R.I.P.

Zeus
2002-April 5, 2009

Top 5 resasons why I love my Nana -- A photo collage by Zeus

5. She gives me lots of cuddles.

4. She and Alice can't keep track of who fed me, so at least once I got two dinners out of it. I love my chicken and rice! (Yes, that's rice on my nose!)

3. She dresses me up like a girl...well I don't really like that, but I'll take every bit of attention that I can get.

2. She takes me for lots of walks.

1. She keeps me busy and wears me out!

Xanex makes me do bad things

Zeus is busy contemplating in this picture... Why am I being so stubborn? Why am I not listening? Why am I jumping on counter tops, beds, and couches? Why am I jumping on innocent, unsuspecting people afraid of dogs in the hallway? The Xanex made me do it!

Since Zeus was not responding to Xanex particularly well as an anti-anxiety medication, we switched to Lorozapam and it is working much better for him. Zeus stays home everyday by himself for a few hours and we are seeing significant results!

Xanex for Zeus

Zeus apologizes for the lengthy delay since his last post. It was a busy holiday season filled with numerous anxieties, insecurities, and illnesses. He was pleased to learns that he has actual blog followers demanding more posts!

Zeus survived (and loved) his 3 days and nights at Pampered Pooch over the Christmas holidays. Here is a picture of him snoozing on the way home in the car.

We had quite the scare after Christmas when Zeus got pancreatitis. I will spare blog readers the details, but it wasn't pretty. They can't figure out how he got it because it is usually caused by eating high fat foods. Unless Allyn is sneaking Zeus Twinkies behind the scenes, it seems to be an immaculate disease transmission. He had to go on an all homemade, lowfat diet to cure him. Only rice, chicken breast and sweet potatoes for Zeus. Zeus is quite happy with the change in food and snorts down like a little pig, splattering rice all over the kitchen. He only threw up once from eating too fast (right next to my new boots). He now eats better than Allyn and I on regular basis. He is doing much better now and seems to be on the mend.

After much discussion, we decided to put Zeus on anti-anxiety medication (generic xanex). He has stayed home alone almost everyday now for short periods of time without major trauma. We figured out that he lies on our bed when we are gone. Not allowed, but in this case we'll let it slide. The strange thing though is when the meds are wearing off he turns into a stubborn and very brave dog. It's his way or the highway, pretty odd for the normally compliant geriatric dog.

And to end this update post, Zeus's video debut. Zeus doesn't like to go outside in the cold and snow (last week it was -30). This is problematic. So, my brother asked his friend to bring some booties like the sled dogs wear from Alaska. Thanks Jared! Now Zeus has two pairs, but getting him to walk in them and get used to it has been a challenge. Here are our efforts last night...

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.