It was a beautiful day, clear and warm -- the days were long enough to capture the sunlight and the nights tranquil enough to lull any child to sleep within minutes. Dakota, eyes heavy but bright, picked her way to her favorite patch of grass near her favorite tree and laid down, stretching her head out to nibble at a last few blades of grass. Sighing peacefully, she remembered fondly her owner's gentle caresses and the company of her herd mates, and she knew that soon enough they'd be all right. A distinctly content and nearly human smile found its way onto her face, and with another sigh, she fell into a long, deep sleep.
Dakota has passed away.