I finished reading Marley and Me this afternoon and I can't remember the last time I cried so much. If you haven't read that book, regardless of your feelings towards man's best friend, I strongly suggest that you do. John Grogan, the author and master of Marley, truly captures what makes owning a dog so rewarding and how we can learn so much even from the worst of the canine species.
I was touched by this book so much because my own numb skull of a dog is a mini-Marley. Until I read this book I thought for sure Ozzie was the worst dog on the planet, he steals our cat's food from right under his nose, he barks and pulls the couch apart on a regular basis convinced that a single remnant of a doggie treat from weeks before is somehow far more pleasing to the palate than his fresh treat given to him moment before. Ozzie also feels the need to protect my mom from me, anytime I try to sit next to her on the couch he has to worm his way in between us so he's closer to her than I am. And if that doesn't stop my assault he will bark at me until I move.
But in spite of all his little quirks, or maybe because of them, I love my little fur ball. He is dumber than most species of coral but he has a heart of gold. For an eternal puppy with boundless supplies of energy he somehow knows when I need someone to be there for me. He knows when I'm upset and he'll just sit there and let me hold him. Unlike humans, Ozzie never asks what's in it for me? He is just there, totally loyal and faithful to the end, living for the moments he can spend with his people.
Ozzie teaches me how to enjoy the simple things in life; from enjoying the sweet relief of evening after a hot summer's day to just taking a nap with your best friend by your side. I feel so bless that Ozzie found his way into my home, he has been a constant companion and friend for eight years now. Sometimes I want to wring his neck, but most of the time I love him. He has brought much laughter to my life and some worry but that's part of the journey. A wonderful journey that I will never forget, even long after he's gone.
