There is no doubt that I truly feel that we learn some of our life' s lessons from our pets. From Ozzie I learned Patience， Trust and Love. The biggest lesson to me was when things get out of control and you are nearing the end of your rope， help someone who is in worse shape， then you can take your mind off yourself. This was what happened to me when Ozzie was sick. I had many problems at that time， but I focused on caring for Ozzie， and it helped me release a lot of stress and worry when I was not thinking about myself.
I took some vacation time from my job and made Ozzie as comfortable as I could. After all we had been through a lot together and he deserved it.
On February 1， 1991 Ozzie died. He was 16 years old.
I had picked him up and was whispering to him what a brave and wonderful companion he had been， but it was okay if he had to leave me. I promised him I would be okay. With that he weakly barked his goodbye.
I had him cremated and his ashes scattered under a beautiful tree on the Pet Cemetery grounds.
At the time my boss viewed a loss of a pet the same as the loss of a family member and gave me some time off.
My heart was broken in a million pieces. I said I would be okay and I had made a promise so life went on. I still miss Ozzie and it' s been 10 years！ He made a lasting impression and impact on my life so deep that it has taken me this long to write about it.
I feel he is always with me， and will always hold a special place in my heart that has had time to heal since his passing.
A few months after Ozzie' s death I had fallen asleep and had a dream about Ozzie barking very loud in my ear. I woke with a start to the smell of smoke. I had left a pan on the stove， and Ozzie woke me up！
So， for all you animal lovers remember your pets are with you for a reason. Sometimes you discover it while they are with you and sometimes not until they are gone. Enjoy your time with your pets you will be surprised what life lessons you can learn.