Success Story

Ziva

The Doggie Wears Prada

While driving through Marion, AR, in October 2008, Suzanne Musashe spotted a little terrier following an SUV up the street. "As the vehicle drove off, the dog sat in the middle of the road looking bewildered," Suzanne recalls.

Afraid for the dog's life, Suzanne got out of her car and called to her. "She ran as fast as her little feet could go and jumped into my arms," Suzanne tells us. "We'd never met, but this little ball of energy seemed very happy to see me." 

Since the pooch was wearing a pink collar, Suzanne was sure she belonged to someone.  "An animal control officer came over to me and said he'd been called about a little dog," Suzanne recalls. "I reluctantly gave her up, hoping that her owners would be found."

Two days later, when Suzanne visited the shelter to see if her furry friend had been claimed, she was shocked to see the pooch waiting in a kennel.  Ten days later, guess who found herself a new member of the Musashe family?

Now known as Ziva, this little spitfire makes it her business to keep the Musashes' former-couch potato pug on his toes. "Ziva chases him all around the house and outside in the fenced yard," Suzanne tells us. "She takes toys from him and nips at his legs in hopes that he'll come after her. Let me just say that our pug has shed a couple of pounds in the last few months." 

And what a girlie girl! Ziva not only stands up on her two back legs and does a little dance when she wants treats, but she's got wardrobe! "She loves when I dress her, especially in her pink rain jacket and poolside gear," says Suzanne. "She has a Vera Bradley purse carrier and a Sydney Love flying carrier for trips out to Portland to visit my son. Is my Ziva spoiled? You be the judge!" 



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To submit your Success Story, please email us at happytails@aspca.org. If your story is chosen, it will be featured on our website and weekly newsletter. Please include:

  • Your full name and e-mail address.
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  • Up to three photos in JPG format.
  • Please write "Happy Tail" in the subject line.

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