SUN CITY – On most days. you can see a dog enjoying a bike ride around Wildflower Lake, the tennis courts, or anywhere in Sun City, fueled by the leg power of resident Rich Koziol.
“PJ is a rescue dog,” Koziol said. “He was saved from being put down at around a year old by a vet technician who understood that he was a good dog that deserved a chance.”
PJ had a rough start.
“When we first adopted PJ, he was very thin and people remarked that he looked like he might have some coyote,” he said.
Koziol took a suggestion from his veterinarian and had a DNA test done to see if PJ had some coyote genes.
“The test result ruled out ‘coyote’ and showed PJ was a full-blooded German Shepherd,” Koziol said.
PJ is no longer a puppy, but that doesn’t stop him from being active.
“PJ is now approximately ten years of age. His back legs have issues and he cannot walk and run as he once did. So, one of the activities we like to do together is to go for bikes rides in our cargo bike,” Koziol said.
Is PJ a cyclist at heart?
Many people ask if PJ likes his bike rides and how do I get him up in the cargo basket,” he said. “The answer is yes. PJ loves his bike rides even though he may often lie down due to his weak back legs. And how do I get him up in the basket? It’s simple, I get the cargo bike out and as soon as he sees it, he runs towards it and jumps in.”
PJ’s bark is no indicator of a bite.
“Some people may have seen PJ barking at other dogs occasionally. PJ is not a mean or aggressive dog however he is ‘leash reactive.’ Being leash reactive is a common issue with many dogs. Although many dogs take well to a leash it is unnatural for one dog to approach another dog while on a leash. They can feel trapped not knowing if the other dog is friendly or not. Approaching another dog head on is unnatural and the leash increases the anxiety. Dogs off leash approach each other in a curved fashion so they can begin the sniffing until they feel secure the other dog is no threat. PJ’s leash reactiveness is due in large part to the abuse and neglect he received during his young and developmental days.”
Koziol is no stranger to dog ownership, and he has had four dogs in his life.
“A dog is a member of your family. People can take care of themselves, but a dog depends on us,” Koziol said.
“PJ, although ten, still enjoys learning new activities. I recently purchased a canoe and when I laid it down on the lawn at home PJ took one look and jumped right in. So, our next adventure might be canoeing together,” Koziol said,
Most days you can see PJ and his ride sitting under the shade of PJ’s favorite tree, watching the sunset.
