Dear Friends and Family,
It is with deep sorrow I am writing to tell you of our beloved Zak's passing. He left our world for the next early Thursday morning. Zak apparently had a tumor on his spleen that rupture resulting in internal bleeding. We rushed him to the vet that has cared for him since birth, but it was too much for his tired old body to fight. We have been told he was not suffering. He spent his last hours curled up on the floor with Courtney in front of the fire.
Seamus is confused and not really eating. Ullie is even needier then usual. We are coping the best we can. We know each day was a gift. Zak was the most amazing member of our canine family. He kept Courtney safe, he always helped others. He loved with all his heart. Zak had a way of looking at you that made you wonder what he was thinking. He worked as a reading dog right up to his last days.
Courtney and Zak were on the front page of our local paper several weeks ago, for the County Drill team placing first at the NYS Fair. Courtney was thrilled they listed Zak as her co captain.
Zak has earned his TDI,TDIA,TWT,CGG (therapy dog international, therapy dog international Active,Tail Wagging Tutor Canine good citizen) As well as a certified reading dog. Zak was the only animal to receive the beacon award in 4-H for inspiration for others and community service activities. He consistently logged hundreds of hours in community service.
Zak volunteered at Duzine School, the Gardiner Library, Castle Point VA hospital, the head trauma center in Kingston, and Huguenot Street in New Paltz. He taught animal safety classes to kindergarten students. ZAk and Courtney have twice presented at Cornell Universities March Dog Madness, 1st with the Children Reading to Dog program, and 2nd with how to organize a drill team.
He will be missed by more people then I can even fathom. We are honoring his memory as Ullie will now take over his reading program.
Please keep Courtney and our whole family in your prayers as well learn to live with out or Big Boy. There will never be another Zak. We are grateful that his first Mom, Leigh, allowed us to make him part of our family.
Please give all your children, 2 legged and 4 a hug tonight and say thank you for the gift of their presence in your lives.
Peace be with you, we are searching for it in ours now,
Joy, David ,Courtney ,Bryan and the Funny Farm
Dewitt's Court Not-X-Zactly "Zak" March 17 2000 to January 13 2011