ZEGAN
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STATE: NJ
AGE: 5 years
WEIGHT: 57 lbs
SEX: Male
NEUT/UTD: Yes/Yes
COAT COLOR: fawn & white
DOCKED TAIL: Yes
CROPPED EARS: Yes
CHILDREN under 4: Unsure
CHILDREN OVER 4: Yes
SEPARATION ANXIETY: No
OTHER DOGS: Yes
CATS: Unsure
CRATE TRAINED: Learning
HOUSE TRAINED: Yes
OBEDIENCE TRAINED: Some
LEASH TRAINED: Yes
MICROCHIPPED: Unsure
ADOPTION FEE: $300
AGE: 5 years
WEIGHT: 57 lbs
SEX: Male
NEUT/UTD: Yes/Yes
COAT COLOR: fawn & white
DOCKED TAIL: Yes
CROPPED EARS: Yes
CHILDREN under 4: Unsure
CHILDREN OVER 4: Yes
SEPARATION ANXIETY: No
OTHER DOGS: Yes
CATS: Unsure
CRATE TRAINED: Learning
HOUSE TRAINED: Yes
OBEDIENCE TRAINED: Some
LEASH TRAINED: Yes
MICROCHIPPED: Unsure
ADOPTION FEE: $300
UPDATE 11/30/08 - With heavy hearts we are writing to let you know that we lost our Zegan on saturday Nov. 29th.
Our hearts are broken, he was such a wonderful dog. Zegan had a massive seizure about 3 weeks ago out of the
blue. He had always been a healthy dog before that. We immediately took him to the emergency hospital (it was a
sat.)and they kept him for a day of tests and observation. He did have another, but mild, seizue while he was there.
They told us he had a brain tumor and sent us home with phenylbarbitol. They said there was no way of knowing
how long he had. He had a few good weeks with a couple of minor seizures, but this past saturday he had another
major one that he never came completely out of, and then another one right on top of that one. We again, took him
back to the hospital and after weighing all the options they told us the best option was to let him go. Although we
only had him a little shy of 3 years, he seemed a part of our lives forever. He came to us so timid and scared
and completely void of all social skills. It didn't take him long to realize life can be so different than what he was
used to! He had a new playmate Molly, who is just lost without him, and a family full of kids to love him. We moved
to Maine in May onto 39 acres and he had the summer of his life!! Constantly outside with Molly running and
playing and chasing the kids around. They would come in at the end of the day and I would frequently find Zegan
sitting on the couch just staring at me as if to say "I love you so much!!!" As hard as it is to lose your dog, I have to
say with a broken heart, I feel so good that we were able to give him a life full of love in his last few years. This was
our first rescue and the rewards, although too short, were so worth it. WE will immediately adopt again.
Thanks to everyone at scbr that helped bring Zegan to us.
UPDATE 4/14/07 - Zegan has been with us for one year now!! He is a wonderful addition to our family. He loves to
play with toys now, when we got him he didn't know what they were!! He is such an affectionate dog. When you call
his name to come to you he actually prances over to you, it reminds me of a Clydsdale horse! Zegan and Molly (our
8 year old female) are inseperable. We absolutely made the right decision to get another dog when we lost our
Buddy. Molly came back to life immediately when we brought Zegan home. He now sleeps with our youngest
daughter and doesn't hesitate to claim his spot on the couch! If he sees you walking into the living room he runs
like a bat out of hell to sit in your seat first!! He spent his first winter with us up at the lake. Just like Molly, he loves
to chase the snowmobiles! It was much needed exercise for our chubby boy!!! He was so thin when we got him,
but not anymore! He looks wonderful. They both go to the vets at the end of the month, can't wait to see what
the scale says! My husband thinks he's about 75 lbs now!!I will try to find a recent picture and send it in. It's hard to
believe he is 7ish. He has so much energy! Zegan has come around full circle. It's as if he has always been with
us. My husband is an excellent trainer and has done such a great job with him. We didn't know what to expect
when we adopted an older dog. My husband always brought home puppies, like most people. I love puppies too,
but I don't know if I would ever get another one. I would not hesitate to adopt an older dog again, even a senior. We
couldn't love Zegan any more than if we had him as a pup. Ours is definately a success story!!!
