Named for Zeus

The DeWoody family had me over for diner tonight. They're moving to Texas, and wanted to see me before they left. Needless to say, I was honored at the invitation.

Audrey and Taylor caught me up on the happening of their classmates after we had eaten. I was stunned when Taylor said, "Remember Georgia Lawlor? She got a black lab and named it 'Zeus' after your Zeus. She thought his name was really cool."

Wow.

Georgia could not have chosen a better namesake.

For Zeus

The photo below is from Facebook. I wish Zeus were here so I COULD tell him his story!

Missing My Dog

Normally I don't get weepy much after surgery, but I have found myself feeling blue several times this go 'round. I think it is because I don't have Zeus here to hang out with me all day. He was always with me (post-op or not) when he was alive, and tagged along wherever I went in the house. (Or outside, for that matter.)

I could lie in bed and lean over the side, reaching my hand out, and he would lift his head to be petted and to give me a lick or two. If I were on the couch, he'd be stretched out nearby, happy to just be with me. Run to the kitchen, and he was right on your heels. And so on. Always, always, Zeus was with me, night and day.

So, to come home, have Craig at work all day, and just be home by myself as I recover has been... different. It's too quiet, no one needs my attention, care, or love, and there is no one to talk to. (Zeus was a great listener.)

My friend, Pam, sent me an email yesterday, and she mentioned Zeus.

Glad you are doing well.  Would you like me to come over and pamper you a day or two next week?  I do pedicures, pick up meals, gossip (oh, I mean chat).  You name it.  I bet you really miss Zeus this recovery.  He's probably looking down on you, whining at the pearly gates wanting to come be by your bedside.  Good old Zeus.

When I read what she wrote about him, wanting to be with me, I had this image of him leaning through those gates, yearning to come to my side when I needed him, and distressed because he could not. And I feel a mutual yearning - he may have been a dog, but he was family and I still miss him terribly, six months later.

When those doggie blues hit me again, I think I will remember December's surgery and times like this:

Who knows, maybe I'll hear the thump of his tail, at least in my mind, or a rush of air that sounds like his breath. And that will make me smile and feel a bit less Zeus-lonely.

He was some dog, that's for sure.

Braden

(Ashley wrote: Braden always asks about Zeus.  Not usually in a tactful way, either.  Here is his latest question about Zeus.  Sorry I stole this from your blog, Lynn, but no need to type it twice :)

"Braden arrived today for a visit, and already he's asked about Zeus three times. While driving here in the car, Braden asked about Zeus. Ashley reminded him that Zeus was living in Heaven, and Braden declared,"He's playing chase with Jesus!"

At dinner he asked, "Boompa? Where is your dog?"

"He's in heaven with Jesus."

"He and Jesus are playing ball!" Braden cried in delight.

(Well, you know, I could see that happening. If there were a dog Jesus would love and find special, it would be our Zeus.)

It warms my heart to have Braden ask about and remember Zeus. And it makes me miss him, too."

A Letter from Pam

Dear Zeus,

You may not be here with us now, but you will always be in our hearts. You burrowed into our hearts (a BIG hole--you were no small dog) and left a huge cavern in our hearts when you left. We LOVE you. Enjoy running and walks with Apple Jack and your new friend Duffy.

Love always,
Pam

A Card from a Friend

When we first got Zeus (8 years ago on March 8), a teacher friend at Yankee Ridge had a female dog, Chibi (pronounced "chee-bee"). Nancy was quite fond of Chibi, and we used to talk about our dogs together. That evolved into a funny "romance" between Zeus and Chibi, where we pretended the two dogs had fallen in love. Zeus called Chibi "my little Chibetta" and Nancy and I enjoyed joking about their romance.

I got a card from Nancy yesterday.

Dear Lynn,


Pam just told me that Zeus went up to see his Chibetta. I'm so sorry you are without him. She said you were especially glad to be at home with him when you were recovering. I remember how important that was to me.


Those of us who truly love our good four-legged buddies can't imagine life without them. Zeus was so lucky when he came into your family. I'm sure he's still thumping that big tail and Chibi is swooning nearby.


Thinking of you,
Nancy

Patience

Zeus had the patience of Job, and he proved it time and time again.  He endured grandkids, kids, giving rides to little ones, a puppy who just wanted to snuggle, and so much more.  But he was always so good with everyone.  He instinctively knew when he had to be especially gentle with babies and special needs kids.  He gave licks and leans, headbutts and tail thumps.

One of my favorite things was when I would lay down and take a nap at Mom and Dad's, I would always wake up with Zeus' head or paw on my leg.  I thought it was him letting me know that he was there and that he loved me.  What I am sure he also knew is how much I loved him, too.

Good boy, Zeus.