eileenanddogs

What my dogs teach me

Goodbye to Zani

Posted on by Eileen Anderson
Zani: July 14, 2008 – September 28, 2020
Taken too soon by lymphoma.

I am not up to writing about this dear, remarkable dog. Here are some best memories.

Photo Gallery

  • Head shot of a black and rust colored dog that looks like a small, slim beagle. She looks (and is) very friendly. Her mouth is open and her teeth are crooked.
    Zani, July 2013
  • LRDTC agility Little Rock Summer Zani
  • Where’s the food?
  • Zani’s useful “Trick”
  • Zani catching some air
  • A small black and tan colored hound is looking up. She has flecks of snow all over her face
    Zani in the snow
  • Must be Nice
  • Zani extreme head tilt
  • Zani ear blowing head tilt
  • LRDTC agility Little Rock Summer Zani
  • Zani greeting bow

Favorite Videos

Negotiating for attention and treats in July 2020
Some clips from her final days
Brilliant problem solving
Figuring out the flirt pole
Beautiful Open Jumpers run in Little Rock, November 2012
More agility: Qualifying runs (even with my mistakes) in Novice FAST and Standard
The very first time we tried side-stepping for one of Lori Stevens’ courses
Zani teaching me a thing or two about training
Zani showing predatory aggression
The video that made her Internet-famous

Stopping and picking Zani up off the street in July 2009 was one of the best things I ever did.

Copyright 2020 Eileen Anderson

55 thoughts on “Goodbye to Zani”

  4. Thoughts, prayers and hugs for you today and in the future.

    Thank you for sharing Zani (and yourself) with us.

  5. I am so sorry. So many memories captured there – a darling, complicated, loving little soul.

  6. Sincere sympathies to you and family! And a safe pain free traveling over there into the light to sweet Zani

  7. The gifts of your posts and work with Zani will continue to inspire us for a long time. Thank you both for helping us become better trainers, companions and ambassadors’ for dogs in need. Your bond with Zani is truly above and beyond – what a wonderful life you gave her.

  8. Thank you for sharing the sweet soul we’ve come to know as Zani. My sympathy for the pain of loss that you are now feeling.

  10. Such sad news about Zani. Thank you for sharing her gifts with so many. Even if we didn’t know her in person, I know we are the better for having “known” her through your website.

  11. I’m so very sorry for your loss. I’ve never been able to write about any of my amazing dogs after they passed, too difficult. These photos and videos tell a story. Thank you for sharing her with us. <3

  13. Truly sorry for your loss, Eileen. Zani was a wonderful teacher. Thank you for sharing her with us. She will be fondly and gratefully remembered. 🌈💜🐾

  14. Eileen, I’m so terribly sorry for your loss. What a gift to have known her even just in pixels. Sending lots of love and healing to you.

  17. So sorry for your loss of your beloved Zani, her pictures show how sweet and lovable she was and a real ‘heart dog’.

  20. Eileen, I am so sorry for your loss. I have loved reading about your and Zani’s journey and she was a very loved and fortunate girl to share her life as your companion and teacher! Run free beautiful girl – you left your heart with Eileen and a little with us too.

  21. So sorry about Zani-she taught so many of us so many wonderful things. She will be missed

  22. I am so very sorry for your loss, Eileen. Zani was a beautiful girl. The video that made her internet famous is one of my best teaching tools. I show it to every new behaviour client (ca 200/year). Such a good teacher.

  30. Eileen, My sincere and deepest sympathies to you. The tribute that you sent our for Zani has such feeling in it that I have tears in my eyes. I can only imagine how difficult it has been for you to put it together. Zani is at peace and is no longer in discomfort, though it does not look like Zani suffered. What a joy to have had Zani come into your life.

  31. I’m so, so sorry, Eileen. I have been there recently myself, twice over. Thank you for sharing Zani with us over the years.

  32. Dear Eileen. I am so sorry and sad. You and Zani have taught me so much and helped me with many dogs. So sad. Hugs.

  33. I’m sorry, Eileen. I think all of us here know what you’re going through, as we’ve all been there ourselves. May you soon find comfort and joy in the great memories you have of Zani. May God provide you peace and comfort at this time.

  34. Eileen, my deepest condolences to you on the loss of your dear little dog! The most difficult part of having dogs as companions is how quickly they leave us… Thank you for sharing your memories of sweet Zani.

  35. 💔 I’m so sorry for your loss Eileen. Thank you for sharing dear little Zani with us. RIP sweet girl.

  37. So sorry for your loss Eileen. Thanks to you and Zani for all the love and learning you shared with us x

  38. Eileen, I love her picture in the red, white and blue bandana. Zani and her videos were inspiring to me. Hugs and love from me to you.

  40. Oh hugs. It is always hard…I prepared myself for tears too….the photos and videos speak volumes about your connection and her life.
    Be kind, patient and gentle with yourself. Lots of TLC. I hope you feel all the love from all the comments

  41. Eileen I had meant to write about your last beautiful post on your loving “Advanced Care Plan” with Zani. The only words that come to mind are from the wonderful Mary Oliver in her poem “I ask Percy how I should live my life”. Offered to you ,like many here, with care, understanding and hope.

    Love, love, love, says Percy.

    And run as fast as you can
    along the shining beach, or the rubble, or the dust.

    Then, go to sleep.

    Give up your body heat,

    your beating heart.

    Then, trust…

  42. My heart aches with yours as a person who shares a deep connection with my own dog. Thank you sharing for Zani with us.

  43. Zani has been a part of our lives for so long…Thank you dear Eileen, for sharing your sweet girl with the world. We have grown and learned right along with her. Thank you for your big heart. Peace to you.

  44. May its kind soul rest in peace. So sorry for your loss, Eileen. Thank you for letting us know about Zani. Wishing health and peace to the rest of the pack.

  46. I’m so sorry Eileen. I have been thinking of you lately. I put my own 14.5 yo girl down last week but thanks to your book about it, we managed to deal with her canine cognitive disorder much longer than I thought we would. Thank you for that. The extra time your advice brought us left me with some special memories and I need all I can get.

  49. Such a sweet and peppy little dog! My heart hurts for you. I have always enjoyed watching and reading about your work and play with Zani. I am so sorry.

  50. Eileen, I am so very very sorry. I’ve watched Zany’s videos for years and always taken joy in her own joy for life. She has always appeared willing to take on life’s challenges and, with your help, not let adversity limit her. Thank you for sharing her with us.

  51. Eileen, I wanted to send you my condolences as well. This post – and the one you posted about evaluating quality of life – hit home with me as I am in a similar situation with my Romeo. Thank you so much for letting us share in the joys and sorrows of life with these amazing creatures. Zani was special. Much love and thanks.

  53. Eileen – I just had a chance to watch the videos. Thank you so much for posting both the slideshow and the videos. Oh, what a girl, young and old! Hugs to you and scritches to Clara, who must miss Zani too.

  54. It’s so hard to lose them. She was an amazing dog and had the best life with you, I’m just so sorry you didn’t get more time with her but even a million years would never be enough. Xxx

  55. I’m brand new to your blog. I just found it because I was looking for tips on training two dogs to go to place. Sadly, I then clicked on the main page and saw that you lost your precious Zani. I’m so sorry for your loss.
    I’m going to read your entire blog and watch your videos. I’m going to learn so much from you and Zani. I’m extremely impressed by what you do with dogs and want to be like you.

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