Zuzu -- A Year in a Yorkie's Life

Seventeen and a Half Years Old!

2011-01-20T19:59:00.000-08:00

At 17 and 1/2 years, Zuzu prefers quiets days and rest. Here she checks out Maddie, the youngster of the group.

Merry Christmas

2010-12-20T20:01:00.000-08:00

Here's Maddie delivering the goods.

Shih Tzu on the Shelf

2010-11-27T18:32:00.000-08:00

Here's Maddie, three months old and cute as a puppy!

Dressed for Autumn

2010-10-30T19:38:00.000-07:00

Sophie and Maddie pose in their autumn colors.

Zuzu in Santa Barbara

2010-10-03T21:56:00.000-07:00

Zuzu by lamppost

To show that Zuzu is really behind the camera or in front of it in all of blog photos, here she is by the Santa Barbara lamppost.

Zuzu is soon retiring from travelling and quickly running out of photos from her past world-wide visits. Her year-long blog will be ending shortly, but her favorite photos and many other pictures will be shared on a new Flickr site: http://www.flickr.com/photos/gallery_prior/ (Note Flickr link has been corrected).

Be sure to visit the new site to see the best-of-Zuzu photos and wish her the best of luck.

Jolie in Santa Barbara, California

2010-09-17T20:11:00.000-07:00

Jolie at Lamppost

Jolie on Stairs

Jolie on Bench

Mykonos, Greece

2010-09-13T20:00:00.000-07:00

Able to make friends anywhere, Zuzu charmed this kitty in Mykonos, Greece.

Sierra Nevada Mountains

2010-08-29T12:25:00.000-07:00

Zuzu climbed the Sierra Nevada Mountains to 9000 feet, saw and sniffed dozens of California wildflowers.

Yellow flowers: Golden Yarrow

Zuzu rests on a fallen log.

Yellow flowers: Shrubby Butterwood

Purple: Large Leaf Lupine

Pleasanton Ridge, California

2010-08-15T18:40:00.000-07:00

Pleasanton Ridge Park, Northern California

The scent of summer hay filled the air.

Zuzu at 3 months

2010-08-15T18:37:00.000-07:00

True beauty is ageless. Zuzu

Southern California wildfire

2010-07-29T18:58:00.000-07:00

No rest for the Yorkie. Zuzu runs from a Southern California wildfire.

17 Years Old!

2010-07-22T17:50:00.000-07:00

Zuzu celebrates her 17th birthday by visiting a sidewalk cafe in Pasadena, California and dining on a garden salad and garlic bread.

Sierra Wildflower Series 1

2010-07-12T20:54:00.000-07:00

Zuzu spent a day hiking in the high Sierras of California and sniffing all these flowers that were in the same area--9,000 feet high with a view of Nevada and snow-capped mountains.

Blue Elderberry (left white wildflower)

Large Leaf Lupine (right blue wildflower)

Giant Red Painbrush (below red wildflower)

Foggy Day in the Bay Area

2010-07-04T09:51:00.000-07:00

-
-
-
-

Sunrise at the Coyote Hills park

near Fremont, California.

Zuzu in Paris

2010-06-25T09:07:00.000-07:00

"It will be another cold day in Paris when I get there again." Zuzu

Zuzu in Basket

2010-06-22T19:08:00.000-07:00

Bella in Basket

2010-06-22T19:07:00.000-07:00

-
-
-
Cute, but no Yorkie.

Springtime in Ohio

2010-06-09T20:29:00.000-07:00

What dog would not like a place like this.

Zuzu has walked along many trails at the Holden Aboretum in Kirtland, Ohio.

Foggy Day in San Francisco

2010-05-28T18:03:00.000-07:00

A foggy day and a warm fur coat.

Zuzu rests her paws after a long walk across the Golden Gate Bridge.

Thinking of You

2010-05-23T20:18:00.001-07:00

I think, therefore I am dog.

Jolie (Zuzu's sister)

Monterey, California

2010-05-16T16:07:00.001-07:00

"Nothing is as colorful as a puppy's personality." Zuzu

Trinidad State Beach, California

2010-05-16T15:50:00.000-07:00

A perfect pose makes for a perfect picture. Zuzu

Yosemite Reflections

2010-05-09T16:46:00.001-07:00

"Sometimes in reflections you can see more than yourself." Zuzu
-
-
-
- Zuzu has travelled to Yosemite National Park many times to search her inner puppy soul.

