I've not shed a tear in quite a while. Not until I saw Camillesdad post about his beloved pet.
I'll never forget the day we met Zeus. Why did God allow us to meet? I'm sure that it was so you could fill the void in my life.
I remember it like it were yesterday. My father had just passed, and we had toddlers. We'd put Taj down the month before since she was in so much pain. I saw the ad in the paper. The paper I never had time to read~! "Doberman Pinscher for sale: $250. great guard dog. Serious inquiries only, must be knowledgeable about the breed."
I knew we didn't have the money. Having kids in diapers is expensive! I finally convinced Dad to go see you. When we arrived, I got out of the car, and there you stood.... So proud. So regal. So sureal. So drop dead gorgeous! Your owner knew we were coming, but I didn't know she watched from the window. I approached you, held out my hand, and your nubber started going. Then very slowly I knelt down in front of you and softly spoke your name. You ignored me for a second, then after a minute or two, leaned forward, and then so gently kissed my face with one huge tongue, from my chin to my forhead. Dad just watched, and three heads looked on with smiles from the car. Then Karen your owner appeared. She said "I've only spoken on the phone with you, but I feel like Zeus has known you forever. He's never allowed anyone next to this porch without my consent!!!"
We spent what seemed like hours talking, and Karen said to me..... Zeus is a guard dog to me. I'm getting remarried, so I need to find him a good home. I never planned on charging anyone for him, but thought that the amount I'd listed in the paper would keep unwanted, irresponsible pet owners away. He picked you! You may take him home, and I'll not accept a dime for him. All I ask is that you keep in touch and send me pictures.
Taking you to the park that first time was a nightmare! I think you tried to attack every dog there in your mind after you leapt for the first one. I remember all those hours of sitting and watching obedience training classes, the gradual desire you had to join in and be a part of it. Remember the first class you took? You looked at every dog, then lifted your leg on my new jeans and marked your territory! Talk about embarrassing~! The obedience trainer who later became a great-great friend, laughed hysterically.
Sarah was so happy she cried when a year later she saw us at the park in Holt, standing in a group with other dogs, sitting patiently. She couldn't believe it was YOU!
When Dad and I were in bed at night, you'd walk over to my side of the bed and sigh. You'd beg to get on the bed, and finally grunted as you lay on your bed beside me. Dad used to call you Hemrhoid since everywhere I went, you were there. If I picked up a toy and didn't know you were behind me, I'd get an unexpected bump because you didn't stop quickly enough.
Your last day alive, was the day my heart started missing a beat. Your little yelp screamed into my soul for months! Dad didn't think he'd see the day that I quit crying when I saw another dobe.
The void used to hurt so badly I couldn't even attempt to go online to a DT forum, or anything like it.
But today Zeus, although I'm crying right now, my heart is healing. There is a 13 mo old puppy in our home who could pass as your son! His ears are done just like yours, he has some of the same manerisms, and sometimes I accidentally call him Zeuserboy.
You will NEVER be forgotton, could NEVER be replaced, and I'll LOVE YOU till the day I die. I miss you, but my heart is healing. You live on in my heart, and in the actions of a puppy named Armani.
RIP Gorgeous Boy~! I love you insanely!
Mom
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