UPDATE 9/14/06 - Hello...An early 6 month update, considering we missed the 3 month!! We've been away most
of the summer. Zegan has just spent his first summer in NH with us (we have no computer in NH). At first he was
a bit frightened of the lake (he didn't know what it was!!). But within the first weekend he was going in up to his
ankles himself and by the next weekend he was swimming!! Unbelievable, we thought all boxers hated water. Not
to be outdone by her new brother, Molly decided, after 7 years of being with us at the lake, she also "suddenly"
likes the water!! Go figure! She too is now swimming! Needless to say we were thrilled. When we first took Zegan
home he was extremely timid. He would cower for every single movement, snapping sound or raised voice. He
has always been lovable and a lap dog, but now he's also a "bed" dog! This was my last "me" place, not anymore,
lol! He has learned that our crazy busy house is normal and that he is not in any danger at all. The funny thing is,
whenever we go out and come back again he is all the way down on his belly cowering. It's as if he is expecting to
get a beating when we get home??! We knew he was probally abused when we got him, and we were able to win
his trust completely, but I don't think he will ever outgrow this. But we just give him a little extra smooches and
within seconds he is fine. He gets way too excited sometimes when we get home (after the initial cowering) that
sometimes he can knock you over if you're not sitting, lol! Zegan was only around 52 pounds when we got him and
very thin. Now he is a solid broad chested boxer, just beautiful. He had to of gained at least 10 pounds, but not fat
at all. He is self fed, just as our Molly is. We were not sure if we would be able to do this with him, seeing as he
was abandoned and all. But from the very first day he eats only what he needs. We watched him very closely the
first week and he never stuffed himself once. Molly and Zegan are like soul mates. They so much needed one
another. They are completely inseperable. With Molly's help we all taught Zegan how to play, with toys and with
each other. It was amazing just how little social skills Zegan had when he came. He had had extensive formal
training, this was clear immediately, but simply did not know how to be a pet. But that didn't take long!! Now he's
one of us! I have lots of film to develop (no, I don't have a digital camera, I am lucky to be able to figure out email!).
When I do get the pictures done I will get a CD and have my daughter post our big boys pictures along with Molly's.
I know I have said it before, but it's simply true, Zegan could be a poster boy for the perfect adoption. We can't
express enough how much we love this boy, and how very happy we were with the whole procedure of adopting
him from scbr. Of course with every adoption there are adjustments, but persistance and patience has led us to
have another wonderful boxer who loves us as much as we love him. Thank you so much.
UPDATE 5/4/06 - Hello.....
It's been a month now that we have had Zegan. He is a beautiful, intelligent, loveable, HYPER, big blubbering
baby!!! We have taught him (with the help of our 6 yr old female, Molly) what a toy is and how to play, play, play! It's
just amazing to watch, you'd think he was a puppy (they say he is around 5 or 6 yrs old). If any of you remember
him he was about 15 pounds underweight. We could see his spine when we got him, and now we don't!! He is
really filling out nicely! Molly graduated from the couch to the big bed (ours!) when we lost our Buddy last feb. I told
everyone she will be back on the couch after we get her another companion. Here comes Zegan.....Molly is still in
my bed!!! Zegan started out on the couch, didn't know how to get into a bed, so he didn't try. Not now!! Zegan has
found his way into my daughters bed! My bed was the last thing I could call my own!! Now I am like the rest of the
family, I live in the "dog's house", not the other way around!! Life is good for our dogs!! Us too, we have been
blessed with Zegan. This is his forever home and all of us, Molly too, couldn't be happier.I will try to figure out how
to attatch a few pictures of Zegan. Of course, I will send one of Molly too! I may have to wait for my kids to get
home, seeing that I am not so good with computers!Thanks to all who have helped in our adoption of Zegan,
another
success story!
UPDATE 5/3/06 - We adopted Zegan on April 1, 2006. We were told he was between 5-6 yrs old. He was about 15
pounds underweight. We were told he was abandoned and abused. This was our 1st adoption so I prepared the
kids (16, 15, and 11) and told them that it will probally take a few months for him to adjust to us. Much to our
surprise, I was wrong!! Immediately Molly and Zegan were inseperatable. Zegan is an extraordinary dog! He is
extremely intelligent and has obviously had extensive training before! However, he knew nothing about playing. He
had no idea what a toy was or even how to play with our 6 yr old female, Molly. Within a week I taught him how to
play with the toys and Molly has taught him how to "rough house" quite nicely!! Between the two of them I'm lucky I
haven't broken my neck!!! Thank god for our fenced in yard! It's amazing to watch. They are both so hyper, but again,
we are a very busy family and they fit in just fine!
