RIP Zen the Puppy



Poor Zen the Puppy went up to puppy heaven on April 2, 2014.  This was pretty unexpected.  Anyone that knows our pups knows that they've both always been a sickly pair from the beginning - in fact, Zen has had colds and coughs periodically and Karma has been the itchy scratchy allergic bear.  So knowing that, I shouldn't be too surprised, but you are never really prepared to lose a pup.  Unfortunately my Dad was the one that dealt with the dramatic last moment.  Zen had had another cough and like before, we thought she just needed some antibiotics to kick it and she would be fine.  My Dad took her to the vet for us, and within 5 minutes of arrival, she died.  She apparently had a severe pneumonia and her lungs were full of fluid.  It pains me to think that we let her down not knowing how bad it was.  We had been desensitized over the years with so many health problems I suppose.  Jeff and I have had Karma and Zen ever since we came home from the Peace Corps.  They were our first babies and have been great dogs.  Zen was "Karma's dog," and a wild one - a bit unpredictable, refusal to be fully house-trained, and always looking for a way to squeeze into a love situation.  She pranced around protective and watchful and in constant bliss, hence, "Zen." She has been with us from really the beginning of our marriage and been there through many events - it feels like closing a chapter that we aren't ready to close.  Like all wild animals, you love and hate them and though the house feels a bit empty these days, the quiet is oddly welcome.  I hated that cold puppy nose in my armpits each day, but I am missing those little kisses now.  Rest in Peace, sweet girl.  Zen the Puppy...Zen Zen the Pup-py. Z.E.N.T.H.E.P.U.P.P.Y. Zen the Puppy.  Zen Zen the Pup-py.