RI wolf dog finds his pack and health after struggling with seizures – The Providence Journal

A wolf dog rescued in Rhode Island three years ago celebrated a happy milestone earlier this month at his new home near the Canadian border.
Zeus, who was adopted from the Potter League for Animals in 2023, had often suffered from seizures, but as of Jan. 6, he had gone a full year without an episode.
“Today marks a huge day in my life!!,” says a Jan. 6 post on Zeus’s Facebook page. “1 year anniversary of my last episode!!! Longest I ever went was 7 months! Thanks to mom and dad for caring for me!!!”
When the Potter League for Animals put Zeus up for adoption, the rescue wanted to move quickly because the caregivers believed that living in a kennel caused him stress and worsened his condition. However, finding Zeus a home was complicated because it’s not legal to own a wolf dog in Rhode Island.
That’s when former Rhode Island resident Ron Monroe stepped in. Monroe now lives with his wife in Enosburg, Vermont, a state where it’s legal to own wolf dogs. Although Monroe and Zeus bonded quickly, the first year was difficult because Zeus’ seizures increased in frequency, at times leaving him lethargic, often unable to eat or keep his medicine down.
“He was in really bad shape. I didn’t know if he was making it,” Monroe said.
Monroe tried to keep Zeus’s condition under control with medication and regular visits to a veterinarian, but finding a solution was difficult. In December 2023, he reluctantly set up a GoFundMe page to help pay for Zeus’ veterinary bills after a veterinarian suggested an MRI, costing about $5,000. The fund has raised $6,850 with 173 donations.
Now, with the right medication and a low-stress lifestyle, Zeus is living his best life, according to Monroe.
“He’s been doing super well,” Monroe said.
Zeus has a new live-in buddy, a young Labrador retriever named Cooper. When the 112-pound Zeus and 95-pound Cooper play inside, “the house is shaking,” Monroe said.
Monroe, who has been out of work with a shoulder injury, has written three children’s books about the adventures of Zeus and Cooper.
Zeus still makes trips with Monroe to the nearby Tractor Supply store, as well as Bates Farm and Yard, where the gentle giant makes new friends.
He’s part husky and loves the snow. “He has a ball out there playing in the snow,” Monroe said.
Monroe created a Facebook page for Zeus, which has more than 3,000 followers. For another recent milestone, Monroe posted the following message:
“Wishing the happiest 7th birthday to my buddy … you are so smart, silly, adorable and loved by everyone! We got presents and pup cups for later!!! Love you buddy!!”

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