We were prepared to change whatever we had to for Zegan to make him feel like this is his home. We literally have
changed nothing! He walked in here with his head held high, and never looked back. He sleeps on the sofa or in
my youngest daughters bed, like its something he has always done! It's pretty funny to watch him jump into your
seat on the couch just as you try to sit!! He has to have the best seat first! He loves attention and is spoiled from
every single one of us in this house.He is a definate lap dog, just like Molly.
Zegan has had his timid moments which we attribute to his past abuse. He definately does not like loud voices,
snapping sounds (like gum snapping) and at first was afraid of the word "no". He used to cower whenever any of
these things happened. Now he takes "no" as a no should be and very rarely cowers . He now fully trusts us and
isn't scared anymore. We all have taken extra attention with him when he used to cower and showed him he was
not ever going to be hurt here and gave him extra lovin's!!
We have always self fed our dogs. We were prepared to ration out Zegans meals like he had in his foster home,
but again, we did not have to. The first few days I watched Zegan very carefully to see how he could handle this. Of
course, we didn't want to create a situation where he would over eat. It has never been a problem. He eats only
what he needs, just like Molly. The very first night we had him here they were both eating out of the same bowl at
the same time, it was amazing, I have never seen that before! They still do it now and then, especially with the
water after a long romp!
Zegan is a great traveler! We have a home on a lake in NH which we go to most weekends. It's about a 2 hour trip.
Although he won't go in the water (still too cold anyway), he loves it up there! Run, run, run!
When we got Zegan you could see his spine from his neck to his tail. He is really filling out nicely and you cannot
see his spine any longer. His muscle is filling out great too. I sent what records scbr gave us to our vet. He says he
doesn't need to see Zegan until next year so we don't know what he weighs exactly, but I guess he's probally
gained about 5 pounds. A little bit more and he will be just right.
He is a beautiful dog who loves life and everything in it. He doesn't have one ounce of aggression in him. I cannot
express enough how happy we are with him, and him us! I swear he goes through his days now saying thank you
thank you!! . Zegan is a "poster child" for adoption. Although we would love any dog, I am happy we did not get a
puppy this time around. Zegan was meant to be with us. He now has a permanent smile on his face and has his
forever home. We couldn't be more blessed!
I am going to attatch a few pics so you can see how wonderful he is looking. Of course, I will send one of Molly too!!
Thank you so much for everything. We are a very proud adoptive family who is even more proud to be a part of your
wonderful rescue league!
UPDATE 4/23/06 - Hello to all....
I am a new member who 3 weeks ago adopted Zegan. This is our first adoption, and definately will not be our last!!
I am so very impressed with scbr and all that you do and am proud to now be a member. I enjoy to hear all about
the adopted dogs, as like most of you, I have been following their progress. I get so excited to see another
adopted, and so sad to see one pass on (poor Timex).
Our Zegan, they guess, is about 5 years old, although you'd think he was 5 months old the way he acts!!! He has
adapted beautifully to our home and our Molly, our 6 year old female boxer. It's as if he has always lived here. We
literally have changed not one thing in our home. He is extemely smart, obviously has had obedience training
before and very lovable. He was abused in the past so was a little skittish about a few things when we took him
home, but in a matter of 2 weeks he's not at all skittish anymore. He fully trusts us completely, even the kids!! He
did not know how to play when we got him. I worked on him the first week with Molly's toys and now I'm picking up
the toy basket all day long!! Molly has taught him how to "rough house" and together they get so hyper my walls
shake!! Thank god for the back yard, or they'd drive you mad!!
We couldn't be happier. The process to adopt is so long, but so worth it. I finally fell like part of the family!! Much
thanks to Leanne and Roz, Zegans foster mom who is just wonderful!! Keep up the good work!
4/1/06 - Zegan has been adopted!
3/25/06 - Zegan is now with us for 3 weeks and what a gift he has been. He is starting to feel at home and
becoming more playful -- no toys -- but he and Abby will bounce around the backyard together.
He is trying to learn to get up on the wooden swing so he can sit next to Abby and Dick -- he hasn't quite mastered
that one yet and I think she is happy he hasn't! Best of all he has gained 5 pounds and sits patiently while I brush
his teeth. We took he and Abby downtown today (about a mile form our house and a small town) so we could
socialize them both and especially to see how he reacted around people. Except for wanting to sniff some new
bushes, he didn't appear to have a care in the world.
