22/08/2025
Handsome Zeus is ready to find his forever family! 🤎 He’s 3 years old, weighs in at a mighty 161 pounds, and is one of the most heartbreaking and hopeful stories we’ve had. Zeus came to us after experiencing unimaginable loss. His loving parents were taken from him in a senseless act of violence by a disturbed neighbor. We can only guess what he saw… what he heard… and how deeply that moment changed his world. And yet somehow, despite it all, Zeus remains a big hearted, loyal, gentle soul.
Don’t get us wrong…he’s a big-hearted, loyal, gentle soul who could probably tow a small car if he felt like it. Zeus is strong. Very strong. And while he’s smart, goofy, and food motivated, he’s still learning how to channel all that power. He’s what we like to call a “work in progress” on a leash. When he first arrived, he was convinced he had a future in competitive sled pulling. With consistent training, he’s slowly figuring out that walks don’t need to involve dragging your human. Zeus does good with other friendly dogs after a proper, slow introduction. He’s also great with kids, though we’re looking for a home without super young children. Not because he doesn’t love them, but because we don’t want a toddler getting steamrolled accidentally by a determined Saint Bernard. He is housebroken and has done very well loose in his foster home (but keep food up). He wasn’t a fan of crates when he first arrived, but he’s warming up to them. With patience and consistency, he’s learning that a crate is a safe space, not a punishment. He loves belly rubs and thinks he’s a lap dog, but he also wants to protect you. We are searching for a very specific kind of home for Zeus. One with a secure 6-foot privacy fence. One with people who understand giant dogs, trauma, and the importance of boundaries. One where he will be treated with patience, kindness, and respect. A home that will honor his past while giving him the soft, stable future he deserves.
Zeus was neutered last week, fully vetted, vaccinated, microchipped, heartworm tested, and is on monthly preventatives. He does take phenobarbital meds to help manage anxiety induced seizures. These 5 or so total seizures were triggered by high stress situations in the past (like vet visits), and so his former vet and our rescue’s vet would like him to stay on it daily. The cost is about $52/month if purchased through Costco. Zeus has lost more than most dogs ever will. But he still believes in people. He still wants a loving connection. And he still wags his tail when he sees you. His adoption donation is $400. Please apply directly on our website at https://havenanimalrescuenebraska.org
