Chihuahua Poodle Mix Dog for Adoption in Huntington Beach, California

Adopt Zora

Some dogs spend their lives trying to be good dogs. Zora has spent hers perfecting the art of being Zora. For the past eight years, this funny, affectionate little cream-colored character has been best friend, bed warmer, road-trip companion, fetch champion, welcoming committee and occasional professional dancer to the person who has loved her since she was just 18 years old. That’s a lot of life to share with one little dog. And now, through circumstances rather than choice, Zora now needs someone new to share hers with.

Zora is the sort of dog who approaches life with the firm belief that whatever you’re doing sounds wonderful.

Going for a hike?

She’s coming.

Taking a drive?

Move over.

Planning an ambitious afternoon involving pajamas, snacks and absolutely nothing productive?

Finally, a person with sensible priorities.

She is playful and lively when there’s fun to be had, but Zora possesses an equally impressive commitment to cuddling. She loves belly scratches. She sleeps in bed with her person. And she is quite happy to be picked up and carried around like a baby — an arrangement Zora apparently considers completely appropriate for a lady of her standing.

Then there is fetch.

Zora doesn’t merely own a ball. She has a collection of balls, because presumably a girl needs options.

She also loves little stuffed lambs, will enthusiastically consider essentially any treat placed before her, and has learned that treats can sometimes be acquired through performance.

Ask Zora to “dance,” and up she goes onto her hind legs, where she can remain for a surprisingly long time. She also knows “shake.”

And if you happen to have a camera handy, all the better.

Her family reports that Zora is an excellent poser who has provided them with no shortage of wonderfully silly photographs over the years. In fact, one of the five things they love most about her is simply that “she looks funny. She will always give you something to laugh about.”

How can you not love a testimonial like that?

Zora loves people, too. She’s highly social, reportedly wonderful with children and generally considers the arrival of a guest an event worthy of her personal attention.

She currently shares her home successfully with another dog. When unfamiliar dogs appear on walks, Zora can get excited and bark, so her family tends to choose quieter routes. Any introductions to a new canine roommate should simply be thoughtful and gradual. Her experience with cats isn’t known.

She’s mostly house trained, does well when left alone, isn’t a fan of crates, and is spayed, current on vaccinations and reported to be in excellent health.

But those are details.

The important thing to understand about Zora is that she has been someone’s little dog for almost their entire adult life.

Her person was only 18 when Zora came along.

They grew up together.

And when her family talks about what they’ll miss, it isn’t a list of accomplishments or commands. It’s her: the little princess with the enormous personality. The dog who’s always delighted to see them. The cuddler. The comedian. The life of the party.

Rehoming Zora because life no longer leaves enough time for her is not an easy decision. It’s an act of recognizing that this affectionate, engaged little dog deserves more than whatever time can be squeezed out of an impossibly busy schedule.

Her family has given themselves time to find the right person.

Someone who wants a companion.

Someone who could use a copilot for car rides, a willing participant in adventures, an enthusiastic fetch opponent and a warm little body curled up beside them when the day is done.

Someone willing to accept that snacks may occasionally require a dance performance.

If you’ve been reading this with an increasingly ridiculous smile on your face, Zora may already be working her magic.

Come meet this funny little princess.

She has spent eight years making one person’s life considerably more entertaining.

Maybe it’s your turn next. ❤️