I think he has had a hard life as he is afraid of hangars, long shoehorns and something about the bathroom.
Today when I went to take a shower, he was watching me from the doorway, and when I called him, he went into a
cowering down position. I don't want him to be afraid of anything so I kept enticing him to come closer. He did, but
he never got up from lying down until I loved him a little bit and kept telling him he was o.k.
Zegan would be great in a home with another dog who doesn't have an Alpha complex. He does not appear to like
cats as that is the only time he ever pulls when we are walking. If you have love to give this boy, he will give it back
many times over!! My neighbor is still trying to find him a home and told me again that she just loves him!
3/18/06 - Zegan has spent a little over two weeks with us and is diligently looking for his “forever� home.
He is so calm and gentle, I am hoping that our Abby Girl picks up some of his good habits. He doesn’t even
blink when she tries to get him up to play by standing over and on his body! He is all healed from being neutered
and has had no problems. Stitches come out on Monday and hopefully he has picked up a little weight. The good
news is he does not spray in the house at all since his operation.
The biggest testament I can make to the wonderful dog he is is that my neighbor who does not particularly care for
dogs came over, and I asked her if she wanted to go for a walk – and would give her the gentle soul to walk
rather than our exuberant Abby Girl. She told me after that walk she has fallen in love with Zegan and that I had to
give her some pictures to take to work so that she could help Boxer Rescue find him his “forever� home.
He met two 3 1/2 year old twins today and kissed them both. Although he was not with them long, he did not
appear to have any issues. I found out today that someone may have used a hangar in some way to threaten him.
I had a hangar on the bed and when I picked it up to put it away he immediately went into a cowering position. I sat
down on the floor with him and stroked him and just hugged him telling him it would be o.k. Because he was
found in the streets, he still worries about where his next meal is coming from (he is getting 3 squares a day here
as we are trying to put a little weight on him) so food should not be left out on the counter as he will probably try to
get it.
We are saving a pretty green new leash and collar (green is definitely his color) to give him and his new family. I
know I keep repeating myself, but this is one charming, handsome, and well behaved fellow. Zegan has brought
a new joy into our home!
3/10/06 - Zegan was neutered today and is home on his spot on the couch. I am sure we got him back earlier than
they wanted, but he did not want to be there!! They called Dick at home and when they couldn't reach him, me on
my cell phone. I reached Dick and he and Zegan were back in the house by 4:00 p.m. Dick said he could hear
him barking from outside the vet's office.
Abby has been very gentle with him since he came home, and although the vet said he had to wear a collar
(UGH!), we have it off for now as he is sleeping, and we will watch him carefully.
The neighbors are in love with him, as Dick, Abby and I are, and I keep asking if anyone would like to adopt this
fine gentleman. He is such a sweet dog and quite handsome. It also gives me an opportunity to talk about the
organization and the great work being done.
We have some great photos of Zegan and Abby and one I particularly like includes me -- sorry!! Will hopefully
figure this photo thing out soon so we can share updated photos.
3/5/06 - We had a good visit with the vet who indicated the boxer boy has whip worms which are common to shore
areas. We have some pills -- 2 for tonight and 2 for the end of March. Neutering will be this Friday unless I can
work out the schedule to do a few days earlier. He agrees that he is probably about 5 years ago and needs about
10 to 15 lbs added. I have to say the person who adopts this guy is going to be very lucky! He is a great leash
walker, sits and listens when you call him.
I am amazed at how he and Abby have had not one issue. We tried to crate him last night -- he was not happy --
banging on the cage, and that made Abby not happy -- she began to bark and would not stop. Needless to say, I
set up another bed in our room on my side -- and before the night was over, he and Abby had swapped beds.
We went out to buy dog food today -- gated them in separate rooms -- and our friend Abby must have worked very
hard to undo that gate (we know it was her because of the way the gate was pushed out) so when we got home,
Zegan was sitting very regally in what was supposed to be his side of the room, and I think Abby was laughing!!
Our only small problem (and we were warned) was that Zegan would try to leave his "mark" on the furniture, so I
was prepared with covers to the floor. He has done it twice, and I know that once neutered, he won't do it.
He appears to be completely house trained and slept for 9 hours last night. He is going to make somebody very
happy!
