Zeus the Wonder Dog
By John Kass
March 31, 2024
The boys desperately wanted a dog.
And finally, when they were in 8th grade, profusely and relentlessly promising daily morning, noon and night that they were old enough, mature and responsible enough to care for a dog, we finally broke down and got them a pup.
Zeus the Wonder Dog.
I’ll always remember him proudly guarding our garden, as you see him in the photo above, head up, chest out, eyes sharp, muscles toned. A strong, beautiful boy ready to chase away his eternal enemies the rabbits, or sleeping on that rug next to my feet in my home office for years when I typed these columns. I’ve never given him a by-line, but he deserved one.
That’s how I remember him, or playing soccer with us. Yes, a dog smart enough to grab his collar tags in his teeth, to prevent him from grabbing that hard red rubber ball with his mouth.
It was amazing to watch. He’d pass to your feet and make a run, waiting for a return pass. He was known by soccer savants for his backheel pass, like the Francesco Totti of dogs.
But right now, I’m thinking of him as a little trembling pup away from his mother for the first time: My sons holding him in their laps on the long drive home from Spring Valley Kennel in Wisconsin.
It was a three-hour drive home. I took the back roads and make it a six-hour drive with Zeus in their laps, bonding with his new boys. Getting used to their scents. Imprinting my boys upon that beautiful pup.
The idea was to get a family pet, a German Shorthair Pointer, a bird dog to walk the fields with us. A well-bred dog for hunting, an all-around dog that could run all day, point pheasants, and retrieve, a dog built for swimming after ducks.
A watchdog and companion. A dog to lay out by the fire.
But how to find the right one?
I’m a reporter and so I reported the heck out of it, searching for a perfect family dog, one with a sound temperament and enough energy to be around kids yet also one with the genetics to hunt, and the nerve to do the job of hunting. All my life I’ve had pointing dogs: Argo, Jason, Bullet, and Buck. German Shorthair Pointers are high energy, but gentle, you need boys so they’ll all tire each other out.
So, I tracked down officials at the North American Versatile Hunting Dog Association, an organization dedicated to saving good breeds from foolish humans. They put us in touch with Spring Valley Kennel and they had a litter of German Shorthair Pointer pups.
I wouldn’t have him cut. But I told the breeder that we had kids. I didn’t want a hard dog, German Shorthairs are block-headed enough. And I didn’t want a softie- overly submissive dogs can sometimes turn out to be fear-biters.
I wanted a dog with an even-keel approach one with the drive to work, and I promised the breeder that when he was old enough we’d work him out physically, daily.
Happily, I had sons who played soccer. And serious soccer players run. One boy ran Zeus in the morning. One ran him in the evening. He chased rabbits when they were dumb enough to violate his domain. We didn’t have to worry about them getting fat. The three of them were lean high protein hunters.
Dogs are very much like men. Men need jobs. So do dogs. Without a job, neither is worth much. They begin to wither away from the inside.
Zeus always had a job.
Unfortunately for Zeus, one July 4 when he was a pup, some neighbors fired off heavy fireworks, and he became permanently gun-shy.
Betty didn’t mind. She didn’t want her sons touching guns anyway. But Zeus still worked and had a job, training, chasing rabbits, sleeping by the firepflace, loving our family.
His main job was being Zeus the Wonder Dog.
He loved Granny Smith apples. He loved crunching ice. He hated American cheese singles because we used slices to wrap pills when he needed them. He loved liver sausage. He loved the crunch of celery and the occasional carrot. He loved musky cheese.
And when he was tired, he’d look for a square of sunshine on the wood floor and flop.
Up until very recently Zeus and I were the only ones in the house who were having trouble with the stairs. And I have hands to hold onto the railings. I’m pushing 70. He was going on 14, which in dog years, is positively ancient.
My hair is white. His eyebrows are white now. I think of all the stories I haven’t written, the books I haven’t read. I wonder if he thought of the fields he hadn’t run, the forests he didn’t explore, all the game he hadn’t hunted. We were both old and sore in the mornings and at the end of things.
I do know one thing. I’ve had good dogs all my life. We loved them. Shorthairs mostly. I’ll never have another dog.
What did our sons learn from Zeus?
They learned what unconditional love was all about.
Jesus loves us unconditionally too.
I do know this is Easter Week for many Western Christians. I mean no disrespect to mention Him here, when I say that Jesus, who loved all of God’s creatures and treated them all with kindness, also loved us unconditionally.
“They just are what they are,” said my friend Thom Serafin, who was forced to put down his own family dog. Chase was a friendly, and beautiful Portuguese Water Dog. Chase loved his two Serafin boys the way Zeus loved his two Kass boys. All the way.
