Today I had both the pleasure and heartbreak of meeting Alan and his dog, Zeus. Zeus was taken far too soon after being struck by a car that swerved off the highway into the parking lot at Morro Bay Dog Beach. I have gotten to know Alan really well over the past 12 hours. What began as pulling over to offer assistance to Zeus and Alan has become a budding friendship between Alan and myself. Alan was traveling from Salt Lake City, so not knowing anyone in the area, I wanted him to know he didn't have to go through this alone. Through our many phone calls today I have learned more about what a wonderful person he is and what a once-in-a-lifetime dog Zeus was as well. It has been an absolutely devastating day for Alan and Zeus' siblings, and I would love if anyone could help offer Alan support during this time. Below, Alan shared with me a bit more about Zeus's story and his final day that I would like to share with you all.

Zeus was a 3-year-old boy who was the life of the party. He was a super curious and well mannered boy. Kids were always his favorite. He was the middle child, but took the role of protector of his siblings and his dad, Alan, to heart. Alan shared with me that he hopes this past week before he passed we're some of the best of his life. They left Utah for California to see family for the holidays. Zeus enjoyed playing in the snow with his friends and going to In-N-Out for his burgers. They were enjoying the second thing he enjoys doing most, which was playing on the beach, when the unthinkable happened. On the morning of January 8th, as Alan was loading Zeus and his siblings up to leave the beach and continue on their journey, Zeus was hit by a car that swerved off the highway into the Morro Bay Dog Beach parking lot. While Alan managed to get Zeus up to the emergency vet hospital, Zeus sadly passed very shortly after arrival.

Alan shared that how Zeus was in life is what he wants for him now in the afterlife. Alan is having a private funeral service and doing something special with his ashes so that Zeus can be with him and his siblings as they continue to travel.

The funds raised here will help cover cremation costs and Alan’s travel expenses to return to San Luis Obispo so he can be with Zeus during his cremation and personally take him home. Thank you for your kindness and compassion, whatever that may look like, on behalf of Alan and Zeus.