3/4/06 - Well, I am just back from picking up Zegan (named by one of the young people who works at the shelter
who did internet research for a good German name). He was a stray to a shelter we work with.
We had to make the whole trip ourselves -- 300 miles round trip -- as the transporter got called into work late last
night and didn't call us. It was well worth the trip. This boy is beautiful -- way too thin -- and already bonded with
our Abby Girl. They are now sitting on the couch -- Abby on Dick's lap -- and Zegan nestled on the other side of the
couch. As of this moment, I feel truly blessed.
He goes to the vet tomorrow and for a bath Monday morning, and I can't imagine him doing anything but fine with
both. One great thing -- Abby loves the car but is the worst traveler -- Zegan sat down, laid down and slept the
entire way home with the exception of one walk.
Our hearts are broken, he was such a wonderful dog. Zegan had a massive seizure about 3 weeks ago out of the
blue. He had always been a healthy dog before that. We immediately took him to the emergency hospital (it was a
sat.)and they kept him for a day of tests and observation. He did have another, but mild, seizue while he was there.
They told us he had a brain tumor and sent us home with phenylbarbitol. They said there was no way of knowing
how long he had. He had a few good weeks with a couple of minor seizures, but this past saturday he had another
major one that he never came completely out of, and then another one right on top of that one. We again, took him
back to the hospital and after weighing all the options they told us the best option was to let him go. Although we
only had him a little shy of 3 years, he seemed a part of our lives forever. He came to us so timid and scared
and completely void of all social skills. It didn't take him long to realize life can be so different than what he was
used to! He had a new playmate Molly, who is just lost without him, and a family full of kids to love him. We moved
to Maine in May onto 39 acres and he had the summer of his life!! Constantly outside with Molly running and
playing and chasing the kids around. They would come in at the end of the day and I would frequently find Zegan
sitting on the couch just staring at me as if to say "I love you so much!!!" As hard as it is to lose your dog, I have to
say with a broken heart, I feel so good that we were able to give him a life full of love in his last few years. This was
our first rescue and the rewards, although too short, were so worth it. WE will immediately adopt again.
Thanks to everyone at scbr that helped bring Zegan to us.
UPDATE 4/14/07 - Zegan has been with us for one year now!! He is a wonderful addition to our family. He loves to
play with toys now, when we got him he didn't know what they were!! He is such an affectionate dog. When you call
his name to come to you he actually prances over to you, it reminds me of a Clydsdale horse! Zegan and Molly (our
8 year old female) are inseperable. We absolutely made the right decision to get another dog when we lost our
Buddy. Molly came back to life immediately when we brought Zegan home. He now sleeps with our youngest
daughter and doesn't hesitate to claim his spot on the couch! If he sees you walking into the living room he runs
like a bat out of hell to sit in your seat first!! He spent his first winter with us up at the lake. Just like Molly, he loves
to chase the snowmobiles! It was much needed exercise for our chubby boy!!! He was so thin when we got him,
but not anymore! He looks wonderful. They both go to the vets at the end of the month, can't wait to see what
the scale says! My husband thinks he's about 75 lbs now!!I will try to find a recent picture and send it in. It's hard to
believe he is 7ish. He has so much energy! Zegan has come around full circle. It's as if he has always been with
us. My husband is an excellent trainer and has done such a great job with him. We didn't know what to expect
when we adopted an older dog. My husband always brought home puppies, like most people. I love puppies too,
but I don't know if I would ever get another one. I would not hesitate to adopt an older dog again, even a senior. We
couldn't love Zegan any more than if we had him as a pup. Ours is definately a success story!!!
