08/20/2025
Zeb had a pretty rough year, having major bum and tail surgery plus being neutered due to testicular cancerous lumps found at the same time. He has done great since just ten days after surgery , but last thursday night into Friday morning,, he let me know he was done being a tough but sweet old man . Apparently there were hidden tumors and one must have started causing some internal bleeding . he had been too much of a good boy to put him through more, especially since I know he wouldn't have survived a surgery or they would have found multiple tumors . So instead we spent Friday morning at his favorite outdoor place, the cranberry bog. He has always been a fan of naps and snoring and that was all he had energy for . He tried walking around the pond, which he always loved but turned back and then laid on the ground. Kitchi , his son, noticed immediately and went right over to him and sat with his back touching his dad , as if to guard his dad from as much as he could:( I promised myself I would focus on being thankful for the years and how much Zeb changed so many lives, but seeing Kitchi's act of love and loyalty to his dad , going quickly to sit with him made me have the cry I needed ! I took a picture of that moment for my heart and will share it . I've lost Magee, and her Mom, Kizzy and now Daddy Zeb a few months later. Zara is Zeb's sister so I know every day is a gift with her too but one that needs to be appreciated deeply right now!. My wonderful Vet offered to see him first thing in the morning , or at 330 in the afternoon. I chose the 330 appointment to give him his last naps in the sun at the bog. He was getting weaker by the moment but didn't seem to be in pain or discomfortt as long as he was laying down. But his light was fading . I could have just kept him laying down and I"m sure God would have taken him during the evening but again , he's been too sweet to take a chance of some excructiating painful sitiuation occuring . It was a perfect last day for Zeb. It's what he would have requeststed Naps and body rubs > This first pic is baby zeb with a rubber snake around his neck. Why? because he was the most patient pup, and would sit like a statue waiting for me to get the perfect pic ! He was so tiny, probably 7 or 8 lbs , much smaller than his sister Zara who was built like a tank . Second pic. Zeb is that tiny peanut on the stairs next to his future wife with the red collar, Miss Kizzy;) Zara the Tank is at the bottom . Hard to believe they were the same age I thought he was sickly but he was. Just a peanut. Zeb was actually slated to be raised as a service dog for a veteran but for reasons I will keep private, he came to my house and handed Zeb back to me . He would not take the money back and he said to me DO GREAT THINGS WITH HIM! I think Zeb changed more lives than I could have imagined at the moment ! He is the dad and grand dad or uncle to all of my pups He was the patriarch. He was so gentle that when puppies were born, he wanted to be in the birthing "pup Tent" Everyone said don't let him near the tent , he may kill the pups or the mom may if she gets upset LOL Kizzy let him in and welcomed the extra body for the pups to crawl over or it gave her peace of mind, knowing they were entertained while she took a bathroom or dinner break . He was so gentle with them , washing them , and even putting up with them trying to nurse from him ;) I miss his snoring I miss his long stares of love deep into my soul . I can't cry and say it's not fair because I was so blessed to have this boy for 11 1 /2 years . I am laughing as I post the last video if you make it scrolling through it all. God rest his beautiful soul!