“It’s a beautiful gift of what God tells us to be, to be ourselves and to love one another. Unconditional love. And these, these dogs love unconditionally and are just amazing. When we put Chase down, you know, my wife, and my son, Matthew and I, my other son Mitchell was out of town. We all went there together, and we held him there in the room with him and Matthew actually was holding him when it happened. And it was a beautiful experience, very sad and profound.
“And a huge part of our family was missing. We talk about him all the time because of the gifts he gave us on a daily basis. But that moment when he left us, you can, you can feel the spirit. He’s still out there and God’s creatures, you know, are here because the intent is good.”
Dogs are born as animals, meat eaters, hunters. The worst thing you can do with a pup is treat it as if he were human. They’re not human. That only confuses and frightens them.
But they aren’t born being cruel. They must learn that from cruel humans. We never spanked Zeus, not even when he climbed up on the backyard table to slurp up the delicious home-made gourmet eggnog at Christmas dinner and was wobbly.
Were we firm and consistent? Yes, when he was young. We didn’t feed him from the table. But he loved us and so wanted to please us. And we loved him.
They are like children though, eager to love and be loved unconditionally. And when his body began failing him, when he couldn’t stand even to eat, when he was in great pain we decided as a family to let him go.
It’s a hard thing, but we loved that dog. He anchored us to the life we had once. We didn’t want him to suffer just so he could lick our hands.
He meant more to us than that.
I asked Betty, are you going to be ok?
“No,” she said. “I’m not going to be ok for a long time.”
We took him to the veterinarian on Saturday morning, we had a quiet, private room where we could stay with him there, comforting him and petting him until it was done and he was out and crossed over that Rainbow Bridge.
Will he be there waiting there for me when I get there? I don’t know. I can’t say. I’m having a difficult time holding onto Jacob’s Ladder. I keep falling.
He was such a good dog, so much a part of our family. We didn’t want him to suffer. We didn’t want him to feel pain. What I do know is that Zeus the Wonder Dog gave us all that he could give. He gave us himself. He gave us everything.
All dogs go to heaven, don’t they?
(Copyright 2024 John Kass)
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About the author: John Kass spent decades as a political writer and news columnist in Chicago working at a major metropolitan newspaper. He is co-host of The Chicago Way podcast. And he just loves his “No Chumbolone” hat, because johnkassnews.com is a “No Chumbolone” Zone where you can always get a cup of common sense.
And for Western Christians celebrating the Holiest of all holidays, please have a beautiful, peaceful, blessed and Holy Easter Sunday.
Comments 108
When I saw your title and photo, I knew it was time for Zeus the Wonder Dog to cross the Rainbow Bridge to wait for your family for that joyous reunion, John. Thank you for including him in columns over the years, and for loving him.
Like you said, they love us unconditionally. The passing of our beloved dogs is sad and painful. We never forget them. I’m sorry for your loss but his spirit will be around.
the only cost of a dog is it’s death.
I once heard a priest respond to the question: “Will I see my dog in heaven?” And the priest said “If that is what is needed to make you happy, then yes, you will.”
It suddenly got dusty in here. So sorry to hear about Zeus’s passing. It’s never easy to say goodbye to those Very Good Boys and Girls.
Ouch ! This hurts deeply. John, I know what Zeus meant to you. I know how you feel. My eyes are damp. Good pets are family, and losing family hurts. Like you said about the spirit. It’s real. Zeus will send you a message and let you know he is ok. I’m sure of it.
I’m so sorry to hear about Zeus. As difficult as this was, you did the right thing. Paulie and I will pray for you and your family.
When I began reading your column today, I was hoping and praying that this wasn’t where you were going. My heartfelt condolences. A dog’s unconditional love is such a gift. Even though we believe that we’re supposed to take care of them, in the end, we realize that they were the ones that really took care of us.
Hello. You are so right. They do give unconditional love. And they are the ones doing the taking care of. They can wait for extended periods for us, work and all, and yet still are so happy to see us and love us. There’s a reason they say dogs are man’s best friend. And I believe our dogs will be waiting for us in heaven. Otherwise, I wouldn’t be sure its heaven.
This is the only downside of loving a perfect dog.
Sympathies to you and your family.
Larry and Max Kaye would agree. Condolences on the loss of Zeus, a well-loved member of the Kass family! Also, a great photo of him sleeping in front of the fireplace.
I remember someone once saying, “ We all have the best dog. And we are all right.” We had to let a much loved lab go this past January. It’s not easy, but they leave us with such wonderful memories. Godspeed, Zeus.
