The Villages - July 2018 - 8

{ For The

Love

oF PeTs }

Meet a 'Porkie' Named Pogo
By Rica Lewis | Photo By RoB wiLKeRsoN

She's 5 pounds of fun - a petite pooch with a big
personality. Eight years ago, Pogo hopped into the Quakenbush
home, earning her name and a place in the family.
"A friend's daughter was a breeder," Carol Quakenbush
said. "We arranged to visit my parents in Michigan and drive
back through Ohio to see a puppy."
A mix of Pomeranian and Yorkshire terrier, Pogo is
affectionately referred to as a "porkie." After her first family
returned her, the 4-month-old pup wound up back with the
breeder and awaiting a second shot at adoption. Seemingly
aware of the circumstances, the little ham hopped up and
slathered Carol with kisses - her fluffy face beaming.
"I think someone told her if she was really good to us, we
would take her home," Carol joked.
But Pogo had another family member to meet and win
over - Ebony, Carol's loyal Pomeranian companion who had
been slowly declining.
"We sensed what was coming. Ebony was getting older,
becoming incontinent and running into walls," Carol said.
"She was showing all the end-of-life signs and we'd hoped a
new friend might help ease the pain of losing her."
But Pogo did more than cheer up the household. She
sparked new life into Ebony, and managed to teach the old
dog some new tricks.
"She wanted to play immediately," Carol said. "She
pushed Ebony to do things and helped her remember to go
outside. I believe Pogo extended her life. (Ebony) stopped
bumping into walls and became more playful and alert."
Much to Carol's surprise, Ebony lived to spend
another six years with Pogo and the family. At
age 15, she passed on. Her portrait hangs on
a wall in the Quakenbush home - a tribute
to the cherished canine Carol calls one-of-akind.
"Ebony was the best companion," Carol
said. "But having Pogo around has been
wonderful."
Now nearing her senior years, Pogo is as
spirited as ever. Her social demeanor draws friends
wherever she goes. As a member of the Dynamic Dog
Therapy Team, she puts her social skills to good use when
she visits local residents of memory care centers.
"Yesterday we were out for a walk and a lady with
five dogs stopped - and then another and another.
Dogs of all sizes were greeting each other, and

8

JULY 2018

pretty soon we were having a party. All the owners just took
a seat on the grass and hung out."
Due to a failed surgery for patellar luxation (kneecap
dislocation), Pogo has lost the use of one hind leg. But her
physical limitation has not slowed her down. She continues
to bounce through life, delighting old friends in the Village
of Virginia Trace and securing a place in the hearts
of strangers.



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The Villages - July 2018 - Contents
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