08/02/2026
This has taken me a few days to share this. It hit me hard. Totally unexpected.
Last Tuesday, Zeus showed signs of weakness and was having a hard time standing and walking. He had stopped eating for two days. There were no outwardly signs prior to this. He had just had his 2nd comprehensive check up 2 weeks ago. Nothing really concerning. He was slightly anemic and his liver numbers were slightly off. We were working on giving him supplements to get his numbers back up.
We originally were going to foster Zeus. He was found running loose on a roadway. Our friends picked him up so he wouldn't get hit and asked if we could keep him while looking for the owner. He was chipped. The owners would not respond to multiple attempts to contact them. He was such a great companion, we decided to add him to our pack. He and Abby hit it off right away and he became a cherished member of our family. So gentle and loving.
I got him into the vet at 7:30 am Wednesday morning. I authorized them to do a blood work up and imaging. The Vet called me back around one with terrible news. Zeus had lymphoma and it had spread in multiple places. The Vet said he may pass in 2 or 3 days. I had to make the hard decision to help him peacefully cross the Rainbow Bridge. He was in my arms for some loving before the Vet came in. He laid his head in my lap while the vet gave him the injection to help him painlessly cross. He was at peace. He joins Maddie, Sammy, Kailua, Roxie, Buddy, Max, Zak and Captain all running free for eternity. His urn will take its place with all of his brothers and sisters on our mantle.
Crazy how things work out. We recently adopted a White English Labrador, Dutch July 5th that needed a good home. He will never take Zeus' place, but will make his own place in our pack. Every one of our companions that have crossed over enriched our lives...in their own way. As many of our friends know, our dogs are more than dogs. They are family. Rest in peace my friend...to honor you we found Dutch.
Another life saved