He lived the life he wanted, thanks to you and your family. There is a saying, “to love a dog is to also know the heartbreak of losing a dog, for their beautiful lives are fleeting.”
John,
Very sad to hear about Zeus The Wonder Dog. What a loss. Your message of unconditional love from Zeus, and Jesus, are comforting and uplifting as I celebrate Easter today. Thank you for always being there with the right thought and right message. Jim
Our heartfelt condolences. Losing family always hurts. One thing I’m certain of is that Zeus believed in his heart of hearts that you were immortal. You were always there for him. RIP.
wonderful Easter words, Kass….. yes, damp eyes in Texas too, today…. your Zeus and our Duke and the whole human (extra-human?) concept of love…. God bless you and yours both today and in a few weeks…. hansen
Kass. I sobbed when I read this as I hurt for your family as I felt I knew Zeus vicariously through your columns over the last decade. I dread the day when my little French bulldog (a breed not nearly as dignified as Zeus-whose main traits are farting and snoring) Yoda will have to go on the next part of his journey without me. Today is about love (for us non-Orthodox Christians) so I hope Jesus’ message helps you and you are able to celebrate Zeus’ life and the unconditional love he shared with you. Happy Easter to you and yours
Oh John, my heart hurts for you. I just listened to your podcast with Tom Serafin yesterday & thought of Zeus. He felt your love as you said your goodbyes, taking a piece of your heart as he went. Prayers for peace & comfort as you mourn your sweet Zeus.
So very sorry. I watched my brother in law grieve so deeply when he had to say goodbye to his beloved German short hair, Duke. Maybe the two are playing together in heaven.
So very sorry for your loss, brother. Dogs teach us so much about love.
We had 3 Kerry Blue terriers in succession, Katie, Kelly and Maggie. . Greatest family dogs EVER. Used to heard sheep in Ireland and protect against wolves. Loyal, protective but not mean or dangerous to others. My grandparents had 4 dogs for ‘protection’ of their tavern: German shepherd, great Dane, Irish setter and a mut. The latter being the meanest SOB if a drunk got out of hand. Loyal and lovable. What can I say. You just have to have one to understand.
John, your columns are much like Don and Roma’s morning radio show was – a part of life and something to look forward to, like a good conversation with an old friend. Thanks for sharing Zeus with us and making him a part of your reader’s lives as well.
What a beautiful and touching tribute. Those of us who are dog (and cat) lovers and have been through seeing them off on their journeys over the Rainbow Bridge feel your pain. So very sorry for you and your family’s loss.
I’ve been there and done that so many times with so many dogs, the last just three years ago. As my wife says, “…you honor a dog by getting another dog.” It’s also the only thing that fills the hole left in you. If there are dogs in heaven, my wife and I have a pack waiting. If there aren’t, it might not really be heaven. In perpetuam Zeus, ave atque vale!
We have had this experience many times. We adopt dogs that nobody else wants. They are usually old and have been abandoned by uncaring people or an owner that passed away. No matter if it’s months or years they give their heart to you. Losing a trusted companion never gets easier. Sorry for your loss.
Blessings to your family and the great life your family gave to him. Wonderful tribute and column.
I am so sorry for your loss of Zeus. Dogs are family members and when they pass away they are truly missed. Thankfully you have wonderful memories!
What Ms. Ciesla said.
John, I will never forget your column about Zeus and Yia-Ya.
How Zeus loved her, especially because Yia-Ya gave him cookies. It was just the cutest relationship. But then, your Mom either fell or fainted in the kitchen, and Zeus alerted you and Betty that something happened to Yia-Ya, and he was very upset. It was a courageous act by Zeus the Wonder Dog. You just hate losing them because they become so much a part of your family. I’m sorry for your loss, and believe me, I know how much it hurts. God Bless, Zeus. Linda Strzelczyk
he saved her life Linda. I haven’t told her. Don’t want to upset her.
thanks Linda
For some reason there’s a lump in my throat right now……
What a beautiful tribute to your Zeus. I love that photo of him standing vigilantly by your tomato garden. Thank you, John, for sharing your wonder dog with us all these years. Comfort to you, Betty and the boys. Rest in peace sweet Zeus 🙏🏻
German shorthairs are the best, ✔️. I had two.
Hiding the pills in cheese singles, ✔️. Swallow cheese, spit out pill.
Gun shy and terrified of the 4th, ✔️.
Beautiful, yes beautiful experience when time came for putting them down.
::sniff::
Well, darn….
Kass, I am so sorry.
I know what it is be blessed with good dogs, and to realize that the dogs you have are probably the last ones you will have.