UPDATE 9/14/06 - Hello...An early 6 month update, considering we missed the 3 month!! We've been away most
of the summer. Zegan has just spent his first summer in NH with us (we have no computer in NH). At first he was
a bit frightened of the lake (he didn't know what it was!!). But within the first weekend he was going in up to his
ankles himself and by the next weekend he was swimming!! Unbelievable, we thought all boxers hated water. Not
to be outdone by her new brother, Molly decided, after 7 years of being with us at the lake, she also "suddenly"
likes the water!! Go figure! She too is now swimming! Needless to say we were thrilled. When we first took Zegan
home he was extremely timid. He would cower for every single movement, snapping sound or raised voice. He
has always been lovable and a lap dog, but now he's also a "bed" dog! This was my last "me" place, not anymore,
lol! He has learned that our crazy busy house is normal and that he is not in any danger at all. The funny thing is,
whenever we go out and come back again he is all the way down on his belly cowering. It's as if he is expecting to
get a beating when we get home??! We knew he was probally abused when we got him, and we were able to win
his trust completely, but I don't think he will ever outgrow this. But we just give him a little extra smooches and
within seconds he is fine. He gets way too excited sometimes when we get home (after the initial cowering) that
sometimes he can knock you over if you're not sitting, lol! Zegan was only around 52 pounds when we got him and
very thin. Now he is a solid broad chested boxer, just beautiful. He had to of gained at least 10 pounds, but not fat
at all. He is self fed, just as our Molly is. We were not sure if we would be able to do this with him, seeing as he
was abandoned and all. But from the very first day he eats only what he needs. We watched him very closely the
first week and he never stuffed himself once. Molly and Zegan are like soul mates. They so much needed one
another. They are completely inseperable. With Molly's help we all taught Zegan how to play, with toys and with
each other. It was amazing just how little social skills Zegan had when he came. He had had extensive formal
training, this was clear immediately, but simply did not know how to be a pet. But that didn't take long!! Now he's
one of us! I have lots of film to develop (no, I don't have a digital camera, I am lucky to be able to figure out email!).
When I do get the pictures done I will get a CD and have my daughter post our big boys pictures along with Molly's.
I know I have said it before, but it's simply true, Zegan could be a poster boy for the perfect adoption. We can't
express enough how much we love this boy, and how very happy we were with the whole procedure of adopting
him from scbr. Of course with every adoption there are adjustments, but persistance and patience has led us to
have another wonderful boxer who loves us as much as we love him. Thank you so much.
UPDATE 5/4/06 - Hello.....
It's been a month now that we have had Zegan. He is a beautiful, intelligent, loveable, HYPER, big blubbering
baby!!! We have taught him (with the help of our 6 yr old female, Molly) what a toy is and how to play, play, play! It's
just amazing to watch, you'd think he was a puppy (they say he is around 5 or 6 yrs old). If any of you remember
him he was about 15 pounds underweight. We could see his spine when we got him, and now we don't!! He is
really filling out nicely! Molly graduated from the couch to the big bed (ours!) when we lost our Buddy last feb. I told
everyone she will be back on the couch after we get her another companion. Here comes Zegan.....Molly is still in
my bed!!! Zegan started out on the couch, didn't know how to get into a bed, so he didn't try. Not now!! Zegan has
found his way into my daughters bed! My bed was the last thing I could call my own!! Now I am like the rest of the
family, I live in the "dog's house", not the other way around!! Life is good for our dogs!! Us too, we have been
blessed with Zegan. This is his forever home and all of us, Molly too, couldn't be happier.I will try to figure out how
to attatch a few pictures of Zegan. Of course, I will send one of Molly too! I may have to wait for my kids to get
home, seeing that I am not so good with computers!Thanks to all who have helped in our adoption of Zegan,
another
success story!
UPDATE 5/3/06 - We adopted Zegan on April 1, 2006. We were told he was between 5-6 yrs old. He was about 15
pounds underweight. We were told he was abandoned and abused. This was our 1st adoption so I prepared the
kids (16, 15, and 11) and told them that it will probally take a few months for him to adjust to us. Much to our
surprise, I was wrong!! Immediately Molly and Zegan were inseperatable. Zegan is an extraordinary dog! He is
extremely intelligent and has obviously had extensive training before! However, he knew nothing about playing. He
had no idea what a toy was or even how to play with our 6 yr old female, Molly. Within a week I taught him how to
play with the toys and Molly has taught him how to "rough house" quite nicely!! Between the two of them I'm lucky I
haven't broken my neck!!! Thank god for our fenced in yard! It's amazing to watch. They are both so hyper, but again,
we are a very busy family and they fit in just fine!
We were prepared to change whatever we had to for Zegan to make him feel like this is his home. We literally have
changed nothing! He walked in here with his head held high, and never looked back. He sleeps on the sofa or in
my youngest daughters bed, like its something he has always done! It's pretty funny to watch him jump into your
seat on the couch just as you try to sit!! He has to have the best seat first! He loves attention and is spoiled from
every single one of us in this house.He is a definate lap dog, just like Molly.
