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Round Rock veteran, furry companion persevere together

Austin American-Statesman - 2/27/2020

A Round Rock veteran has had his French bulldog by his side through the ups and downs of the last few years, including facing mental health difficulties and starting a business. The two continue to forge ahead as the dog heals from a recent back injury.

Army veteran George Hernandez said he considers 4-year-old Zeus to be more of a son than a pet. The two united in 2016 when Hernandez had just undergone a divorce and was dealing with post-traumatic stress disorder. Remembering a childhood pet that brought him joy, Hernandez decided to welcome a puppy into his life as a way to aid his pain.

With Zeus, Hernandez said it was love at first sight.

"He got all excited when he saw me," he said, recalling the moment the two met.

Hernandez said Feb. 20 was a normal evening at his home, until he let Zeus in from the backyard. The dog made a beeline to a corner and sat there, shaking. Zeus didn't sleep that night and passed out the next morning, Hernandez said.

A veterinarian determined Zeus had two broken discs in his back and couldn't feel his hind legs. The dog would require emergency surgery or would risk losing the ability to walk.

Hernandez called his friend, Kat Kotrla, to deliver the news and confide in him.

"I'm a graphic designer ... so I didn't know what I could do to help in the moment," Kotrla said. "(Hernandez) told me the estimate for the surgery and hospitalization was going to be around $4,500."

Kotrla said he decided to create a GoFundMe page to help his friend. As of Thursday, the online fundraiser has raised nearly $1,400.

Hernandez said he was "speechless" after learning of the fundraiser, immediately feeling less pressure on how he would pay for the unexpected bill.

"It's nice to know that people can see what Zeus means to me," he said.

After Hernandez and Zeus first united, the two went everywhere together, he said. Hernandez began adorning the pooch in creatively decorated collars and bandanas. When he couldn't find items that he felt adequately matched Zeus's one-of-a-kind personality or that were high enough quality, Hernandez decided to make his own.

Hernandez didn't have experience in making clothes, but he had two other things: a sewing machine and determination. After some trial and error, he said he finally made some pieces Zeus would wear. He then decided to try making dog shirts.

Other pet parents at the dog park complimented Zeus's handmade bandanas and shirts. In 2018, Hernandez made his hobby into a business, and The French and I was born.

Hernandez has since refined his sewing and screenprinting skills, and expanded his sales. Keith Zeiler, owner of the Paws on Chicon pet store in East Austin, has sold Hernandez's leashes at the store after inviting him as a vendor.

"George is a down-to-Earth, honest person," Zeiler said. "He goes to a lot of events, and Zeus is always there, sitting next to him."

On Wednesday, Hernandez reported that he and Zeus had just returned home from a walk around the block. Despite the setback, Hernandez said Zeus is showing determination to heal back to his normal self.

"He's a big, giant goofball and he makes me happy," Hernandez said.

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