The problem with being blessed with good dogs is how much it hurts when you have to send them ahead of you.
God bless you, Betty, and the boys as you walk through the grief of losing your unique, one of a kind, unconditionally loving Zeus.
Great Dog, great column.
Thanks John
Yes, John, they do.
Awe, so sorry to hear about Zeus the wonder dog. My condolences to you and family. I’m positive he’ll meet you in heaven John.
I have loved reading about Zeus the wonder dog over the years and am so sorry for the loss. I know the pain of losing a beloved pet and my heart goes out to you and your family. I truly believe we will meet our pets in heaven. God bless you and your family. Zeus was much loved.
My condolences to the Kass family. One of the hardest things to do. I always felt guilty, as if I did the wrong thing and our Golden Retrievers were looking at us with those loving eyes & saying, “what are you doing to me?”. But I knew we did the right thing. I bawled my eyes out for days. A human cannot give you unconditional love like a dog. I believe God created them for our enjoyment & to feel his love for us. We will see all our beloved animals again, I truly believe that with all my soul. Mourn Zeus John, and think of all the good times with him. Every once in awhile as time passes you will think of him as I do of our dogs and have a good cry. I cannot wait to see my beloved Duke, Austin, Tyler & Quinn one day where there is no pain or tears shed. Happy Easter to the Kass family & John Kass news family!
Heartbreaking. God bless you, Betty and the boys.
I grew up with German Shorthair dogs. When I got married a week later we went and picked up our German Shorthair puppy – Nicky. She lived 15 years. I will tell you it’s a proven fact as we get older the best thing to have in our life is a dog. Take time to heal and I’m betting Zues sends you an incredible puppy.He’s is heaven chasing those rascal rabbits ! Nothing like the love of a dog💖
What a wonderful remembrance. I imagine Zeus the Wonderdog and Jen and Andy’s Glorious Gracie, a Border Collie, are fetching balls together waiting for us to join them. Putting down a 14 year beloved member of the family is one of the most painful things dog owners have to do. We still miss her. Thank you, John.
It breaks my heart that Zeus the wonder dog had to leave your family. But he knows he was loved, and he will always be in your hearts. A fine tribute to a fine friend. I’m sure he is enjoying chasing rabbits in heaven and running endless fields with so many other fine friends.
John, my condolences on losing such a precious family member. Thank you for writing about Zeus, both today and so many times over the years of his life! We have a dog that we got for our kids when they were “old enough” as well. He is now 12, and getting gray-white hair like me! When treated well, they are truly reminders of living with the unconditional love we are called to do like our Lord and Savior did for us. A fitting tribute to a life well lived and of love well shared!
God bless. Love our pups, don’t we?
Oh man…just finished reading your column and all the wonderful heartfelt comments from fellow dog lovers, like myself, with tears streaming down my face. Ditto to everything they have said. We love our dogs, and we all feel like Zeus was ours, in a way, as well from you including him in your columns.
Hugs to you, Betty and the boys on this Easter morning. You did what you needed to do, even though it broke your heart a bit. Been there…done that.
I remember you writing that you don’t watch dog movies. I get it. I hope you feel the love we are all sending your way.
So sorry for your loss, John. Your great words and thoughts immediately took me back to each time one of my dogs left for the bridge. I miss them all.
So sad to read this, John.
I have sensed for some time now your sensitivity towards Zeus and animals in general.
Thank you for sharing your family with your readers.
Happy Easter and God Bless!
John, A salute to you and to Zeus the wonder dog. Yes, John, when you stroll the plains of
heaven, Zeus will be there by your side. Something more to look forward to.
Woof-Woof, which translates to Happy Easter!
Sorry that he has gone. Only those who have lost a family member can understand. It is consoling to consider how he won the dog’s lifetime lottery the day he was selected to go home with you. It paid every day.
Yianni,
Brought back my last day with our beloved Max, a border collie, black lab mix with white paws and belly. He was with us almost 13 years, but developed cancer, and it was time to let him go. Don’t think I cried that hard when my parents died….it hurt for weeks, and today, brought back that same ache. My daughter and I placed Max’s ashes in lake Michigan, as we had adopted him from an Evanston shelter and had an Evanston beach tag. He taught us all about unconditional love, which we know the world can use alot of right now. And yes, dogs have souls, as do all of God’s creatures, large and small. My dear Mother used to say about Max – “the only thing they don’t do is talk!” But they communicate perfectly to us in oh so many other ways…..God rest Zeus’ soul, eonia ee mnimee.
Dear John, Zeus has crossed over his bridge; but the greatest thing about dogs is that they never, ever leave us.
