After 14 beautifully full years, it was finally time to let Zee(short for Zevo- my username and avatar) go. I have loved all my dogs immensely, and no dog less than him, but he was my special boy. He was one of those special dogs that a person is lucky to have once in their life time. He was both strong and gentle, wise and goofy. he never once growled at a human...he loved everyone, including the vet. Having only three legs he spent a lot of time at the vet in his later years as his hip started to give him trouble. He loved every visit as he did everything in life. Yesterday the vet and vet techs cried as much as we did.
He melted hearts, even those of non-dog people. Not a single person that got to know Zee could resist him. My (step)son sent me a wonderful e-mail last night and I will share a snippet with you.
"When I met Zevo he was a young strapping lad. As many people have said, he bounced around on 3 legs as if they were 4. He was incredible smart and so intensely loving. I loved him on the spot. To me his voice to me was pure happiness and almost panicked joy. He said to me the first time we hung out: "Throw the stick, throw the stick, throw the stick". I would take a puff on my smoke fake a throw and he would crook his head just a touch as if saying : "Throw the stick MAN!" Zevo was a happy soul, from the first day I met him, until the last time I got to see him. I'm so privileged to have thrown him sticks and cuddled up to his booming chest. Watched him inhale water, and looked into those wise eyes of his. That is how I'll remember him. The perfect dog. Maybe minus a leg, but the brilliance to make up for it. We'll all miss you Z.
The story of you adopting Zevo, caring for him, and repairing him was my introduction to you as a man, as well an introduction into the man who would become part of our family. This guy who did so much for a dog, I was convinced right away that you were someone I was going to let into my life. The payoff has been worth it. Zevo probably was the luckiest dog in the world, and even now he knows it. Your have such a calm disposition and caring heart that I understand why you are in my Mom's life and in extension all of ours. Your Zevo is my Raisin, and man, I feel you right now. As you know it's hard to do this, and as you know it'll get easier. The missing will turn to remembering the good times. I hope that your sadness will convert overtime to fondness without too much effort. I wish we lived closer cause I would be there in a moment for you. We'll have to wait until Christmas. Until then we're thinking of you. Hoping that even this early you can think of those happy moments, and never doubt the road you and Zevo took. Best friends."
Raisin was his cat that died 2 years ago after 18 yrs.
A 1 year old Zevo a few months after amputating his leg with his sister Cali who we lost last year.
Wanting me to throw another snowball. Man he loved the snow.
2 years ago at 12 years of age.
And with our current dog Hana also from 2 years ago.
From last summer, relaxing in the shade.
He was an incredible dog and will be greatly missed by many.
"I wish I was half the man my dog thinks I am."