Zoey, a Little Chihuahua with a Brave Heart

Monty and Denise Long have always had animals in their lives, so when their little Chihuahua passed away, their son gifted them with another one which they named Zoey. Little did they know this 10-month, 5-pound, long-haired Chihuahua would stand up against a rattlesnake and save their grandson’s life.

One day in July of last year, when Booker West, Monty’s one-year-old grandson was playing on the birdbath in the backyard of their country home in Colorado, Zoey suddenly bolted from Monty’s side and let out a yelp. Monty ran over to investigate and realized that Zoey had gotten in between the toddler and a snake and had taken bites from the rattlesnake right on his forehead. They quickly rushed him to the veterinarian, which was about 45 minutes away. For a while no one thought Zoey could make it, because his head had swollen to the size of a grapefruit. It took four days for him to be out of critical condition and he is now back to his active, loving and playful self, as if nothing had ever happened.

In March, Golden Year 5 (2008), Mr. and Mrs. Long were delighted to receive the Shining World Hero Award on behalf of Zoey. In addition to the beautiful crystal plaque were two lovely jackets with “Hero Zoey” imprinted on the back, a cozy dog bed which fit his size just right, vegetarian dog food and treats, as well as some of Master’s recent books and DVDs for Zoey’s caregivers. Mr. and Mrs. Long are very happy that Zoey received all this recognition and are collecting pictures, articles and memorabilia so that one day they can tell their grandson Booker how their little Chihuahua, Zoey, had saved his life!