08/08/2026
In Loving Memory of Zoe: A Small Dog with a Big Legacy
February 22, 2010 – August 7, 2026
Zoe, a beloved Havanese–Bichon mix, passed away peacefully on August 7, 2026, surrounded by the love she gave so freely throughout her sixteen beautiful years. Sweet yet undeniably feisty, Zoe lived her life with a spark that made her unforgettable to everyone who crossed her path.
She was cherished unconditionally by her devoted Dog Mom, Rhonda, and adored by her Aunts, Uncles, Cousins, Nanas, friends, neighbors, and an entire community of people who delighted in her presence. Zoe’s life began in Boston’s Back Bay, where she spent her first ten years charming city dwellers with her personality and signature strut. In her later years, she made her home in Danvers, MA, where she was embraced by loving neighbors, her devoted Nana T, and her best buddy, Buddah.
Zoe lived a life full of accolades and adventures. In 2010, she was named one of Boston’s Cutest Dogs, a title she wore proudly. In 2012, she modeled dog clothing and accessories for designer Isaac Mizrahi, proving she was as comfortable on a runway as she was on a sidewalk. She was recognized as one of America’s Top Dog Models, and her radiant smile graced the July 2016 calendar. Zoe also claimed back to back victories in her doggy daycare’s Best Halloween Costume Contest in the small dog category, showcasing her flair for performance and her love of a good crowd. The first year, she dressed as a biker, complete with a leather jacket and leather hat; the following year, she dressed as a Geisha Girl.
Zoe’s impact extended beyond family and friends. She was the inspiration for Smart Paws Pet Safety and Training and proudly served as the face of its logo. The small business provided pet CPR and First Aid training for dog owners, with a special focus on doggie daycare providers, helping caregivers feel more prepared, confident, and capable in an emergency. In its very first year, Smart Paws certified 100 individuals — an early achievement that reflected both the need for this training and the trust the program quickly earned within the pet-care community. Through Smart Paws, Zoe’s spirit helped promote safer, more informed care for countless dogs and the people responsible for them.
Zoe also became a familiar and beloved presence at Hearth, Inc., where her mom works. Hearth provides affordable housing for formerly homeless elders, and Zoe came to work regularly for nearly eight years, visiting with residents and staff and becoming part of the fabric of the community. Her steady presence offered comfort, companionship, and moments of joy to elders who had experienced hardship, while also bringing warmth and levity to the staff who cared for them. Whether greeting people in the office, accepting gentle attention from residents, or simply being nearby, Zoe helped create a softer, more welcoming environment. She continued these visits until her illness (Canine Cognitive Dementia) made travel too difficult, leaving behind many quiet but meaningful memories at Hearth.
She was active in agility at the MSPCA in Boston, where she trained, played, and received exceptional care over the years. When she moved to Danvers, she continued to receive loving support from Animal House Calls of the North Shore, whose home care approach made her senior years comfortable and dignified.
In her final two years, Zoe faced Canine Cognitive Dementia with the same resilience and sweetness that defined her life. Her neighbors, friends, and dog walkers showed extraordinary patience and tenderness, ensuring she remained surrounded by kindness even as her world became more confusing.
Zoe leaves behind a legacy of joy, loyalty, and unconditional love. She was a small dog with a big personality — a model, a competitor, a companion, and a cherished family member. Her presence made ordinary days brighter, and her memory will continue to do the same.
For those wishing to honor Zoe’s memory, donations may be made to Hearth, Inc., whose mission is to provide affordable housing and support for formerly homeless elders: www.hearth-home.org/donate-today
She will be forever missed and forever loved.
