Canine Mascot RAE Association of Victoria
Zeus: – “Greek God of thunder of lightning and King of all Gods”
Zeus’ victorious encounter with a “5-foot Brown Snake” just before Christmas 2017, at his minders’ front door, earnt him a night in the Mount Waverley Veterinary Hospital.
His mum, a NZ Huntaway Kelpie, had taught him these basic survival skills when he was a young pup in Deniliquin NSW. His dad, a big black Labrador stud, passed on his hunting and gathering skills.
Walked and fed every hour, the Nursing staff monitored his blood for venom. Luckily, he had not been bitten.
Born on a farm in Deniliquin in 2013, Zeus undertook early basic training with 8/7 RVR and later (rumour has it) some SF training. Ultimately, he decided to become an Assistance Dog and when offered, plunged head long into his Mascot role with the Victorian Sappers!
Zeus is quite familiar with hospitals and regularly visits patients at the Heidelberg Repatriation Hospital. He also thoroughly enjoys supporting the Good Friday Appeal at the Royal Children’s Hospital.
Recently re-elected as the Official Mascot for the RAE Association of Victoria, Zeus has had many adventures to report over the years. These include crusades to: Fort Queenscliff; The Vietnam Veteran’s Museum at Philip Island; Balcombe Army Camp (Mick Mace MM, BEM oval); OCS Portsea, the Kapooka Tragedy Memorial at 1RTB and Fort Nepean, including the Portsea Pub, (to name a few).
Along with various ceremonial activities such as Remembrance Day, ANZAC Day, Vietnam Veterans Day, Peacekeepers Day, Boer War Day and Reserve Forces Day, Zeus has represented the Association at numerous funerals with both dignity and compassion.
He just loves visiting the sappers of 22nd Engineer Regiment (Victoria’s Own Sappers). Either in training, or when deployed on recent fire, flood, covid or storm operations.
Zeus particularly enjoys social functions. These include: the Sapper Muster at Oakleigh, the Corps Birthday at such places as the Melbourne Shrine of Remembrance along with numerous get-togethers at a multitude of venues around the State.
He has even been fed by the Prime Minister at a function at the Doncaster RSL!
Now aged Ten, Zeus just loves being a Sapper! UBIQUE
Written by his faithful Human Companion, Don Hughes
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Royal Australian Engineers Association of Victoria Inc. 