The song, with the drawing below was sung by our 8 year old neighbor, at Zeus' back yard memorial. She met Zeus when she was 4; she was never afraid of his barking; when the older kids told her she was too little to play with them she would knock at the door and ask if Zeus could play; and she loved him very much. We received other drawings from our 7 year old neighbor, our 5 year old neighbor from across the street provided specific advice on how we should landscape Zeus' grave, thoughtful flowers and well wishes came from everyone.

They all knew the little dog that lived on their street, 
the kids learned that even a dog who is deaf can fetch a tennis ball; and how to be careful when someone has a back injury or a tired heart. They learned about death. 
We all felt helplessness and grief.

I know Zeus has left an impression on our neighborhood, his human family and all of our friends who knew him for twelve short years.

Napping in the San Diego Sun, 
stretching after the nap.

Moving to the new house.
Zeus and the ball were exhausted.

Snoozing in his original KuddleKot after opening Christmas presents .

He is your friend, your partner, your defender, your dog. You are his love, his leader.
He will be yours, faithful and true, to the last beat of his heart.
You owe it to him to be worthy of such devotion.