Rest in Peace, Ozark.

I got an email from my ex-wife this morning letting me know that her dog, Ozark, had passed away in her sleep on Friday night. 'Zark was a mixed breed dog that we bought for Ellen back in 1994 when we were still married. Ellen was going through some tough times, and part of that was due to our failing marriage. Ellen wanted the companionship, and Ozark was just the ticket. I remember going to the pet store down in Maryland and seeing her for the first time in that cage. Ozark was never a tiny pup, but this black and silver furball caught Ellen's eye, and pretty much entranced her from the get-go.

Ozark was never in any way "our" dog. She belonged to Ellen. I was just kind of "there" as far as the dog was concerned. But Ozark was a pretty cool animal. Other than a pair of somewhat mangled brand-new Reeboks, we pretty much coexisted peaceably until Ellen moved out and got a place of her own.

It was good to know that Ozark passed in her sleep. Having to make the decision about when to end an aminal's life is horrible, one that I've unfortunately had to go through, and will probably have to go through soon with my two elderly Labs. Ozark must have known that decision would be very hard on Ellen, and was able to spare her that pain. Ellen has people and animal friends around her now to help her with the inevitable sadness, and for that I am grateful.

Rest well, little girl, and know that you made an incredible and fundamental difference in one person's life.