Otis
Otis died on Saturday afternoon, October 19th. He was twelve and a half years old.
Otis was born on April 7, 2012. More than anything else, I remember the emotions driving home with him after picking him up from the breeder. Brian and I were so happy. We had been thinking about this dog and planning for months ahead of time, and we finally had our puppy. He was the light of our world and that car ride home will always be one of my best life moments.
I have Brian to thank for selecting Otis. I was ready to pick out a different pup, but Brian knew Boy #3 was our dog. I am forever grateful for that.
Otis did everything with us; went everywhere with us. He slept in our bed the first year and then gradually became the only dog allowed in our bed once we had three dogs (he was grandfathered in). I took him over to my parents house often, where he played nonstop with their dog Colby. We took him on vacations. In more recent years, he slept on his designated chair in our living room most of the day. He was a constant presence in our lives.
Otis challenged me in ways I didn't expect. He was a powerful, high-energy dog those first several years until his age caught up with him towards the end, and he was always high-maintenance.
I read a parenting book a few years back called "All Joy and No Fun." Those words can also be applied to our dogs -- it hasn't always been easy and fun, but nothing has brought us more joy.
Otis was a challenge, but given the choice, I would take on that challenge every day of my life one million times over.
I know time will go on and there will be little moments that stop me in my tracks. Signs of where he used to be. The sunny spot on the deck.
It's already starting to blur.
Not sure if this is sadness; it mostly feels like gratitude.
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