Susan and Gene Allen have owned Standard Poodles since 1989. Nine-year-old Zoe is their third. “We love them because they’re smart, awesome with kids and other dogs, and great companions,” says Susan, adding that Zoe is almost too smart.

 

While trained by a professional trainer twice, Susan jokes that Zoe chooses to obey only when she wants or is offered a tasty treat as a reward. “We like to say she has us trained about how she wants us,” Susan notes, as opposed to the other way around.

 

The Allens got Zoe from KaDee’s Poodles in Stockbridge. Their first poodle was named Abbey and their second Lulu. When they got Zoe, they wanted to choose a name that began with a letter toward the end of the alphabet and decided “Zoe” would be fun.

 

Zoe likes to chase squirrels and chipmunks, and is so fast she sometimes catches one. “You can’t say ‘squirrel’ out loud near her or she’ll run to the nearest window and look for one,” notes Susan.

The pup also loves pillows and the Allens will often find their decorative or bed pillows strown throughout the house. “She likes to burrow herself in the middle of them,” says Susan.

 

Zoe is a happy, friendly Standard Poodle who is always excited to meet people when Susan takes her for a walk near their Club Drive home. The sweet pooch constantly wags her tail and gets along great with each of the Allen’s grown sons’ dogs. She also likes to lick people, which is a common trait of poodles.

 

When Susan and Gene travel, Zoe is a great companion. She rides well in the car and enjoys running on the beach. “She spreads happiness wherever she goes,” says Susan.

 

SMALL PIECE TO RUN IN A BOX OR JUST NEXT TO PRECIOUS PET FEATURE

HEAD = In Memoriam: RIP Winston

 

We were saddened by the news that last month’s Precious Pet Winston passed away just as the April issue of Stroll Historic Brookhaven was hitting the mail. “It is with a heavy heart that I have to tell you that your subject and one of my best friends Winston passed away Saturday night,” wrote Bob Brooker, Winston’s longtime owner. Winston was 16 years old.

 

We send Bob and his wife Patty our sincere condolences and thank them for allowing us to share Winston’s story with our Historic Brookhaven neighborhood. We know he will be dearly missed by neighbors and all his dog friends as well.