Zeus is a stunning 8 year old Great Dane whose owner Patrick has had him since puppyhood. His elegance and grace is matched by his intelligence and kindness to all. A local celebrity, he has a legion of fans throughout the San Francisco bay area. Everybody who meets Zeus is left with a memorable impression. Patrick often takes him to local outdoor Cafés where Zeus is a major attraction. A local Home entertainment company was so impressed with Zeus that they feature him in their advertising. ( to the dismay of their former dog star, a poodle)

A few months ago, Zeus started having weakness in all 4 of his legs. This was a major problem, especially given the fact that Zeus weighs over 160 pounds. Before long, Zeus was virtually unable to walk. Patrick took him to many specialists, and it was determined that the only way to restore Zeus’s mobility was to attempt a very complicated spinal surgery. If the surgery wasn’t attempted (or if it failed) the prognosis for Zeus was looking pretty grim.
 

Following the surgery, Zeus was paralyzed in all 4 limbs. It remained to be seen whether this paralysis was temporary or permanent. After a week in the hospital, Patrick brought Zeus home. Patrick , his family and friends all chipped in and helped with Zeus’ intensive nursing care. Patrick, a contractor by trade, built Zeus a rolling cart to assist in helping Zeus out to use the bathroom. He called it the Zeusmobile.

5 weeks after surgery, Zeus started physical rehabilitation at The Canine Rehabilitation Center in Walnut Creek, Ca. Dr. Troy had worked with dogs who were recovering from this type of surgery before, but Zeus’ size and age were of major concern. She was cautiously optimistic that she could help Zeus, but knew it was going to be a very challenging case Zeus wanted SO badly to walk, though, and that worked in his favor.

Zeus started walking in a Ferno hydrotherapy tank, an underwater treadmill. The idea was to use the buoyancy of the water to help Zeus start to learn how to walk again without having to bear all of his body weight.

Twenty days after starting therapy, Zeus was walking on his own! Zeus continues to improve every day. Patrick has added acupuncture and homeopathy to Zeus’ regimen, and things are going well. A few days ago Zeus strolled off through the neighborhood to look for his girlfriend Yetta. He is back at his favorite café again and enjoying life.