He's a cat lover, a squirrel chaser, a bacon enthusiast, and an All Yard Dog Wrestling champion. He was bred by Beverly Crosby of Calisun Standard Poodles in Greenville, SC. As an Emotional Support Service dog, Zeus helps me interact in public venues. I have Generalized Anxiety Disorder, and being in large groups of people is very difficult for me. When I have a panic attack, I have tunnel vision
and often difficulty speaking. In focusing on my duty as his owner, I keep myself calm. When I have panic attacks, he leans on me to help me regain focus. When that doesn't work, he pulls me away from the situation, and if I am with my husband, will take me to him. When I am doing well, he is friendly and thus makes me practice social interaction with strangers. which helps me overcome my anxiety. He's always smiling, very calm, and people want to pet him, so he has an "ask to pet" badge on his red vest. I usually say yes (in part because I have trouble saying "no" to friendly people), but if I feel stressed (or if he isn't on his absolute best behavior), I will say no so that his focus isn't moved away from me. He goes with me everywhere -- to the doctor, to the dentist (having one's teeth cleaned is MUCH easier with a fuzzy dog to pet), to stores and restaurants, and anywhere else there are large groups of people. Often people don't realize he's under the table or by my chair until he stands up. When he's out of his vest, he's playful and friendly. He never seems to forget someone he's met, even if he hasn't seen them for a year. I spent 3 years training Zeus for his role in my life and despite his "ask to pet" status, I hold him to a very high standard of behavior. I've talked to a variety of trainers and other service dog owners about how to train him and what I should expect of him. My life would be severely restricted without this beautiful dog. I would have trouble leaving the house and certainly would not go anywhere alone. Because of him, I can go to the store and to restaurants, go to movies, and even go to conventions and parties.
