From: Joseph Donovan <jdonovan@mix.wvu.edu>

Date: Monday, December 10, 2007 5:58 pm

Subject: Oomar

Oomar passed away quietly last night of a sudden age-related illness. He was about 15. He was active healthy and happy his whole life through Sunday afternoon. He first starting coming with me to Geol101 in Spring 1995. I figure he has been completely enjoying himself the whole time and has shared that with about 3500 students (maybe a few no-shows) in that period. I’m quite certain he really liked you folks too. We're gonna miss him around here. If you have any respects you'd like to pay to Oomar, send them to me and I'll put them together for the class.

So here's to Oomar! Just remember, the <real> dog that inspired "Old King" in the Neil Young song was named Elvis, and that rhymes even worse than Oomar....

http://www.azlyrics.com/lyrics/neilyoung/oldking.html

Good luck on the makeup exam to you all, gang. Its been great having you in class!

DrD

12/10/2007

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I'd like to send you my condolences for Oomar's passing. It's hard to lose a best friend. I enjoyed Geology 101, especially since Oomar was always there. He gave the class a positive atmosphere, and I never saw an unhappy face in the class room when Oomar would run up and down the aisle in search of a new friend or a potato chip. He was definitely a happy dog and that made everyone else happy. I'm sorry to hear about his passing, but no one can frown upon happy and fulfilling life. It was a pleasure being in you class, and thank you for sharing this sad news.

Cheers to Oomar!

Marla Yates

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Oomar was great. This was so unexpected - he seemed so healthy, youthful and happy.

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RIP Oomar, we'll all miss him

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Hey, one of the thousands of students you teach here. Really appreciated the atmosphere you and Oomar brought to class. I thank you and Oomar for getting most people who definitely had no prior interest in geology to pay attention (For the most part). I really enjoyed yourclass and probably rate it in the top 3 I've taken in my two years. Might be higher but the whole 7pm thing really wasn't enjoyable. As the owner of two golden retrievers I'm sorry you lost a cool friend. My best wishes goes out to the Oomar clan. Have a good break!

Chris G.

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Oomar ...

we are going to miss you, i took other geology classes just in attempt to see you again, and because your owner is a good guy, you looked so much like my two dogs it was uncanny. you always cheered me up when i was homesick buddy, i always took a end seat just to pet you every night ... i will really miss giving you the snacks i brought you... miss ya buddy

your tuesday and thursday 7oclock buddy

troy b.

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DrD,

I am sorry to here about Oomar, he was a great addition to your class and really livened up the atmosphere. I am sorry for your loss and it was a pleasure having you as a teacher this year.

Alex Cvrk

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Dr. D,

He was great to have in class, I'm sorry for your loss.

Victoria G.

WVU Interior Design

Phi Sigma Pi Service Chair

ASID Student Chapter President

AIU Student Ambassador

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Dr. Donovan,

I'd like to take this chance to thank you for teaching us so well thispast semester and to say I'm sorry about Oomar. We've had a few dogs in the past and I can recognize a trained, loyal dog when I see one, and he seemed like a great pal; the kind you talk to like your friend or brother.

I looked on eCampus and saw that you've given me a grade of XXXX for the class. I'd like to thank you for that, too. Your tests are hard, with choosing correct words and the multiple choice, but I really can say that I learned a lot in the class (with the exception of the day we had the substitute) and that I enjoyed it.

Thanks for a good semester! Please pass on my respects to Oomar for me,

Sincerely,

Austin W.

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Rest in peace Oomar! You were a truly special dog and significant part of our class. Don't eat too many bones in doggy heaven!!

Very sorry for your loss Professor Donovan,

Aliesa C.

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Sorry to hear that Donovan..thanks for bein a great teacher..you actually made me somewhat interested in geology :)

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I am truly sorry to hear about Oomar. It was always so nice to see him in class and to have such a happy spirit in our midst. My condolences.

