Zeus: More than a dog

"You don't know who is important to you until you actually lose them." - Mahatma Gandhi

R.I.P January 15, 2021

It’s strange how a house full of memories can feel empty; silence echoes loudly. The scents that once annoyed me now bring me tears and the photos that brought me joy, pain me. Grieving brings more grief; you can no longer kiss the tears away. You entered our life filling an emptiness and departed leaving an un-fillable crater. I want to run and hide but there is no escaping the prison of memories. -Ardnas Marie

Zeus wasn't a Champion breed or even a purebred of any kind. He was a four-weeks-old mutt being sold in front of Wal-Mart. We brought him home and learned quickly, puppies are like babies. Unable to have children of our own, Zeus filled that void.

At the time, I worked hospice and traveled a lot. I was able to get Zeus certified and brought him with me. When clients did not want care, I could do pet therapy if they wanted. When I saw my clients in nursing homes, I took him to bed-bound residents and watched their faces light up.

Zeus grew up with eight of my nieces and nephews from infancy and had several sleepovers with my niece and nephew, Amber and Ryland. Zeus turned dog haters into dog lovers, making friends everywhere he went. Family and friends fought over who got him if anything happened to us. We never thought we would have to actually appoint someone but it became a huge debate.

For years, our neighbors simply referred to us as Zeus's parents. We walked everyday and he cumulated a group of people he insisted on visiting. It wasn't until he passed we realized the ones he checked on were elderly, lived alone, or had someone with special needs. Even on his last day, weak and drugged, he made his rounds, checking on his people.

To most, Zeus was nothing more than a dog. To those who knew him, he was a companion, friend, happiness, love, family. I never knew how much he meant to the neighborhood until his passing. We received numerous cards; even a dog statue resembling him. He was 11.5 years old when he passed and though a year has gone by, he is greatly missed by all.

If you read this and knew Zeus, please leave a comment about what you miss the most about him. Below we have attached some photos.