The Colors of Antelope Valley, CA

2010-04-27T18:06:00.000-07:00

Here's Jolie (Zuzu's sister) showing off her favorite background colors.

Orange: California Poppy

Purple: Owl's Clover

Yellow: Bigelow Coreopsis

Antelope Valley Poppy Fields

2010-04-24T10:59:00.000-07:00

Enjoying flowers, family, fun, and sun. Zuzu

Bella's Birthday

2010-04-18T20:06:00.000-07:00

"Any day with presents makes it a little brighter." Zuzu

Zuzu on Bella's birthday nine years ago.

Pleasanton Ridge, California

2010-04-05T19:45:00.001-07:00

"Sometimes the uphill road gives the best view." Zuzu

Zuzu climbed this hill (1993) in Northern California to simply enjoy the sun.

Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco

2010-04-01T16:35:00.000-07:00

"Sometimes a bridge is more than a walk--it can also be a place to think." Zuzu

Zuzu has walked the Golden Gate many times and seemed happier with every crossing.

Lone Cypress, Monterey, California

2010-03-29T19:03:00.001-07:00

"Here's why I felt the wind in my fur and the sand beneath my paws." Zuzu

Zuzu, in her younger years, climbed the trail to the Lone Cypress in Monterey.

Zuzu as Puppy

2010-03-24T20:19:00.000-07:00

Zuzu at three months old with brother Skippy (a Maltese).

"Think tall and do big things." Zuzu

Yorkie on the Lily Pad

2010-03-21T21:00:00.000-07:00

Wishing for my frog prince. Zuzu

Happy St. Patrick's Day

2010-03-14T18:27:00.000-07:00

Jolie (Zuzu's sister):

Be My Friend

2010-03-08T19:40:00.000-08:00

Who is a dog's best friend?

Another puppy, perhaps. Zuzu

Pleasanton Ridge, California

2010-03-07T16:37:00.000-08:00

Summer and fall are the best times of all. Zuzu

Mykonos, Greece: Waiting for Lunch

2010-03-02T16:47:00.000-08:00

Snack time is any time that the scent of fish is in the air. Zuzu

Mykonos, Greece: More Friends

2010-03-01T16:34:00.000-08:00

I've learned that a good smile will take you a long way. Zuzu

Zuzu met these new friends in Mykonos, Greece.

Mykonos, Greece: Cats I have Known

2010-02-28T18:33:00.001-08:00

I can make friends anywhere. Zuzu

Waiting for Spring

2010-02-21T16:29:00.000-08:00

Coco's Story:

One year ago, the dog pound simply described him as a 2-year old terrier mix with less than a day to live.

He was thin, had no tags, and apparently had a face that no one wanted. He couldn't say where he was from and couldn't tell anyone of the life he had.

If he could speak, here's the story he would share:

I ran free every day. The only time I felt a leash was when I misbehaved--and that was hardly ever. My owner would tell me "Bad Puppy!" and then she would tie me up. I learned to run away when my owner called me.

But I loved cars, and if you whistled, I would jump in. I loved the wind in my fur.

I miss sleeping in bed with my owner.

I never had training, except to catch popcorn in midair.

I wonder why they never looked for me when I got lost.

***** Please share Coco's story and his picture on Spay Day USA (February 23) *****

By the way, my real name is Coco. Of all the names my new Dad could call me, he picked the one that I always had. These days, I have a new life and, despite my sad-looking face, I am the happiest puppy around--just waiting for spring.

Yosemite National Park

2010-02-14T17:57:00.000-08:00

I've learned that there are some hills that I cannot climb.

But I can always dream. Zuzu

Chloe

2010-02-07T16:31:00.000-08:00

My sister, Chloe, as a baby.

I am still young at heart. Zuzu

Kirtland, Ohio

2010-01-31T19:15:00.000-08:00

When I was young I barked at a small boy and chased him near this lake.

I don't chase anyone now, but I can still bark. Zuzu

Angeles National Forest, California

2010-01-24T16:17:00.000-08:00

Sometimes I meditate on a mountain top and realize that I am much more than a small dog. Zuzu

Hollywood, CA

2010-01-16T17:44:00.000-08:00

"I'm ready for my closeup now." Zuzu

Celebrating her 16 and 1/2 birthday, Zuzu gets ready for a big day in the city.

