There are so many things for a puppy to learn in this great big world, but where to start? For Rhodesian Ridgebacks at least, the answer is easy. Which is why I didn’t waste time telling Zero the hard truth of his existence and the dire necessity of his work. Below is the transcript of Zero’s first day on the job.
WILL: Zero, do you have any idea how many lion attacks there have been in Chicago since we moved here five years ago?
WILL: Zero.
ZERO: What?
WILL: No, I mean there have been zero attacks.
ZERO: I haven’t attacked anybody, I’m just a puppy!
WILL: …there have been NO attacks.
ZERO: Got it, why didn’t you just say so?
WILL: And do you know why that is?
ZERO: No, but I suspect you’re going to tell me…
WILL: Let me tell you! It’s because brave Rhodesian Ridgebacks keep them at bay!
ZERO: Whoa, you mean Ridgebacks like me?
WILL: Exactly. Without your service this city would undoubtedly be overrun with lions.
ZERO: But what is a cute puppy like me supposed to do?
WILL: The short answer is pretty much you just need to act like Penny and everyone, lions and otherwise, will keep a move on to steer clear.
ZERO: Act like Penny…are you sure?
WILL: With reservations….yes.
ZERO: Well then, let’s have some fun!
And thus this wild rumpus began. Zero bravely battled his first lion with a fierceness to make his big sister proud.
It’s not an easy job keeping the citizens of Chicago safe from lions, but luckily we have a new vigilante ready for the task.
Get ’em Zero – you got this!! To protect and serve… and occasionally lick into oblivion. Snorts with piggy laughter. XOXO – Bacon
Zero that was a carte blanche… use it the best :o)))))
OMG I AM DYING FROM PUPPY CUTENESS!!!!!! His expressions are just PRICELESS!!!! Epic shots Will, EPIC!! (but then again, your shots ALWAYS are!)
That face, omg, that adorable face. I can’t stand it, I would just want to moosh on it all day long!
He is way to cute! Great shots!
He has got to have one of the best all time head tilts And I’ve seen a few. Nothing cutier in this world than a ridgeback pup taking on its first lion Even the king of beasts would have a hard time resisting this little charmer.
Good grief he is growing soo fast!
Zero’s charming head tilt will confuse any and all lions, because they’ll be so mesmerized by his charm that they won’t see his swift attacks‼️ (where did you photograph him, at a studio or your place?)
He is super duper cuter than cute.
Can’t wait to see him grow into his wrinkles. Such a cute little fellow!
Those wrinkles and that head tilt are making me melt. He is just too cute!
Cindy
The law never looked so cute!
Haha thanks! Zero makes it easy.
You and me both!
It’s pretty much cheating when you take photos of a puppy – can’t go wrong!
Chase the lions or charm them – whatever works!
I don’t know where he finds the time.
Haha agreed! I bought some white paper that I hung behind him in my apartment. Tight squeeze space wise but it worked out. Not sure how it will work when he’s full grown.
The lions will succumb to his charm.
Wrinkled puppy head tilt is just the best!
He certainly has the growing part down – seems like he’s already doubled in size.
That is true but all anyone thinks about is how cute he is so you get away with the cheating 🙂
I’m glad you had that talk with him at such an early age. Imagine if you didn’t and he came across a lion and just wanted to make friends and play! I shudder to think of the balance of life being thrown off kilter. Chaos would rein! And with that adorable face, no one would think it was Zero who initiated the end of the world.
The whole world tossed into unthinkable chaos! Whew, glad we avoided that one.
Who’s on first?
Will, Zero seems to be doubling in size every time I see him! Cuteness overflowing! Perhaps you might consider a bigger bed! Eko is so proud.
What a cutie. Those head tilts are going to get him out of a lot of trouble. He definitely sent you a message the other day though, that he doesn’t prefer down! Maybe the quills were sticking him, poor little fella, but he showed them who’s boss! I saw Emily holding him in his puppy obedience school photo, and thought that he looked like he had already doubled in size myself. Whoa! How many weeks is he now?
It’s the wrinkles that keep the lions at bay! That’s it Zero, look cute at the the lions won’t even cross your path. Truthfully though your sister corners the market on cuteness. But you’ll get big. It’ll fun , fun, fun until you guys capture a lion at bring it home!
Love, Jo, Sam and Dean
This is so cute! lovely chap! Big boots to fill!
Cuteness OVERLOAD. He is so beautiful and I’m loving those wrinkles!
good job Zero. Well done Will for teaching the basics straight up……
such an adorable little soldier!! great pics!
Oh my gosh, I can’t get over puppy head tilting…got to be one of my favorite things ever! And his face when you told him to be like Penny; priceless! It’s almost like he knew what you were saying, I mean, what? Of course he knew what you were saying. I’m sure he’ll make an excellent lion hunter one day.
I have no idea where he finds the time to get so big. Amazing what a bit of puppy food and water will do.
Carrying Zero down our apartment steps has become a serious workout. We’re going to have huge biceps by the time he’s too big.
Lions are suckers for wrinkles, who know?
He’s certainly got the paws for it.
Thanks! They’re truly irresistible and highly kissable.
No lion could possibly resist those wrinkles. His cuddling powers would undoubtedly woo them.
The head tilt shows the seriousness of how hard Zero is studying. He’s got this…
Love and licks,
Cupcake
I burst out laughing! “You want me to act like Penny? Seriously?” What terrific photos. He is absolutely adorable, Will. And I think it’s safe to say Chicago will now be forever safe from lions. Yes indeedee. We dodged a bullet.
Gosh he is just cuteness overload!
Those feet!!
Bravo Bravo — Zero you have the making of a very brave Lion whisperer! Keep at it and watch out for those paws they are BIG and you will one day grow into yours too! Keep up the head tilts and you will have them lions doing exactly what you want!! PS: Loved the head tilts & they might help keep the lions confused!! LOL
They are the bravest unless they grow up with a Shitzu..
So funny, he is a hoot.
It is a somewhat terrifying notion that he should act like Penny but I can think of a cuter version of mayhem. Keep the city safe, sweet Zero.
Thank you for sharing Zero with us. I have a 7 month old female Ridgeback, Xolani (our third), and watching him reminds me of her just a few short months ago. Your antics make me smile:) Something we probably all need right now…
Oh my goodness, he is so CUTE!! There are no words!
What a darling!!!! I’m smitten!!