‘Zoe’ a big fan of ‘American Idol’

While many Brownsville viewers enjoy watching the hit television series, “American Idol,” none are more loyal than “Zoe,” a white and brown Shih Tzu with a passion for music.

Known for her playful antics and friendly personality, Zoe is the second-place winner of The Brownsville Herald’s Cutest Pet contest.

She often busies herself playing fetch with her owner, Crystal Garcia, or visiting with her neighbor-hood canine friends. But on Tuesday and Wednesday nights, as America decides the fate of yet another singer, Zoe takes on a completely different persona.

“I think she just enjoys the music and hearing them sing,” Garcia said. “At one point she actually danced with my mother. She got up on her hind legs and she was balancing herself.”

Garcia, 23, said she first noticed Zoe’s attraction to the show during the first episode of this most recent season when her dog, who is usually pretty active, sat on the couch and became focused on the show.

“She just had her full attention on the screen,” Garcia said. “She would make little head movements on all the little inclinations in the song.”

Since then, Garcia said that Zoe has watched about nine American Idol episodes, cuddling with both Garcia and her mother Hope as they gather for their mid-week ritual. She said her dog, who turned 1 year old this past November, also likes commercials and is a very intelligent pet.

Now, as the American Idol contest draws closer to revealing its star of the season, chances are it will have ample support from a dedicated four-legged fan.

“We don’t force her to sit down with us or anything,” Garcia said. “More than likely she will be sitting with us and watching it all on her own.”