He’ll be with you and the family forever.
It’s truly one of the hardest, but most humane things we have to do. We’ve had to do it twice in the last two years. My prayers go out to you and your family. No more pain, Zeus is running free.
Zeus was a member of the family for me. My sister’s dog. John’s dog, but especially the boy’s dog. Zeus was always eager to play. He loved running after a hard rubber ball in the back yard and bringing it back so I could throw it again. He was tireless and had a special love for life.
I especially recall the times I played soccer with Zeus after Christmas in 2010. My late wife, Susan had had yet another bout of Diabetic Ketoacidosis after Christmas Dinner at John and Betty’s home. When we realized she was having a serious medical problem, I quickly drove her to the Western Springs Fire Station where the EMT’s took over and quickly transported her to a nearby hospital in LaGrange. That first night was difficult, but the doctors managed to stabilize her. She was intubated on a Respirator. I was praying for her recovery. She would spend the next ten days in the ICU until she was well enough to go home.
I stayed with Betty and John at their home so I could visit Susan. It was there that I discovered that Zeus loved to play Soccer. As John mentioned, Zeus would grab his tags in his mouth and tirelessly roll the ball back to me for another volley. I found it amazing. A Google search revealed hundreds of YouTube videos of dogs playing various forms of soccer.
Thanks Don
Glad you got to play soccer with him. I’ve never seen a dog figure that out. Thanks bro.
John
John
So sorry for your loss. Over the years it was such a treat to hear about Zeus the Wonder Dog. Thanks for all your stories about him. Having just lost our Mindy after Christmas, I know that feeling of loss. Safe travels to the rainbow bridge Zeus ❤️🌈
Why am I crying?
I’ve had to put dogs down. Does anyone recover from doing that? They become more than just an animal and pet. They became family.
I have always enjoyed the stories you have written about Zeus. He became an honorary pet to all of us.
I too will never have another dog. It’s too hard.
I now have grand dogs. When I go to visit they become so excited they cry. Then they follow me everywhere and have to sleep close to me.
Sadly the oldest grand dog is getting up in age. She is having health issues. One day soon she will cross that bridge. And I’ll be heartbroken.
Thank you for a hard column to write.
OMG, John, I am so sorry. Our little Francine will be 17 years old this month. She’s blind and deaf, but not in any pain and still gets around, although she’s on several medication‘s. I dread the day we lose her. I don’t know how I will ever handle it. God bless you, John. They’re not just a pet, they are a family member.
John,
A touching column for Easter.
Jesus now has Zeus with him, a better place, full of peace and without pain.
Love your work.
John, I know you may not want to hear this now but you simply are the best writer in my lifetime as you always tell such a true and compelling story whether it’s about how wonderful a dog can be a part of our families or how corrupt our politician’s are you words resonate.
You are a master storyteller, thanks for your stories and my condolences on Zeus!
Dogs provide unconditional love. We humans should learn and follow that with fellow human beings no matter what.
Bob:
Thank you.
John
John, beautiful! Absolutely beautiful! I know how hard this is. We put Romeo down two and a half years ago and Grace and I still mourn his loss. Like you, Romeo was brought into our family when my kids were in grade school. Our sitter at the time thought it was a good idea to take the kids to Happiness is Pets and they picked how out and fell in love with him. At first I was livid. But I came to love that dog more than anyone. He was family until July of 2021! There are only so many ways to divert Betty’s sadness so good luck with that. I am so sorry. Thanks for bringing Zues the wonder dog into your subscribers’ vernacular!
Having to let go of a dog or cat is heart breaking. I know.
Our dogs and cats were rescued pets and for us they were the Best.
They were part of our Family.
I am so sorry for your loss, I have tears reading this.
God Bless Zeus, truly a Wonder Dog!
And God Bless you and your Family.
I had always said I would get a pup when I retired. We went to Paws on Clybourne a week after and picked up Baby the Wonder Dog. Paws does wonderful work. She had been found in a cardboard box on the side of a highway in Oklahoma with her two siblings. We know she was traumatized because she is fearful of the sounds of trucks and thunder. She seemed to be getting old before her years, dozing off in front of the TV with us in the early evenings after dinner. Someone we knew had inherited a litter of puppies after her mom had passed and desperately needed to home them so we took Buddy to keep Baby company. Bud was full of energy so it worked out very well for both. We took my Dad out of the nursing home to a flea market. That’s where he wanted to go so we took him. We seen a pup in a cage with a bunch of other pups. One looked like he had given up, laying on the floor, almost unconscious. Later that night at the bar, I told my wife I was going back to get that pup tomorrow. I know everyone says to not adopt puppy mill dogs but that doesn’t mean they don’t deserve a home too. Petey had suffered trauma too, not making a sound for a week after we brought him home. Buddy soon cured him soon, teaching him rowdy play and to bark like the world’s cheapest burglar alarm. I never thought I would end up with three pups to keep me busy now that I’m retired. John’s column today will help me for the inevitable when it gets here. I tell my they’re like my own Catholic pregnancies. UNPLANNED.
