Dead man's parents fight over his dog

MEMPHIS, May 7 (UPI) -- The Memphis estate of the late Ron Callan Jr. is worth an estimated $2 million, but the heated battle among his survivors is over his dog, Alex.

Of course there are issues over the estate -- a boat and $200,000 worth of wine that the 35-year-old owned -- but the main focus in court so far has been his 13-year-old Golden Retriever Alex, The Memphis Commercial Appeal reported Monday.

Callan's parents, who are divorced, are fighting for custody of the dog, since Callan did not leave a will.

The custody battle has been so intense that a judge has appointed an attorney to represent the canine's interests.

"Obviously, this is a very unusual set of circumstances and is the first time your guardian ad litem has been involved in a matter such as this," writes attorney Paul Royal of his four-legged client. "At first glance, the petition seems almost frivolous, but after speaking with all parties, it is evident that this is a highly emotional issue for all involved."

Callan died of a gunshot wound to the chest on New Year's Day. The death was ruled a suicide.