Habari! (Hi in Swahili) My name is Zola Klinka. Zola means quiet and tranquil in Swahili. I am a Rhodesian Ridgeback and my breed originated in Africa. In the 19th century, we were used to help hunters corner lions. We didn’t attack the lion, but we kept them at bay while staying out of its reach. There is a ridge of hair on a Ridgeback’s back that grows the opposite way and looks raised (this does not mean that I’m upset in any way).
In November 2020, mom and dad (Melinda and Tom Klinka) came to the AKC breeder where they acquired their prior Ridgebacks over the past 30 years. They had recently lost their third beloved Ridgeback, Shaka. My sisters and I were placed on their laps, but I was smart enough to give both of them lots of kisses. So, I chose them! They chose me; the rest is history!
They owned three other Ridgebacks before me, so I knew they had experience with my breed. My first doggie friend was a Jack Russell Terrier named Piglet. When my parents took me to the dog park, Piglet would run right ahead of me and I would just chase right behind her. We had a blast running around. As a puppy, I had super long legs and I would run like a gazelle my mom says, even in the snow. I love going to the dog park and then once home, I sleep for the rest of the day.
I had a slow feeding dog bowl for my food when I was little, so I didn’t eat it so quickly. When I was older, I graduated to a regular bowl, but I still inhale my food in less than a minute. My mom and dad worked really hard on training me, since they knew from experience that I would get really strong. I completed two training classes plus practiced at home. It’s kind of like school with homework. Now, I listen very well.
We moved into our new home at PebbleCreek in September 2022. When the sun comes up, I wake up my mom with kisses and then I’m ready for my walk/run. I have discovered the golf cart. All I do is lay my nose on the seat and my parents know that I want a ride. I sit right next to my dad. Sometimes we visit the dog park; other times we ride around. It’s so much fun! When we go to the dog park, all I want to do is run. Later, I lay next to my parents at night while they watch TV; they give me lots of petting. I lay my head right on dad’s lap. It’s so relaxing.
Whenever I meet new people, I give them a friendly greeting. Leaning into them, I allow them to pet me. My tail wags constantly, especially when I’m being petted. I love living here, but sometimes I miss the snow that we had in Wisconsin—not!