My dog's obit (for those not on FB)

BallSox · January 2010

**Note: My mom asked me to write an obit for the dog so she could post it on facebook. I obliged.**

Leroy Brown.

It is with great sadness that the Ballsox family announces the passing of the one and only Leroy Brown.

No one knows exactly where or when his journey started before he stepped paw on ballsox soil. Some speculate he left a career on Broadway. Others believe he was a mafia informant, placed in witness protection. Still others believe he was the prodigal child of an eccentric millionaire, leaving home to find deeper meaning behind the next bush. The world will never know as he was tight lipped about the his life on the road.

All we know is that when he stepped foot on the land of ballsox, his life was going to take a drastic turn.

Family and friends of Mr Brown today would recognize very little of the matted ball of grey fur from that fateful first day. Short of the wagging tail, it was nearly impossible to tell hind from head. It took some convincing, but he was soon coerced into the car for what would be the first of many messy car rides.

After a makeover that would make TLC proud, it became obvious that the brown-eyed stranger would be staying around.

Mr Brown spent the youthful years of his life sitting square in the lap of luxury. From afternoons spent watching animal planet to many tastes of smoked turkey, he grew older, wiser, happier and rounder.

For the majority of his life, he happily soaked in the spotlight of being the solo act in a one-canine castle.

Then she arrived.

Mr Brown gracefully accepted the addition of a much younger, more energetic, more impulsive canine cohort. He indulged her puppy sensibilities, chasing her around the yard, wrestling on occasion, even sharing his edible goodies and human attention. However, as the Obi-wan to her Luke, he never shied away from teaching her the boundaries of her world and with a quick bark or a stern nip would put her in her place.

The grey-bearded gentleman and his wiggly-butted Lady friend spent many sunny afternoons leaping through the green grass of what can only be described as the Disney World of the doggy world. Swims in the pond, runs through the field, chasing the deer and geese, napping in the shade of the big tree---although they rarely left the confines of the yard, his life was rich with the simple joys.

Sadly, in the fall of 2009, his human family noticed less bounce in his step and longer naps on his bed. Upon a visit (or three) to the vet, it was discovered he had advanced prostate cancer. There was nothing that could be done.

With the help of medication, he was pain-free for a few more months, allowing friends and family one last Christmas in his company. Much like his final months, the holiday season was bittersweet, He enjoyed many special treats and was afforded many extra luxuries ensuring he was comfortable and happy.

Although we are losing a fuzzy friend, those expressive bushy eyebrows will forever warm the hearts of all who were lucky enough to rub his belly and call him friend.

Mr Brown leaves behind many who loved him. He was approximately 10 years old.