Brown and white dog staring at the camera

Oscar Diggs. The Wizard Of Oz. Known to his friends as Oz, Ozzie, Ozzens, Ozzers, and Oswald.

Friend to creatures large and small Oz had a soft spot for babies, human or any species really. He was a playmate and coach,  teaching many a pup the ropes, always prepared to clean the fingers of toddlers, strike a pose, or find the tennis ball you didn’t know you were missing.

He kept me safe, blazed the trail, kept the bed warm, gave me courage, found all the best crumbs, steered our walks by all the treat boxes and parks, and loved fiercely. He made sure every day included play, cookies, lap naps (how dare you think he’s too big for your lap), and laughter. He welcomed friends to our home or to a trail with unrivaled enthusiasm. He managed to always put love and joy first. Even the last night he was on this plane, while he was struggling to live he put on a brave show for friends who brought him steak bites and snuggles. His eyes bright and tail wagging.

Without warning abdominal tumors filled his slinky iron clad belly with fluid and robbed us of ten more years of adventuring together. In 4 short days, despite the valiant and compassionate care from his beloved team at Grateful Heart Vet Hospital he went from rambunctious to clinging to life. He crossed over cradled in my arms, my heart shattering as his breath became shallow. I truly have no idea how anything will make sense without him. In a world gone mad there was always Oz, the great and powerful.

May his memory be a reminder to keep your priorities straight - eat the cookie, take the drive, sniff everything, and love without limits