If every dog I have ever known and loved does not greet me in heaven it will not be heaven. Most of what keeps me trying to keep my feet on the straight and narrow path is wanting to be with my dogs when I die. I hope that I can be that good of a person.
Do dogs go to heaven? Before Adam was given the breath of Life, Eden was already populated with all manner of animals. It is as much their birthright as ours I feel. How could the Creator be so cruel as to separate us from the love he sent us in the form of our furry friends?
Yes they do. Thank you Mr. John Kass and “thank you” Zeus. Dogs truly are God’s gift to us.
You’re not going to have another dog? You’re too old? My wife Mary and I and our kids have had many: all schnauzers. One mini, four standards, and one giant. When we put down our last schnauzer, Diva, five years ago, Mary said let’s get a rescue dog. I was adamant. “I don’t want a dog that’ll outlive me.” I was 86. Of course, Mary prevailed. And for the last five years we been blessed with the smartest, most loving of all our wonderful canines, a lab/beagle named Roxie. If she does outlive us, our daughter has promised to drive in from Texas to get her.
Very sorry to hear about Zeus. I know it’s hard to do the right thing, but you did it and he loves you for it.
Of course all dogs go to Heaven, and Zeus and our three dogs will be waiting there for us. Sorry for your loss, we dog lovers understand.
So sorry to hear of your terrible loss. I have had Portuguese Water Dogs — on my third one now who is three years old. I have been to the entrance of the Rainbow Bridge twice in the past five years with my first two pups, Chelsea and Cooper, and unfortunately have some idea of hard it is. Best wishes for a restful Easter.
Oscar the Wiener Dog was there to meet Zeus at the Bridge and be best friends. They take a piece of our heart when they go – I’m so sorry you’ve lost your precious boy.
Oh John, I’m so very sorry. Every time you mentioned Zeus in the last couple of years I’d wondered if that day had come. My husband and I have had chocolate labs (on our third now) and we know the feelings you described too well. My heart goes out to you and your family.
Enjoy the eternal light, Zeus! Find my Sylvie, my Otto, my Muttzy, my Teddy! Were they really mine, or just on loan to me and mine? I never consider the “on loan” part. I just say “yes” and here comes another bundle of fur, ready to love and be loved.
So sorry to hear of the passing of Zeus the Wonder Dog. We certainly feel your loss as we had to recently send one of our dogs over the rainbow. Someone once said “Dogs are what make us human.” Sure wish more humans had dogs.
Dear John,
So so very sorry to hear of the loss of your beloved Zeus.
My heartfelt condolences.
We just lost our Annie the Wonder Dog February 15th, though we never actually called her that, but she did wear a Super Dog customer for two Halloweens. She was a 3-legged Greyhound and where the “Wonder Dog” kicked in was when she got up and ran full Greyhound speed on 3 legs after we were forced to have her front leg removed when she was diagnosed with cancer nearly 2 years ago. That’s not all. Shortly after she lost her leg, she injured another leg and still ran full Greyhound speed on a front and back leg with her remaining injured leg dangling, defying the laws of physics. She was an inspiration, John, just as Zeus was, full of life and personality, and we missed her deeply.
Thank you to all of you that cared for a pet. Please consider visiting an animal shelter and rescue a pet so they can rescue you.
Well said, Grant.
This is, by far, the most difficult part of being a pet parent. You have to ask yourself, “Am I keeping you here for me or for you?” My first St. Bernard I managed to keep going until he was 12 years and 1 week old, which is beyond ancient for the breed. My current one turns 7 on Friday, and I know we are entering the twilight of his life. At 75 myself, I know the aches and pains of aging, so I watch for them in him. He will have the very best life I can give him, as he gives me his best every day. My condolences to you, Betty, and the boys. It’s so hard to send them across the Rainbow Bridge, but I think they wait there patiently for us. It’s been a tough couple of years for you for sure!
His spirit is also here in the Springs with us. I know when I pass I wills top at the Rainbow Bridge and play with all the dogs I have had in the past. They love us like nothing else on earth and ask for so little in return. Just a good meal, a belly rub and a long walk with only your faithful friend and your self. I know you will miss him terribly, but the memories make up for it. I will stop crying in a minute.
