A Holiday Update from Zeus

Happy Holidays! Zeus is excitedly anticipating Christmas. Well, not really, he actually snoring really loud on his bed right now after a busy weekend. But, maybe he is dreaming about what will be in his stocking!

Zeus successfully passed level 2 of obedience training and have been to a couple of level 3 classes. Something tells me that we will be there for a while. Last week Zeus along with most of the other dogs in the class refused to do anything -- even the most basic commands. "Lay down? What? I'm not familiar with that...could you give me a treat please?"

This touching article by the author of Marley & Me, John Grogan, was in the newspaper yesterday and reminded of how we feel about Zeus. Yes, you have physical and behavioral challenges, but we are in this together and love you just the same! "Some dogs are put on this Earth just to love you."

Zeus's Birdie Friends

Zeus loves to watch the birds out of our sliding glass window. When I was unpacking Christmas decorations I found these stuffed birds that tweet when you squeeze them and though that he might enjoy them. Zeus doesn't like them in his bed, but he loves to hear the noises that they make!

Zeus is pooped

Zeus was so exhausted after doggie day care this weekend that he woke up from his nap, took his blanket to eat, and then headed right back to bed! He loves going to Pampered Pooch! Apparently he has a Weimaraner girlfriend named Princess.

Zeus is coming along in his training. We are at a comfortable 30 seconds leaving him alone. Will we ever get to a minute? Last week Zeus made a lot of progress in terms of being a more independent dog. Then Sunday, complete set back. We had a winy, anxious, upset dog on our hands -- he even slept in our room after a week of choosing to sleep in the living room. We just couldn't figure it out after last week went so well. Then, the light bulb went off. On Sunday we gave Zeus a bath and had to take off his pheromone collar. I forgot to put it back on and realized last night that this is probably what made the difference! At least we know it's worth the money now. It back on him right now and hopefully will kick back in quickly.

Zeus goes to Iowa

Lucky Zeus got to tag along to Iowa for Thanksgiving to my parents house (thanks Mom and Dad)! He had a fabulous time getting lots of attention and looking out all of the windows at the lake, ducks, and geese. It was a busy weekend -- we went shopping for a Christmas tree, looked at the Canadian geese migration and went for lots of walks! By far, his most favorite activity of the weekend was making his rounds through the house to see exactly where everyone was and what they were doing. This was particularly funny in the morning when bedroom doors were shut and he would stick his nose in the corner of the door to find out what he could hear! There is a huge open field next to the Methodist Church Camp in Okoboji and we let him off his leash for the first time. Not only did he do great, but he absolutely loved it! He stuck pretty close but got a bit more freedom than usual.

Zeus also had a big accomplishment last week by passing level 1 of obedience training! Now we are on to level 2 this week. His behavioral training is coming along well and he loves his wrap! It's like a sleeping pill. I put it on and poof, he's asleep!