Zegan has had his timid moments which we attribute to his past abuse. He definately does not like loud voices,
snapping sounds (like gum snapping) and at first was afraid of the word "no". He used to cower whenever any of
these things happened. Now he takes "no" as a no should be and very rarely cowers . He now fully trusts us and
isn't scared anymore. We all have taken extra attention with him when he used to cower and showed him he was
not ever going to be hurt here and gave him extra lovin's!!
We have always self fed our dogs. We were prepared to ration out Zegans meals like he had in his foster home,
but again, we did not have to. The first few days I watched Zegan very carefully to see how he could handle this. Of
course, we didn't want to create a situation where he would over eat. It has never been a problem. He eats only
what he needs, just like Molly. The very first night we had him here they were both eating out of the same bowl at
the same time, it was amazing, I have never seen that before! They still do it now and then, especially with the
water after a long romp!
Zegan is a great traveler! We have a home on a lake in NH which we go to most weekends. It's about a 2 hour trip.
Although he won't go in the water (still too cold anyway), he loves it up there! Run, run, run!
When we got Zegan you could see his spine from his neck to his tail. He is really filling out nicely and you cannot
see his spine any longer. His muscle is filling out great too. I sent what records scbr gave us to our vet. He says he
doesn't need to see Zegan until next year so we don't know what he weighs exactly, but I guess he's probally
gained about 5 pounds. A little bit more and he will be just right.
He is a beautiful dog who loves life and everything in it. He doesn't have one ounce of aggression in him. I cannot
express enough how happy we are with him, and him us! I swear he goes through his days now saying thank you
thank you!! . Zegan is a "poster child" for adoption. Although we would love any dog, I am happy we did not get a
puppy this time around. Zegan was meant to be with us. He now has a permanent smile on his face and has his
forever home. We couldn't be more blessed!
I am going to attatch a few pics so you can see how wonderful he is looking. Of course, I will send one of Molly too!!
Thank you so much for everything. We are a very proud adoptive family who is even more proud to be a part of your
wonderful rescue league!
UPDATE 4/23/06 - Hello to all....
I am a new member who 3 weeks ago adopted Zegan. This is our first adoption, and definately will not be our last!!
I am so very impressed with scbr and all that you do and am proud to now be a member. I enjoy to hear all about
the adopted dogs, as like most of you, I have been following their progress. I get so excited to see another
adopted, and so sad to see one pass on (poor Timex).
Our Zegan, they guess, is about 5 years old, although you'd think he was 5 months old the way he acts!!! He has
adapted beautifully to our home and our Molly, our 6 year old female boxer. It's as if he has always lived here. We
literally have changed not one thing in our home. He is extemely smart, obviously has had obedience training
before and very lovable. He was abused in the past so was a little skittish about a few things when we took him
home, but in a matter of 2 weeks he's not at all skittish anymore. He fully trusts us completely, even the kids!! He
did not know how to play when we got him. I worked on him the first week with Molly's toys and now I'm picking up
the toy basket all day long!! Molly has taught him how to "rough house" and together they get so hyper my walls
shake!! Thank god for the back yard, or they'd drive you mad!!
We couldn't be happier. The process to adopt is so long, but so worth it. I finally fell like part of the family!! Much
thanks to Leanne and Roz, Zegans foster mom who is just wonderful!! Keep up the good work!
4/1/06 - Zegan has been adopted!
3/25/06 - Zegan is now with us for 3 weeks and what a gift he has been. He is starting to feel at home and
becoming more playful -- no toys -- but he and Abby will bounce around the backyard together.
He is trying to learn to get up on the wooden swing so he can sit next to Abby and Dick -- he hasn't quite mastered
that one yet and I think she is happy he hasn't! Best of all he has gained 5 pounds and sits patiently while I brush
his teeth. We took he and Abby downtown today (about a mile form our house and a small town) so we could
socialize them both and especially to see how he reacted around people. Except for wanting to sniff some new
bushes, he didn't appear to have a care in the world.
I think he has had a hard life as he is afraid of hangars, long shoehorns and something about the bathroom.
Today when I went to take a shower, he was watching me from the doorway, and when I called him, he went into a
cowering down position. I don't want him to be afraid of anything so I kept enticing him to come closer. He did, but
he never got up from lying down until I loved him a little bit and kept telling him he was o.k.
Zegan would be great in a home with another dog who doesn't have an Alpha complex. He does not appear to like
cats as that is the only time he ever pulls when we are walking. If you have love to give this boy, he will give it back
many times over!! My neighbor is still trying to find him a home and told me again that she just loves him!
