Zora is . . . A black female, German-coated Giant Schnauzer born June 22, 2005.  Her name means "golden dawn," and her transition since arriving in the Land of O.Z.Z. has certainly made for a new beginning.
The Wiz sneaked this photo of me after we came home from a PetSmart marathon:  I spent the morning in the vet's office; the afternoon with the groomer; and another hour shopping.  Needless to say, I was pooped.  So what's a girl to do?  I did as any respectable Giant would do -- I promptly climbed into The Wiz's bed, moved the pillows around until I was comfortable, and then pulled the covers up over me.  Can you say "Diva?"
More about Zora:
I came to live in the Land of O.Z.Z. exactly two weeks after Obie, at the age of seven months.  TheWiz will tell you that I was extremely undersocialized and afraid of practically everything -- the vet even labeled me a "fear biter" and a potential liability.  (Well, I DID put a hole in one of the vet tech's shirt, but I can explain:  see, I had an ear infection, and that docter was poking in my ears and I didn't know where The Wiz was, so I got really scared.  I realized that if I snapped at people they would go away -- the vet tech didn't though.  I am really sorry about it.  Everyone at Banfield knows me and my pack now becuase of me (guess I'm kinda "infamous," huh?)  Never one to back down from a challenge -- and I was a huge one -- The Wiz proceeded to work with me until I was able to overcome most of my fears.  She took me EVERYWHERE, introduced me to a whole lot of new people and got me used to hearing many everyday noises that I was unaccustomed to hearing out in the country.  The Wiz says that she is really proud of how well I've blossomed.  I'll even allow some strangers to pet me, if they allow me to figure out if they are friend or foe first.  The Wiz says this is a good thing, because Giants are naturally suspicious of strangers -- so I think I'm beginning to get the hang of things!  And you know what?  I'm proud of myself because when I last went to the vet I behaved like a perfect little lady -- I even let the vet and the techs rub my belly!

The Wiz thinks I'm a clown . . . I guess I have my entertaining moments.  I cracked her up one day because she'd been getting a lot of advice from The Dog Whisperer, and was using his rehabilitation methods on me.  Anyhow, Obie was being annoying as usual, so I took his Kong away from him (I had mine, too).  Well, The Wiz used that "energy tap" that Cesar Milan uses on me.  (She'd been using that tap for a while, and it had become passe.)  Well, I thought I'd tap her back to she what happened.  So I hopped up on the sofa next to her, tapped her on the shoulder with my paw and laughed.  When she laughed, I knew I had her, and I was off the hook!   Teeheehee!  Needless to say, I keep her on her toes.

You know what else I do to crack up The Wiz?  When she tells me to knock it off when I'm barking late at night, I simply lay down in front of the door and "whisper-bark" for a good 15-20 minutes.  (She should appreciate the fact that I'm just doing my job -- protecting our property).  The Wiz says I'm a silly dog.  The way I see it, if I can keep her in stitches, I can just about (not always -- The Wiz is no pushover, and I think she's on to me) manipulate my way out of any trouble.

I love it here in the Land of O.Z.Z.!
Interesting Facts about the Giant Schnauzer:
It is believed that Giant Schnauzers were bred by crossing Standard Schnauzers with Great Danes and other working dogs (including the Bouvier de Flandres).  In Germany, the Giant Schnauzer is known as the "Reisenschnauzer."
Giant Schnauzers were originally bred for use as cattle drovers and guardians of the livestock.  As people began to use more automated modes of transporting livestock, Giants were used as beerhall dogs, butcher shop dogs and guard dogs. They are also used in police and military work, although more so in Europe than in the U.S.
The Giant is a working dog -- not a terrier (although it does have somewhat of a terrier-like temperament) -- and, as such, must have a job to do or it will create one . . . sometimes to its or your detriment.  This dog requires a LOT of exercise,  and is definitely not a dog for couch potatoes.  (Think tenacity of a terrier in a 100-pound package!)
The Giant is very intelligent, loyal and affectionate.  Despite their size, they are excellent housepets.  This is truly a Velcro dog -- it bonds strongly with its owner and will follow you EVERYWHERE you go.  While Giants learn very quickly, they also bore very easily.  This translates into a Giant doing what you want it to do when the Giant wants to do it.  They are also very headstrong.  If you do not assume the pack leader position from day one, it's just a matter of time before the Giant takes over the household.
The Giant is a thinking dog, as well as a clown.   One must take care as to what the Giant is allowed to see, as they learn incredibly fast.  Zora has figured out how to get ice from the icemaker, and to open the interior doors of the house.  If anything is left on the counters, it is fair game:  that steak that you placed on the bar a half hour ago, will be gone as soon as you are out of eyesight.  The Giant didn't forget it was there -- he was just waiting for an opportunity to claim the steak.  Don't think for one moment that enough time passed for the Giant to forget!  This dog remembers EVERYTHING.
Zora's Likes:
Zora's Dislikes:
- lying lengthwise across the pillows of the bed
- car rides
- countersurfing (so far I've snagged lamb chops and two steaks)
- daily walks in the neighborhood
- visiting Mockingbird Point or Bark Central dog parks
- swimming
- getting groomed
- going to the vet (although he's a very nice man)
- people who walk up to me and stick their fingers in my face.  I don't like that one bit!
- large two-legged creatures who run past when we're out for our walks,and two-legged creatures on two-wheeled contraptions
- when I get dive-bombed by Obie
- when I get caught countersurfing
My Pedigree
Email Zora!
Oberon's Page Zigfried's Page
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