Zoey, my dear. 18 wonderful years.
When I first saw Zoey, she was just six months old. At the time, I didn't know that this little dog would redefine my whole life.
It was a turbulent time. I had just returned to Vienna to start a piano school. The circumstances were far from ideal for getting a dog in the middle of the city. But fate—or should I say destiny—had other plans. Zoey chose me. She adopted me.
Zoey didn't have an easy start in life because she wasn't cared for properly. That changed when I came into her life. I had to pick up the slack at first, but most things sorted themselves out when she realized that from now on, the two of us would be going through life together. My daily routine revolved around her: I kept going home to check on her, walk her, and feed her. It was an adjustment, but one that I haven't regretted for a second.
Rescue and soul connection
Our bond became inseparable forever in a moment of extreme danger. We experienced a situation that should have been fatal—for both of us!
But Zoey saved me—saved us both. From that moment on, we felt an inseparable spiritual connection that would grow deeper and more mature over the next 18 years.
We almost always spent our weekends in nature, mostly on the "Hohen Wand" in Lower Austria. We hiked, breathed in the fresh air, and often stayed there for one or two nights. Those were some of the most beautiful, honest moments of our time together.
Since 80 percent of my work consists of preparations, we were practically together 24/7. I found Zoey to be an absolute "power dog," full of energy when playing and hiking. But when I sat down at my instrument, she would lie down next to me and listen. She loved the double bass the most; she often lay down right underneath it to feel the vibrations.
Hardly any other dog has listened to as much music as Zoey. And she was certainly the dog who listened to Mahalia Jackson most often.
A paradise for Zoey
When we moved to Germany, Zoey got "her kingdom": a house, a garden, a forest – a true dog paradise. We adjusted all our trips and vacations so that she could come along. For me, this was not a sacrifice, but something that went without saying. Without her, it didn't feel complete. She was present at concerts and at all the recordings I made. I set up the microphones, and she lay down in her "Körbal," watched, and didn't move until I got up from the piano or another instrument. And since she was a female "Yorkshire terrier mix" (according to her passport) with English roots, she was born in Styria. That's why she had a "Körberl," a "Schweiferl," a "Pfoterl," a "Naserl," and a "Popscherl." And what did you always have to carry with you in Vienna? Right; "ein Sackerl" for "Gackerl"...
18 years full of gratitude
Zoey was in great shape until she was 15. After that, she became calmer, and the typical age-related limitations gradually set in. Her eyes and ears were no longer the best, but she enjoyed everything until the very end, especially eating and cuddling—just like on the first day.
Eighteen years! What an unimaginably long, fulfilling time! There are so many experiences, so many stories from this era that I will definitely write a book about it someday.
I miss her so much. I know most dog owners can understand this pain.
We had a very special, wordless communication when I meditated. As soon as I assumed the meditation posture, she came to me, lay down in front of me or on my lap. That was our very own, sacred moment.
I am so infinitely grateful for the time we spent together, for such a long time. It will always be in my heart.
Exams with honors
- In summer 2011, the international Yorkshire field trial
- In winter 2013, the international mountain and snow dog test
- In summer 2016, the inland waterway dog test
- Rescue dog examination in summer 2017
- Therapy dog exam in summer 2018
