After an incredibly rocky start and a close encounter with death, Zymba went on to lead a good life full of love and adventure.
But that all ended this week when Elizabeth Andrew, owner of the lovable kelpie-labrador cross dog she saved 11 years ago, had to accept his health had deteriorated to the stage it was kinder to have him put down.
![Zymba restored to good health. PHOTO/FILE](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/resizer/v2/V3AWEB2BMOFKAVCSKG3FFX5C74.jpg?auth=5e9d02ba581532459bb292d92f182f9b9578264abf46c84ef2db67ec69fe9041&width=16&height=24&quality=70&smart=true)
The heart-wrenching decision was made because Zymba had, in his old age, developed a heart problem, had "waterworks" problems and suffered from a disintegrating spine meaning he could no longer walk properly.
Mrs Andrew spoke out about Zymba this week because his story epitomises the need for a fully functional SPCA animal shelter in Wairarapa.