Sixth grader adores bilingual dog
By Mimi M. Maddock

Hannah Quackenbush and her dog, Zero Photo by Mike Maddock

Hannah Quackenbush wanted to be a veterinarian the first eight years of her life, but she couldn't stand the thought of seeing animals in pain. The next two years she thought about being an animal scientist, but then she wouldn't have much direct contact with animals. For the last year she has settled for being an animal behaviorist. This sixth grader loves animals especially Zero and Fly, her two Australian shepherds. She has even "brought several animals back to life" including a fly, cockroach, and bird.

Hannah won a story in The Columbia Star about her favorite pet at the Rosewood Auction last year. She chose Zero.

Hannah and her mother and father, Cheryl Holland and Doug Quackenbush visited new-born puppies at a farm in Lugoff several times. On their fourth visit, the owner said, "Hannah, it is time to pick out your puppies." Hannah cried and cried because the puppies would have to leave their mother.

But Zero and her sister, Fly, have been loved deeply by their new mother, Hannah, the last five years. Hannah has learned a lot about her dogs."Sheep dogs have to have their tails cut off because the sheep step on them, and it hurts," she said. Also, "Zero is the alpha dog (the leader of the pack), even though he is the smaller of the two. "Usually, the smallest dog is the alpha," explained Hannah.

Zero was named after the dog in the movie The Nightmare Before Christmas because that dog was also very loving and supportive. Zero is always close by Hannah when she is doing her homework, playing board games, or playing the piano. During the day he sits in the pantry by the door and waits for her to come home from school. Zero cherishes the time he has with Hannah because she is a very busy young lady. This sixth grader is in all academic advanced placement classes in Richland School District One. She plays the bass in her school's orchestra and takes ballet four times a week at the USC School of Dance.

Not only is Zero loving, but he is also smart. He climbs steps and uses a doggy door when he has to go outside. He pulls Hannah when she rides her scooter; however, it becomes quite exciting when he sees a squirrel. Zero can jump through hoops, dance the waltz, do the wheelbarrow, and he is also bilingual. He answers to English and Spanish.