It was one year ago today that I released Otis from his pain. His pain is gone but mine still remains. There's been very few days since then that I haven't thought about my little guy with tears in my eyes and an ache in my heart.
Otis was an older gent who had been neglected for most of his life and was thrown away by his owner when he become too much trouble. He had lost most of his hair, had very few teeth, walked like a crab due to life long luxated patellas and gnarly paws with toenails that had never been clipped. Yet despite the years of abuse and neglect by humans, he held no grudges and was as sweet as can be with every human he met. He may have looked pitiful but he had a heart and spirit as big as any dog I've ever known.
otis in jail.jpg Otis in a cold kennel at the shelter the day before we rescued him.
He was our little boy for only a year but it seemed like he had always been part of our family. Otis spent the last year of his life being showered with love. He spent his days with me in his very favorite place, the crook of my arm, safe from all the horrible memories. He had terrible separation anxiety which I catered to instead of trying to correct and I have not one iota of regret. My sweet boy spent the last year of his life being carted around, spoiled rotten and so very loved.
Otis headshot.jpg Otis in the warmth of his new family smiling up at me.
ODE TO OTIS
God saw you getting tired and a cure was not to be. So He put His arms around you and whispered "come to me." With tearful eyes I watched you, and saw you pass away. Although I loved you dearly, I could not make you stay. A golden heart stopped beating, tiny paws now lay at rest. God broke my heart to prove to me, He only ...takes the BEST.
Rest in peace my sweet little Pommie Angel. Mommy and daddy love you.