--Amen (student’s first name)

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I am glad I was privileged enough to know Oomar. I'm sorry for your (and somewhat our) loss and hope a new friend will soon bring joy to our classrooms.

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Dr. Donovan,

I told you last week that I would need to take the 101 makeup exam at 5 PM because of my chem final at 7 PM. I brought my grade up to an A with my third exam score, so I won't need to take the makeup exam after all.

Also, I'm sorry to hear about Oomar's passing. He always seemed to like seeing all of the students and I was always surprised to see how calm he seemed around such a large group of people. It's too bad that future 101 classes won't get to meet him.

-Stan G.

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Dear Dr.D,

I'm sorry to hear about the passing of Oomar. He was a great dog, and I'm sure an even better friend. My friends were jealous to hear that I had the geo teacher who brought his dog to class, and now we are all saddened. Thank you for a great year and memories.

Anthony P.

ps in keeping with Neil Young songs, "Long May You Run", Oomar.

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Sorry to hear about oomar he was a great dog and I loved having him in class

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I'm sorry to hear about Oomar. He was a great dog. He always put a smile on my face no matter what kind of mood I was in. You two made my class time a special experience that I will never forget. Thanks.

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Joe,

Thanks for sharing the sad news of Oomar's departure and the kind words from your students. My golden retriever (Shasta) is the first dog I ever had and I dread the day that she leaves the world of the living. I had no idea how attached one can become to a canine companion before Shasta joined our family 8 years ago. After nearly 15 years with Oomar, I know this is tough for you and Ann. He sure made a lot of people smile.

--Betsy P.

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Dear Joe,

I just wanted to let you know how sorry I am to hear that Omar has passed on... I lost my dog Jake this year and it's just the same as losing a family member. I know he was a huge part of your life and he will be greatly missed by all students and faculty in the Dept. I read the email you sent to the 101 class b/c my boyfriend is taking it and that's how I found out about it and you said to share any stories if we had any...I don't really have any one story but I told Matt to take your class, well for one because you are a hell of a teacher and because you had a really cool dog that you brought to class with you and you would put dog treats on his nose and let him sit there for a minute while you lectured and he would just sit there with that treat on his nose and no one in the class was paying attention to you they were all looking at him waiting for your signal to eat that treat. I loved that dog...

Anyway I hope you are doing well and hope you have a great holiday.

Take Care ~Carrie P. (Geol101 Fall 2002)

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Joe,

I feel your pain. The one dog that I can claim as my own remains in a small jar atop my dresser. Whenever I need a little spiritual boost, I sniff her old collar for some nose burning funk. When my sinuses clear, I usually feel pretty good.

Take care,

Dave L.

WVU Grad Student

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Joe,

I'm sorry to hear about Oomar's passing. Fourteen years is a long time filled with a lot of good memories I'm sure. I was talking about him a few weeks ago with some friends that recently got a puppy. (Their puppy was prone to car sickness as I remember Oomar was on the trips to Alton.) My condolences to you and Ann. You have a great collection of responses that really capture Oomar's impact on the classes.

Neil K.

WVU alumnus 1998

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Joe-

Sorry to hear about Oomar and understand the loss of a good friend. The environment in white hall was much more relaxed and it was good to see him wondering the halls on occasion. Student testaments acknowledge a unique and important component to teaching especially hard to achieve in the big classes - that of feeling at home and being accepted. You two ewrte a great team and I'm sure you will continue to go on and inspire your students; you've got a real talent for that. Appreciate your and Ann's loss.

Best wishes-

Tom

WVU Faculty

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Joe:

With Sigfried's loss still fresh in my mind and memory, I know exactly how you feel.

Jack

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I made a special drawing, I'm calling it Oomar Angel.

-Crissy V.

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Joe,

Thanks for sending the Oomar memories, a great testimony indeed. I'm sure the kitties are restless, having no one to chase them around the place!

Matt F.

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