So sad for you and the family, John. Dogs are God’s eyes on us and they miss nothing.
Bingo.
They are ‘God’s eyes on us and they miss nothing.’ just came home from the hospital, in my office looking at the scrap of rug he’d lie down on when I’d write.
Your column about Zeus the Wonder Dog brought tears to my eyes and memories of all the wonderful animals that have passed through my life. You all gave him such a good life and he in turn gave you his unconditional love. Thank you for writing so beautifully about him. He was truly a Wonder Dog!
So, if you know the God of the Bible, you know that He created the perfect world for us – and what was one of the things He created in the world – the animals – for us to care for. So, I am confident that His children/believers will be with their loved pets when they move on – because, that is just like Him to do that for us.
My deepest sympathy and condolence to you and your family. I feel your pain as I too go through a rough patch with my Carter Girl 14 year old lab who is suffering through some sever arthritis. Rest in Peace Zeus.
John, so sorry for your loss. Our dogs are certainly part of our families. The day we bring a puppy home, we know it will end with a period of unspeakable sadness. We also know that the happiness they bring in those years in between makes the pain worth it. God bless Zeus.
We said goodbye to our 165 pound lapdog Caramel, a beautiful and gentle St. Bernard, in 2006. Our 9 year old son also promised to do everything to take care of her, but she was the one who took care of us. After almost 13 years, we were with her as she crossed the rainbow bridge under her favorite tree in our back yard, her head in the lap of that boy, now a man of 22.
We never welcomed another dog in our home, but he rescues older and needy ones in his. Caramel’s legacy.
RIP Zeus, you were a good boy.
Never easy losing a friend, 2 legged or 4. 4 legged love you no matter what. Sorry for you and your family loss.
All kids should have a dog, and all dogs should have a kid. Your kids and Zeus were lucky to have each other. They say the greater the grief, the deeper the love. That’s absolutely the truth. And dog spelled backwards is God.
I am sure he was as happy to be a part of your lives as you were to be a part of his. What a great gift for all of you.
Sorry for your loss, John. He’ll always be with you.
John, how many tears did you shed while writing this? Not only did you love him deeply, but knowing Betty & especially your boys loved him, and mourn for him, makes it especially poignant. Zeus loved you just as much. God is good – he gives us this special relationship with our canine family members that becomes part of our souls. That’s why it hurts so much when they’re no longer with us physically. Wouldn’t it be a sad would if we didn’t have them in our lives?
John he was a good dog and all good dogs go to heaven. I know because Zeus sent this note
It’s my first day in heaven,
And what a beautiful place,
You’ll be glad to know,
There’s a smile upon my face,
The moment I left you,
Two angels in white,
Carried me up here,
To heaven that night.
o All those stories you hear ,
About rainbow bridge are true,
But you don’t walk over it,
The angels carried me through,
There’s a gate at the end,
Made of pearl,
It has got to be the biggest gate,
In the world!
Once I got in and started looking around,
You just won’t believe all the things that I
found!
The first place they took me,
Had to be the most fun,
A humongous field,
With miles to run!
Once I was tired the angels said,
We’ll take you to your home,
But first we need to stop by this place
Full of tasty bones,
They told me to take one with me,
But one is all I need,
Because every good thing lasts forever,
Up in heaven you see,
They took me to my new house,
It took my breath away,
Most beautiful place I’ve ever seen,
With a huge yard to play,
They said come on lets go inside ,
And have a look around,
They took me to the bottom floor,
You won’t believe what I found,
The bottom of my house is a window
And you won’t believe the view,
See my house it sets right over yours,
So I can still keep an eye on you!
I was so worried about you,
When I went away,
Now I can watch you every second,
And know that you are okay!
I can’t wait for that moment,
When we can walk around this place,
And I can cover you with puppy kisses,
On every inch of your face!
John, when I saw the email this morning, I knew what had happened, and waited until now to read it. I’ve been a reader of yours since you took over p.2 at “the paper.” As I got to know about you through your writing, I realized we had many similarities and are even close in age. I reached out to you about 20 years ago and shared how I almost felt related to you. I grew up in the Marquette Park and Gage Park neighborhoods, our family moved to Oak Lawn when I was a teenager (I played fast pitching with friends in “the Greek Church” parking lot), my son is the same age as your boys, and my dog Colby is 14. I dread the day that Colby and my family will part; I feel your pain. You’re a good, strong man; your family and Zeus are lucky.
Catturd’s beloved Smiley just died.
Ted Nugent’s beloved Happy just died.
