Zeus, a beautiful black and tan doberman came to live with us when he was fifteen months old. He was a rescue dog, skin and bone, did not know his name, had never been on a lead and was a complete hooligan. A few months later and with the help of Chaz, he turned into a model citizen. All he wanted to do was to please his mum, if mum told him to do something he knew that it would be alright. The bond between us was formed, we went everywhere together. Zeus had such a zest for life, he enjoyed every minute. His little 'stump' never stopped wagging, but he was also very sensitive, recognising all my moods. If I was feeling under the weather he would sit with his head on my knee, but when I was well he also greeted me with a ball and a 'smile'. Unfortunately when he was five years old, he was diagnosed with a spinal complaint, caused by ill treatment, before he came to us. The vet gave him two years at the most. Zeus had other ideas, still enjoying life to the full even though he kept falling over, he just got up shook himself and carried on. He didn't even mind the numerous trips to the vet, he was a model patient, although I think the chocolate drops he was given had something to do with it. As the years went on he became slower, having problems walking and getting up, the time had come to make that fateful decision. I took him to the vets and held him in my arms until he died. He had a dignified end and was cremated so I could bring him home. The gap he has left behind is indescribable as we were so close. He has gone, but is never forgotten as the happy memories are with me always.