3/18/06 - Zegan has spent a little over two weeks with us and is diligently looking for his “forever� home.
He is so calm and gentle, I am hoping that our Abby Girl picks up some of his good habits. He doesn’t even
blink when she tries to get him up to play by standing over and on his body! He is all healed from being neutered
and has had no problems. Stitches come out on Monday and hopefully he has picked up a little weight. The good
news is he does not spray in the house at all since his operation.
The biggest testament I can make to the wonderful dog he is is that my neighbor who does not particularly care for
dogs came over, and I asked her if she wanted to go for a walk – and would give her the gentle soul to walk
rather than our exuberant Abby Girl. She told me after that walk she has fallen in love with Zegan and that I had to
give her some pictures to take to work so that she could help Boxer Rescue find him his “forever� home.
He met two 3 1/2 year old twins today and kissed them both. Although he was not with them long, he did not
appear to have any issues. I found out today that someone may have used a hangar in some way to threaten him.
I had a hangar on the bed and when I picked it up to put it away he immediately went into a cowering position. I sat
down on the floor with him and stroked him and just hugged him telling him it would be o.k. Because he was
found in the streets, he still worries about where his next meal is coming from (he is getting 3 squares a day here
as we are trying to put a little weight on him) so food should not be left out on the counter as he will probably try to
get it.
We are saving a pretty green new leash and collar (green is definitely his color) to give him and his new family. I
know I keep repeating myself, but this is one charming, handsome, and well behaved fellow. Zegan has brought
a new joy into our home!
3/10/06 - Zegan was neutered today and is home on his spot on the couch. I am sure we got him back earlier than
they wanted, but he did not want to be there!! They called Dick at home and when they couldn't reach him, me on
my cell phone. I reached Dick and he and Zegan were back in the house by 4:00 p.m. Dick said he could hear
him barking from outside the vet's office.
Abby has been very gentle with him since he came home, and although the vet said he had to wear a collar
(UGH!), we have it off for now as he is sleeping, and we will watch him carefully.
The neighbors are in love with him, as Dick, Abby and I are, and I keep asking if anyone would like to adopt this
fine gentleman. He is such a sweet dog and quite handsome. It also gives me an opportunity to talk about the
organization and the great work being done.
We have some great photos of Zegan and Abby and one I particularly like includes me -- sorry!! Will hopefully
figure this photo thing out soon so we can share updated photos.
3/5/06 - We had a good visit with the vet who indicated the boxer boy has whip worms which are common to shore
areas. We have some pills -- 2 for tonight and 2 for the end of March. Neutering will be this Friday unless I can
work out the schedule to do a few days earlier. He agrees that he is probably about 5 years ago and needs about
10 to 15 lbs added. I have to say the person who adopts this guy is going to be very lucky! He is a great leash
walker, sits and listens when you call him.
I am amazed at how he and Abby have had not one issue. We tried to crate him last night -- he was not happy --
banging on the cage, and that made Abby not happy -- she began to bark and would not stop. Needless to say, I
set up another bed in our room on my side -- and before the night was over, he and Abby had swapped beds.
We went out to buy dog food today -- gated them in separate rooms -- and our friend Abby must have worked very
hard to undo that gate (we know it was her because of the way the gate was pushed out) so when we got home,
Zegan was sitting very regally in what was supposed to be his side of the room, and I think Abby was laughing!!
Our only small problem (and we were warned) was that Zegan would try to leave his "mark" on the furniture, so I
was prepared with covers to the floor. He has done it twice, and I know that once neutered, he won't do it.
He appears to be completely house trained and slept for 9 hours last night. He is going to make somebody very
happy!
3/4/06 - Well, I am just back from picking up Zegan (named by one of the young people who works at the shelter
who did internet research for a good German name). He was a stray to a shelter we work with.
We had to make the whole trip ourselves -- 300 miles round trip -- as the transporter got called into work late last
night and didn't call us. It was well worth the trip. This boy is beautiful -- way too thin -- and already bonded with
our Abby Girl. They are now sitting on the couch -- Abby on Dick's lap -- and Zegan nestled on the other side of the
couch. As of this moment, I feel truly blessed.
He goes to the vet tomorrow and for a bath Monday morning, and I can't imagine him doing anything but fine with
both. One great thing -- Abby loves the car but is the worst traveler -- Zegan sat down, laid down and slept the
entire way home with the exception of one walk.