John’s beloved Zeus just died.
Our pets will be forever etched in our hearts.
Napoleon Bonaparte, on finding a dog beside the body of his dead master, licking his face and howling, on a moonlit field after a battle. Napoleon was haunted by this scene until his own death.
“This soldier, I realized, must have had friends at home and in his regiment; yet he lay there deserted by all except his dog. I looked on, unmoved, at battles which decided the future of nations. Tearless, I had given orders which brought death to thousands. Yet here I was stirred, profoundly stirred, stirred to tears. And by what? By the grief of one dog.’
Timely column. You’ve provided some good guidance. Going on 15 years, we are nearing the end with Reilly the Coonhound. Actually a coonhound/yellow lab mix found over 14 years ago wandering a county road in Missouri. People who’ve been through it tell me “you’ll know when,” hope that’s true. I think his goal in life was to kill a coyote. Lord knows he chased enough of them. Maybe he can get one on the other side.
you’ll know when. truth
My wife and I have had five miniature schnauzers over the years….we had to hold each at the end and to say goodbye……all dogs are God’s creatures and we will see them in the next life……waiting for us as we cross over the bridge….
Nothing sadder to return to a home empty of our pets….we still have our memories but still bittersweet
God bless us all
John, very sorry to hear about Zeus, beautiful dog!
Thank you for sharing his story.
John-those of us that have had dogs understand the pain of losing such a treasured family member. Damn near like losing a human relative. Awful. Just freakin awful. Your account is touching and I send my prayers to your family for the loss of Zeus.
To all the dogs I have loved and lost:
Tiny – Toy Manchester
Horse – Airdale mix
Penny – Irish Setter
Sylvia – Red Doberman Rescue
Manny – Red Doberman Rescue
Maxwell – Red Doberman Rescue
Daisy If You Can – Chinese Crested Rescue
Happy – Mini Dachshund Rescue
And now that I am at 78 years of age I have Maxwell II – Red Doberman– A Rescue dog that rescued me!
John, heal the pain – a new dog is waiting for you.
If you love your dog, you’ll know when
Last October we had to part, as you did with Zeus, with our beloved “Brutus” – a 22 lb. 15 yr. old rescue of what most Vets described as a Soft Coated Whethen. How he got the name Brutus is a whole ‘nother story but not that he earned it. Your story brought tears to my 77 yr old NWside Chicago eyes now out of the “State of Corruption” in more genteel Florida. One of my desires, should the Good God grant it, is to meet and spend time in Paradise with my “buddies” from over the years: Daisey, Scruffy, Jake, Abbie,Max, Brutus and Mac (we had to rehome Mac as whenever the neighbor’s female Mastiff went into “heat” he would attack Brutus – 98 lbs. vs. 22 lbs). I don’t consider myself a softie – was a Marine in Vietnam – Combat Engineer and saw some stuff, but losing a canine “buddy” is rough.
Hope they take care of your stones so you’re pain free from that and God Bless – L³
John,
I am so sorry for your family’s loss. It’s one of the hardest things we deal with in life, but letting our pets go is the greatest kindness we show them, when life becomes painful and difficult for them. I would rather let them go a day too soon than a minute too late. I believe that Heaven is a perfect place, and being perfect, I believe my dogs and horses will be on the other side, waiting for me. For now, I believe my Mom and Dad are looking after them. They leave such big pawprints on our hearts. I wish you and your family healing and peace — you, and Zeus, are in my prayers.
— Lisa
John-
Our heartbreak at the end of our dog’s run is the cost of that love you sign up for when you first pick out the puppy that is riding home with you. They are so special and we have always felt that any house without a dog is, what’s the the word, not a home. We have had our share of furry friends. Currently we have Bolt, our 3 year old Husky-German Shepherd mix (Shepsky, if you will) goofball, following in the steps our late, great golden doodle, Cabo.
All dogs do go to heaven, John. There is an old Twilight Zone episode that left its mark on a young boy. A boy and his dog woke up from an accident and were walking down a country road. A man by a gate to a farm invited the boy into “paradise” but his dog, barking and snarling at this man, was not welcome. Boy said I won’t leave my dog and kept walking. He came upon another man standing by a similar farm gate who invited the boy in. The boy asked if his dog could come in. The friendly man said, “Of course! My boss loves dogs.” The boy and dog happily walked through the gate. The man said “By the way, my name is Peter and my boss is waiting to welcome you!” Also, may I recommend the movie, “ARTHUR THE KING”? An excellent adventure movie with Mark Wahlberg and a cool dog, based on a true story. Prepare for a lump in the throat, John.