Telling Secrets

2010-01-11T18:12:00.000-08:00

Here is my sister Maggie spreading gossip about me. Zuzu

Provence, France

2010-01-08T20:42:00.000-08:00

Flowers, grass, and warm sun. Here's a place where I liked to run. Zuzu

St. Tropez, France

2010-01-02T08:59:00.001-08:00

Here's where I had a picnic with my Dad.

I learned that chicken salad is much better than a nice view. Zuzu

Christmas in the Mojave Desert

2009-12-18T18:27:00.000-08:00

Does Santa really come to the desert?

Dressed for Christmas

2009-12-13T18:46:00.000-08:00

Waiting for Christmas with sisters Jolie, Maggie, Bella, and Chloe.

Angel at the Gate

2009-12-06T23:26:00.000-08:00

Here's my sister Maggie posing in my garden. Zuzu

Santa's Helpers

2009-12-01T20:00:00.000-08:00

Seattle, Washington

2009-11-29T23:30:00.000-08:00

I would stalk the big game, but I don't like to get my paws wet! Zuzu

Egret and Zuzu on the Puget Sound. A snowy Mt. Baker floats in the background.

St. Tropez, France

2009-11-22T09:45:00.000-08:00

Yesterday I got seasick on a sailboat in the bay. Today I sipped water at a small cafe. I have good days and bad, but my good memories are best. Zuzu

Coco

2009-11-15T23:45:00.000-08:00

Here's my little brother Coco. He looked scruffy and dirty when we adopted him from the pound. He's still scruffy, but we cleaned him up nice. Zuzu

Dressing for Autumn

2009-11-08T23:53:00.000-08:00

Here I am, all ready for the cool autumn weather. Zuzu

Muir Woods Redwoods

2009-11-05T23:49:00.000-08:00

This is where I walked until the ranger chased me away. Even with the tall trees and loud ranger, I never felt small. Zuzu

Knitting

2009-10-31T23:15:00.000-07:00

Nice wool is almost as soft as a Yorkie's fur. Zuzu

Sisters Sophie and Bella

2009-10-29T18:48:00.000-07:00

I've learned that sharing can be good. Here I let Sophie and Bella share my basket for a family photo. Zuzu

Halloween

2009-10-25T23:23:00.000-07:00

Grace under pressure. Zuzu

Autumn in Washington

2009-10-21T23:37:00.000-07:00

Four years ago, but this picture shows that this Yorkie never ages. Zuzu

Chloe, Sophie, and Bella are beside me. Joilie is behind.

Mykonos, Greece

2009-10-18T23:49:00.000-07:00

I climbed this hill and felt on top of the world--exactly where a Yorkie belongs. Zuzu

My Sisters in California

2009-10-14T23:45:00.000-07:00

Sometimes other dogs try too hard to be cute. Zuzu

Here are Jolie (on left), Bella, and Sophie.

Mykonos, Greece

2009-10-11T23:49:00.000-07:00

Here I am, staring at a passing cat in Mykonos, Greece.

I've learned that cats must always be watched--no matter where they are. Zuzu

Santa Barbara, California

2009-10-07T23:47:00.000-07:00

Even a top dog can get distracted once in a while. Zuzu

Autumn

2009-10-04T23:56:00.000-07:00

Some say that I have autumn colors, but I'm really a dog for all seasons. Zuzu

Mono Lake, California

2009-10-01T07:09:00.000-07:00

I remember the small flies in the sand. They must have thought that this big Yorkie was a god. Even flies can be smart. Zuzu

My sister Bella

2009-09-27T23:30:00.000-07:00

My sister, Bella, sleeps like a pretty dog, but I have the dreams of a big dog. Zuzu

Yosemite, El Capitan

2009-09-24T23:30:00.000-07:00

I've been here many times, and although the cold snow stuck to my paws, the sun warmed my nose and made me sleepy.

I curled up in my Daddy's camera bag that was on the snow and took a nap.

I've learned that having a good nap is very important.

My Younger Sisters

2009-09-20T19:39:00.000-07:00

Five years ago, here I am posing again with Chloe (on my far right), Maggie, and Bella.

It was damp and cold, but all I could think of was the nice cookie above the camera.

With a good reward I can pose in any conditions.

