My ex had his own problems and he reaped what he sowed from life... so I rarely give much thought to him anymore. I miss the dog dearly though... she was a sweetheart.
I've noticed animals pay attention to the energy you exude... particularly if it's a positive and confident air. Funny how I'm confident with animals but not nearly as much around people.
"The weakest soul, knowing its own weakness, and believing this truth that strength can only be developed by effort and practice, will, thus believing, at once begin to exert itself, and, adding effort to effort, patience to patience, and strength to strength, will never cease to develop, and will at last grow divinely strong."
- James Allen