Main

December 31, 2005

Rest In Peace, Boy.

Yesterday (May 27, 2005) was a really tough day. Zilli (the older of our Spinoni Italiani) finally had succumbed to his diseases (or the treatment for the diseases) and we had to have him put to sleep at 2:20pm on May 27, 2005. He was only 2 years, 7 months, and 5 days old.

Zilli (Sagebrush Zillionaire) was my first dog that was my own. We literally raised him as if he were our child. He never wanted for anything and usually got a lot more than he needed, whether it was love, toys, cookies, or attention.

The last year had been really rough on Zilli. We fought a long and arduous battle with chronic ear infections, then epileptic seizures, and finally Pemphigus (additional link), an auto-immune disorder where his immune system starts attacking and destroying his skin. We decided to do everything we could to possibly beat or at least come to a truce with these diseases and after several months we (all) lost the battle. Zilli was the consummate trooper to the end.

I'll always remember that beautiful puppy we picked up in Idaho and the strong, good-natured dog he grew into. We will always have those good memories he gave us, the lessons he taught us, and I'm a better person after having him in my life.

Zilli may you have all the water you want now, feel no more pain, and I hope you always catch whatever you are chasing, cowboy.

Sagebrush Zillionaire (Zilli)
October 22, 2002 - May 27, 2005

Update: (December 30, 2005) We spread Zilli's ashes in a sunset ceremony at Mount Sunflower in western Kansas today.

Tags: - - - - - - - - -

Posted by speedeep at 1:01 AM | | Comments (5)

August 26, 2005

Sagebrush Zillionaire (Zilli)


This is our Italian Spinone, Sagebrush Zillionaire (Zilli). While the photo is black and white, his coloration was brown roan, with brown markings.

Zilli was bred in 2002 by Sagebrush Spinoni (Joe and Penny Masar) in New Plymouth, Idaho. His parents are North Ridge Grady and Sagebrush Zeda Del Fudge. He was one of seven healthy puppies, Zeda's first litter.

Zilli had a very outgoing personality. He was cautious initially, but always friendly to every human and dog he met. He loved to go on long walks, but preferred to be let off the leash so he could terrorize the world in his own inimitable style.

Zilli passed on recently and we've taken time to reflect on the good memories he gave us:

  • the trip to the beach in Florida
  • his appearance on WSFA on the morning "Pet Vet" segment
  • exploring Dismals Canyon
  • the cow herding experiment at Mount Sunflower, Kansas
  • mountain hiking in Colorado
  • and perhaps his favorite, frequent trips to the park

Continue reading "Sagebrush Zillionaire (Zilli)" »

Posted by speedeep at 1:54 PM | | Comments (1)