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.
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.
