxious of course, so the adopter walked her around on the leash. The pool is unfenced, and it was clear that Serabi did not know what it was – they wisely shut the doggie door so that she would not get out unattended and fall in. After a bit she relaxed and took a real liking to the women, but was very wary of the man. She walked around the house, inspecting everything and then started to follow the daughter everywhere. She had a quick dip in the pool when she and Nash were chasing each other. She did fine and discovered where the steps were. After a few days, the family reported that Serabi, now called Zoey, was integrating gradually into the home and with each family member, human and dog. They hired a trainer from Legend Acres Dog Training and Horse Solutions in Surprise to supervise behavior training/management. Zoey is making progress with her anxiety and getting more comfortable around the man. Two techniques he mentioned he is practicing is sharing high-value treats with her and encouraging but not overdoing praise for her making advances to him. He recently reported: 

Since Zoey’s training, we have seen positive changes in her behavior. She has begun to come out of her “safe zone” in the house and spend a great deal of time with all of us in the living room. Zoey also has begun to act so much happier. She cuddles up with our daughters and my wife, pushing her head into their neck and bodies as if to say, “I am so happy!” She has developed this cute little vocalization that sounds like a purring cat, which lets us know she’s excited and wants some attention. My relationship with Zoey continues to improve with each week’s training assignments, to where she now allows me to rub her ears, head, neck and she will even lie on her back so I can rub her belly. We still have a lot of work ahead of us, but she has improved so much in a short amount of time. 

Unfortunately, shortly after finalization Zoey developed an illness that the vet called immune mediated polycystitis, an inflammatory response in her muscles and joints triggered by her immune system. She is being treated with steroids and, we are relieved to report, has improved.