THE MOST DIFFICULT PUPDATE:  Zeus has crossed the rainbow bridge.  This decision was not made easily, nor made lightly.  I loved Zeus.  My dog mentor loved Zeus, and could see his potential — if we could find that one in a million adopter who could reliably and safely handle a dog like Zeus for the rest of his life.  In the past, I have kept several difficult or dangerous dogs, but I’m not in a position to keep Zeus at this time.  I made mention in a previous pupdate that Zeus was returned to me by his adopter with a bite history.  The details not shared involved the death of their medium size dog in a three dog dog fight including Zeus, their medium size dog, and their other large breed dog.  Zeus also bit two different people while in their care.  Training, at no cost to them, was offered, at the time of adoption and again after the dog fight.  They declined and sought advice from others, which proved unsuccessful.  While in my care, Zeus was kept separate from my client dogs.  Unfortunately, I failed to properly latch a kennel door and a boarding puppy squeezed out and Zeus grabbed her and shook her like a rag doll.  She suffered multiple bite wounds, three of which required sutures.  The vet was very thorough in her exam, along with x-rays, and she will recover.  While removing Zeus from this situation, he also bit me.  From April to June, this is five known bites.  Zeus’ history before being rescued from the shelter is unknown.  I spoke with several dog trainers and dog handlers about Zeus.  While his potential was great, equally so was his risk and liability.  Everyone that donated to Zeus’ board & train fund was offered a refund.  I’ll be taking a break from rescue to reset, refocus, and spend some quality time with my personal dogs.  I am very sorry for the loss of Zeus, this wasn’t for lack of love.

  = = =

PUPDATE: We did it!  Zeus begins a four week board & train program with Linda at Patience Professional Dog Training in Marana on August 8, 2020.
Thank you so much to everyone who helped make this opportunity happen for Zeus!
If you’re interested in adopting Zeus, please contact Little Heart K9, it would be ideal if Zeus’ adopter could coordinate with his trainer at the end of his board & train stay with a willingness to maintain Zeus as a well balanced dog.
Zeus is a good dog, he will need an active, structured, lifestyle with someone willing to put in the work. He’s going to be an amazing companion, it’ll totally be worth the work.

PUPDATE: Little Heart K9 is fundraising to send Zeus to “school”.  I’ve spoken to Linda Figueiredo at Patience Professional Dog Training in Marana, AZ about Zeus and his situation.  Linda offers a four week board & train session for $900., considering what he’ll learn and the foundation this will give Zeus, it’s very reasonable.  If fundraising is successful, she will take him in August.  I would very much like to find an adopter willing to continue the work with Zeus to keep him up to par and give him the well balanced, active, fun, lifestyle he deserves.  For more information about adopting Zeus the supermutt, please contact Little Heart K9.

PUPDATE: Welcome back, Zeus.

My work with dogs has always been transparent. The more we know about a dog, the better we can serve him by finding the best placement for him.  Many years ago, my dog mentor taught me three things are key when owning dogs: firmness, fairness, and consistency.  Zeus did not have what he needed for success. I believe Zeus should be given another chance.

Zeus is now considered a “bite dog”, and as such, can only be adopted to a carefully selected adopter capable of giving Zeus the lifestyle he needs. Zeus will need someone who can firmly, fairly, and consistently, provide structure, and leadership.

Zeus is an active, playful, smart dog.   Zeus is a good size for hiking, camping, and would make a great adventure buddy.  He’ll need an active life with an adopter in tune to his needs to thrive.

Zeus was said to be a Dutch Shepherd, however, his dog breed identification test shows he’s a supermutt (see Wisdom Panel below).  Zeus is a handsome boy, neutered, housebroken, and weighs about 65 pounds.

If you’d like more information about Zeus, or to meet Zeus, please contact Little Heart K9.

PUPDATE: Zeus, now MAVERICK, has been ADOPTED!  Maverick is in an active household with wonderful people, two dog friends, and unlimited potential to be the very best dog he can be.

Little Heart K9 pulled Zeus (FKA: Sharma) from PACC (Pima Animal Care Center, Tucson, AZ).  Zeus is a 2 year old, male, Dutch Shepherd mix, listed as a stray.

Zeus was very fearful in the shelter, he did not like having his head or collar touched, being leashed, and would dart from his kennel or back up out of reach.

Once home, Zeus is being given time to decompress.  I was able to put a more snug fitting collar on him.  Zeus defiantly has some trust issues, but in just one day, he has become ok with me leashing him and being led inside and out.  I’ve brushed him twice, and each time had to hold firm to his leash because he’d try to back away.  Once I started brushing him, he enjoyed it.  He lets me pet him and he pushes my hand to ask for more petting.  On his second day, he showed me he loves to play with the large Jolly Ball.  He is not treat motivated, but he is defiantly ball motivated.

On his third day, Zeus is just fine being off of his long line, he comes inside and out when I ask him to.  I believe Zeus will be an extremely loyal, playful, smart companion.  He needs someone who can help him overcome his fears with an assertive, calm, and understanding manner.  He has spent minimal time with the pack, but shows no aggression toward them.

Despite his fearful moments, I believe Zeus is a strong, confident dog who just needs a little guidance.  He knows no obedience, i.e., sit, down, leave it, etc. (unless he speaks a language other than English).  He has had limited access while free in my home but seems to be housebroken.  He is kennel trained and has a very good appetite.

Zeus has an appointment to be neutered on Friday, Apr 24, 2020.  He will be available for adoption to the right person or right family after he fully heals from his neuter surgery.

Donations for Zeus’ care may be made via PayPal: laura@littleheartk9.com

Thank you, from Zeus, Laura, and the pack at Little Heart K9.

For more information about adopting Zeus, please contact Little Heart K9.