Animal Stories from All-Creatures.org

Zoey Jean Zeman—A Life That Mattered

From Bruce Zeman
Facebook posting, April 20, 2023

Like she did for almost her entire life, Zoey proved everyone wrong and made it. Surviving numerous infections, and surgeries, she came home on January 15, 2017, and joined my family for good. This little dog changed my whole life, by teaching me never to give up, and that regardless of the obstacles we face, when we help each other, amazing things are possible. Things that can change the world.

"I still remember that first time I saw Zoey. It was on December 24, 2017, and at that time, she didn’t even have a name, just a number, #A1100198. When I got involved, and tried to save her, the rescue in NYC told me she was “too old, and out of time.”

Naturally, after being told that, I went nuts, and proceeded to try to adopt her, which wasn’t that easy. We thought she was in NYC, but then she was moved, and over the next 8 days, I searched 275 animal shelters in 11 states. Eventually, I found her in Connecticut, only to learn, she was near death from abuse. Locked in a warehouse, and left to starve to death, she was rescued by a NYC policeman, who brought her to a shelter, that gave her to Eskies Online in Canterbury, Connecticut, and Denise Gareau, who is an angel to animals.

Eventually, Denise contacted me, and we started to adoption process—only to discover, she was not expected to survive. I was heartbroken, but determined that she would make it. I was alone in that belief. Everyone, and I do mean everyone, told me this little dog, who I had named “Zoey” meaning “life,” would die.

Like she did for almost her entire life, Zoey proved everyone wrong and made it. Surviving numerous infections, and surgeries, she came home on January 15, 2017, and joined my family for good.

This little dog changed my whole life, by teaching me never to give up, and that regardless of the obstacles we face, when we help each other, amazing things are possible. Things that can change the world.

When Zoey came home, we knew she had a long road ahead—because of the medical problems—heart issues, seizures, kidney issues, but in spite of all of these things, she brought us so much joy.

The police estimate she had been a stray for almost year—this tiny little dog, alone in the world—but yet, she wanted to be here.

Tami and I made sure that if nothing else, she knew she was loved, and adored. The night we brought her home, we promised her she would never be cold or hungry again, and we would always protect and take care of her, and we kept that promise.

Zoey repaid that love in so many ways, not only to us, but also to Hobbes—when he was sick, and Calvin, when he was injured. She never left their side, showing was an empathetic little soul she was.

She also bonded with Tami, becoming “mommies little helper and protector,” always at her feet, and always ready to jump into her arms, with kisses for the woman who called her “Smoochy,” - because Zoey kissed her Mom so much.

As for me, I think the bond is even deeper. In 40 years of animal rescue, saving Zoey was, by far, the most traumatic rescue I’d ever done—but also the most rewarding, because I knew I had to find her, and I always knew I would.

Like Hobbes, Zoey joined WVTK, and loved coming here. She became a radio star, and counted important people like Gov. Phil Scott, among her friends. He was nice enough to welcome her to Montpelier, in an act of kidness I won’t ever forget. And when, she passed, Gov. Phil was the first person to call me, and say how sorry he was. Pretty classy.

Although we did everything we could, the abuse and neglect Zoey suffered earlier in her life caught up with her, and last Thursday on our Farm, we helped Zoey get to Rainbow Bridge. It was the right decision for her, but it was easily, the WORST thing I’ve ever had to do—and I miss her, terribly.

This morning on the show, I wanted to say a few words, and dedicate today’s show, to this tiny little soul, who overcame so many obstacles, to help others, and make the world a better place. Zoey was an inspration to not only NEVER give up, but that no matter how small you were in stature, you could always make a BIG difference in the world.

There are so many people we have to thank, and over the next few days, I will—but to everyone who has reached out to us, and prayed for her, from the bottom of my heart, THANK YOU.

And finally, to my beautiful little girl, let me say I am so glad you chose me to be your Dad. Somehow, I think you knew that, even though I had failed in just about everything else I’d ever done, I would not fail to save you, and give you the life you deserve. I shared my life with you for 6 years, and 3 months—which was much too short, but time I will treasure, until we meet again, at Rainbow Bridge. You, little Zoey, were the love of my life, and I will miss you for the rest of my life."

You can listen to the on-air tribute by clicking below, and scrolling to "Zoey Tribute."
https://www.921wvtk.com/show/bruce-friends/...

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