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Puppy Love

Hey Ya'll!


Meeting and falling in love with Zai!
This is Zai, the new face, mascot, and newest member of the SFCV Therapy team! Zai is an 18 month old, Golden Retriever that we adopted from a family in Shunyi who could no longer care for her due to a family illness.
4 weeks ago or so, our staff weighed and measured the benefits of getting a therapy dog for our kids and then decided to reach out to some of our contacts about adopting a dog that would fit our needs. 2 days later, we got a call from a Vet in Shunyi that he had just taken in a Golden Retriever that was in need a new home. The next weekend, Joanna and I made the 2 hour drive to meet her. The second we saw her, we knew she was perfect for us! She was well behaved, she didn't bark, bite or jump, wasn't interested in other dogs and just kept to herself - she was calm as calm could be. We took her for a quick walk and told our Vet friend that we most certainly wanted her. A bit later, we were on our way to Muyangdi (Shepherd's Field).
Richard brushing Zai in therapy!
Just givin' Leonard some kisses
When we got home, she was so excited to start exploring in her very puppy way! She immediately gravitated towards the kids and was so comfortable and gentle with them, giving kisses and holding hands right off the bat. Even though she is still a puppy and has yet to have completed her basic obedience training, she is so gentle and mellow with the kids. They ABSOLUTELY LOVE having her around! It's taking the therapy Ayi's a little bit to get adjusted to her and the concept that she is an indoor dog. They're not totally thrilled with the amount of hair that she sheds or that she's so big, but they are slowing and steadily coming along. All three of them have started to realize the benefits of having her around the kids. In the 3 weeks that Zai has been with us, we have seen several kids conquer their fear of dogs, especially big dogs, and work with her to their own therapeutic benefit - which is exactly what we wanted to see! I'm delighted with the way things have gone and are going since we started this new endeavor.
I know I look like a 5 year old girl that just got
the puppy she asked Santa for - but that is EXACTLY how I felt!
   On a personal level, I'm thrilled to have Zai here! I've wanted a dog for as long as I can remember and Zai is just so perfect - my dreams have come true and my heart is happy. I will admit that it has been a big adjustment. I'm not used to having someone else to take care of, feed, train, walk, etc. I have lost my cool a few times, but it's not easy to stay frustrated with her, one look in those adorable puppy eyes and my heart is yet again flooded with love for my little furry pup! As every dog parent and parent in general knows, dogs and kids are opportunities to learn and grow as a person. I'm so grateful for Zai, she has taught me so much already about what it means to care for another and to not stress the little things. I'm so excited for the things to come, the adventures we're going to have together, and the benefits that they brings to our program!


Take a look at how AWESOME our Dog is!! 

Introducing Zai to the kids at Little Lambs School
To say that LingLing is obsessed with Zai is an understatement!
They're rapidly becoming best friends! :)



 


This dog with the photo bomb win. This was not planned!
Pretty girl <3
          
So confused!

Hiding from the flash of my camera because she knows
she's being a bad girl and chewing on Mommy's rug.

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