We were blessed with Zeb in 1998; an angel in a peculiar fur coat, sent by God to ease the loss of another cherished, four legged soul-mate. The last of his litter and passed over by others, we took him home out of compassion, fearing no one else would. That disheveled creature grew to be the most beautiful dog, inside and out. His carriage was strong and proud and regal, particularly when he would lie with his front paws crossed like a nobleman, and his head held high, or when he would dash the length of the yard, his full, white mane parted in the wind. Never was an animal more human. Zeb was a dog of very specific likes, dislikes and neuroses, with a penchant for Frisbees, tennis balls and squeaky rubber ducks. When we were ill, hurting or upset, Zeb knew precisely what to administer; be it a gentle paw on our knee, his head in our lap, or just his warm quiet presence curled up near us. The strength of his loyalty was rivaled only by the depth of his soulful, brown eyed gaze and his healthy stubborn streak; his unconditional love and patience with us unlimited. He preferred to live in dignity, this being most apparent at bath time, and so, at the end, when his pain became too great and it came time to give him back to God, we did our best to see that this too, was done with dignity. The emptiness his absence leaves behind is profound, the silence deafening.
Fly, fly precious one. You’re endless journey has begun.
Take your gentle happiness, far too beautiful for this.
Cross over to the other shore. There is peace forever more.
Godspeed, Zeb.
You are missed.