California, Sonoma Coast

2009-09-16T20:26:00.000-07:00

I also remember this day when I walked near the Russian River nearby my home in Sonoma County. The sun was out and there was no wind--that's what made it so unusual.

I like the sun, but I don't like how the wind ruffles this Yorkie's fur.

Monterey, California

2009-09-13T17:42:00.000-07:00

Here I was on the California Coast in Monterey. I remember that the ocean smelled more than the flowers.

And I remember that the crab smelled more than the ocean. I tasted crab for the very first time. It was good!

Zuzu in Garden

2009-09-13T15:42:00.000-07:00

OK, half of my pictures will be of me and my sisters (mostly me, of course). The other half will be places I've seen.

Here I am in my garden in Washington. I normally don't pose for pictures, but I'm a Yorkie, so no matter where I am, I am cute.

Seattle

2009-09-10T12:05:00.000-07:00

Here's another of my favorite beach pictures with my sisters Jolie (on rock), Sophie (in front), and Bella (looking at a seagull).

That's Seattle behind me and also Mt. Rainier. Although I never climbed that mountain, I think I could get to the top in a couple hours, because I have really strong Yorkie feet.

Mykonos, Greece

2009-09-07T19:58:00.000-07:00

Other dogs ask me if Yorkies are afraid of anything. I have to say, "no," but even so sometimes we decide to be careful. Here is a picture of a really big bird that I saw when I walked through the streets of Mykonos, Greece.

His name is Petros, and he didn't even scare me when he jumped up by this tree. I ignored him, and lucky for him, he ignored me too. Sometimes being a Yorkie means knowing when to be polite.

Straw Dogs

2009-09-06T09:16:00.000-07:00

Good new from my vet! He says that I am healthy, considering my age. Here I am celebrating with my sisters, Jolie, and Sophie (on my left) in front of some really smelly straw.

The straw makes me think of autumn and cooler weather ahead.

Backyard in Washington

2009-09-05T09:47:00.000-07:00

I'm resting today, and I remember four years ago when the weather was cool and I didn't see much of the sun.

This is me and my sister, Jolie, in the backyard of my house in Washington. She always tries to get in the picture, but I'm more cute, so no one will notice.

I didn't like the rain, but I miss the cool weather.

Visit to Ojai, California

2009-09-04T20:08:00.000-07:00

Ruff day today. I went to our vet, and he said I have a big heart, a big liver, and thin bones in my hip. But my teeth are good, my lungs are clear, and I have the energy of a fourteen-year-old.

Except for the hot weather (here I am in 100 degree Ojai, California), I feel OK. I went home, took a long nap, and now everything is better. I live for the moment, and at this moment I want a dog cookie.

Blue Sky

2009-09-03T19:22:00.001-07:00

My life is almost back to normal. Not too hot--only 95 degrees, no smoke, and no wind. It's good to be back outside again by the Joshua trees in Lancaster, California.

I took a bath to get rid of the smoky smell and to make my fur silky smooth again. Now it's time to bark for my cookie.

Wildfire is gone

2009-09-02T19:43:00.000-07:00

The fire is no longer close, but it's windy outside, and the sky is the same color as the food in my dog bowl. I stayed inside most of the day expect for my walk around the block.

This is a picture of my sister, Sophie. She is four years old, and I met her in Washington. She is kind of a brat, but she leaves me alone, except when she grabs my dog biscuits from the floor in front of me. I'm trying to teach her that this Yorkie still rules the house.

Wildfire getting closer

2009-09-01T19:34:00.000-07:00

Smoky sky today from all the fires, and I tried to stay inside where it was cool and the air was good. Late today, I went for a walk; planes flew low overhead, and I could hardly see the sun. I tried to run, but the heat and smoky air slowed me down. Good to get back inside where I could rest.

Wildfire

2009-08-31T11:02:00.000-07:00

Here I am in the deserts of Southern California. I'm not sure, but I think the fire is getting closer. Even though the wind is pushing the smoke away, I can still smell it. Don't like it at all!

Wildfire

2009-08-29T14:56:00.000-07:00

Today I woke up in Southern California and smelled smoke. When I went outside to use the backyard grass, I looked up and saw a dark sky with a very hazy sun. Ashes were falling all around me, and it made the day--already 95 degrees, hot and dry--even more uncomfortable. I think the fire is far away, so I'm not too concerned. I'll just stay inside, where it's nice and cool--and take a nap.