Otis

December 1994 - December 2007
Farewell old friend.

I can hardly believe he's gone.
He was such a tough old dog and we knew that our days with him were coming to a close and yet when he laid down and didn't get up it was still a shock.
He has been a fixture to step over for the last 13 years.
We bought him out of the back of a truck at the Costco parking lot.
He spent the first couple of weeks at the farm battling parvo and ended up spending time at the animal hospital. Since then he had toughened up to be a true farming dog.

If you regularly visit our home, this is what you will have seen. He had decided a few winters ago that this porch was his and chose it above the warmth of the heated shop.
The last year his arthritis was becoming evident and his eyesight was starting to go.
It is not a surprise for me to say that Otis was the most faithful dog that we'd ever known. In the last few years his life was about . . . .
. . .sitting on the loading dock of the barn and sitting on the back porch.
His life was also about us. He loved us and wanted to be where we were.
I'm sure glad I gave him leftovers yesterday .. .
Chinese food no less . .
He loved everything that came out of my kitchen door.
This is life .. .right?
Tomorrow will be a better day.

Comments

  1. Oh Lovella, I'm so sorry that Otis has left your life. Pets are a real part of family and this is such a hole when we have to let them go. I wish dogs and cats had longer lives!

    ReplyDelete
  2. He was a one of a kind; and it was an honor to meet him and give him a hug. Oh that dog was a special guy. He will be missed around here as well.

    ReplyDelete
  3. hey lovella,

    so sorry to hear about your loss of otis. he sounded like a great dog. I'm glad you gave him chinese leftovers yesterday too.. funny how in reflecting back, we realize that those little things we often wouldn't do, are often the things we would regret not doing later on.

    ReplyDelete
  4. I'm so sorry! We're going to miss being greeted by Otis on the porch. Farewell, big guy!

    ReplyDelete
  5. I'm so sorry for your loss. How sad that such a dear, devoted friend has gone on. He knew he was loved.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Awwww . . . I had grown to love Otis through your posts about him. I'm sorry he's gone!

    ReplyDelete
  7. I am sad you had to say goodbye to Otis, your dear faithful furry friend.
    Yes life does go on, you have many good memories of him.

    ReplyDelete
  8. Oh my goodness... I am so sorry for you and Terry! Otis was as blessed as you were to have been a part of your family for so many years. I'm sorry you are grieving for the loss of yet another pet. Go on over and cuddle little Miss N and she will help you forget - even if for just a moment. Be thinking of you! Grace

    ReplyDelete
  9. I'm very sorry. Otis looks like a lovely dog.

    ReplyDelete
  10. I hope this doesn't post twice. I am so sorry to hear about the loss of Otis. He sounded like a wonderful dog. It sounds like he went peacefully which I am sure helps. So glad you have little miss N to be a ray of sunshine in this time of mourning.

    On a happier note today I started my blog. You have been a big inspiration to me. I hope to be faithful. The address is www.outofthemessbeauty.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  11. Lovella, I'm sorry for this new sadness in your life; I know you and T will miss Otis very much and think of him often on "his" porch . . . he was very blessed to have a home with you for all these years where he was loved and appreciated.

    Gosh, tears are in my eyes and I never even met Otis, except through your blog.

    Yes, this is life, and it can hurt, but tomorrow will be a better day.

    ReplyDelete
  12. ((Lovella)) ~

    I am so very sorry for this loss. I could tell over this year that Otis was a valued part of your family and will be greatly missed. Hugs to you all as you grieve and adjust.

    ReplyDelete
  13. Sorry Lovella...losing a dear pet is not an easy thing

    ReplyDelete
  14. I am so sorry, Lovella. How wonderful that you have made great memories with Otis and took wonderful pictures to look back on.

    ReplyDelete
  15. Lovella,
    Our pets become such a strong part of our family that when they are gone it is like loosing a member of the family... I know from your posts that Otis was just this kind of pet... and I'm sure the loss will be great...
    It does sound like he just laid down and didn't get up.. which will be a blessing to you as you think about him...
    {{hugs}} to you

    ReplyDelete
  16. We have never had a pet, but I am touched by your love and adoration.

    Sweet pictures and memories...
    are you planning a trip to Costco again???

    ReplyDelete
  17. Sweet tribute to your old friend.
    So sorry for the loss.

    ReplyDelete
  18. OH lovella, two puppies gone in such a short time. My heart bleeds for you. I pray you will find comfort and peace at this time.

    ReplyDelete
  19. Oh Lovella! My heart is breaking for you. He was absolutely beautiful! Losing a pet is harder than anyone can ever imagine unless it's happened to you. I am so, so sorry for your loss and I'll keep you and your family in my prayers.

    Love,
    Julie
    Rest in Peace, Otis

    ReplyDelete
  20. I am sooo sorry, Lovella... two pets in one year is rough...
    How part of our hearts and lives they become and the sorrow is real when they leave.

    He had a good life and a happy one.. What more could a dog wish for!! And I'm glad too that you gave him leftovers yesterday ! A small comfort, isn't it?

    I ache for you ....

    ReplyDelete
  21. What a wonderful life Otis had with you! I'm positive many other dogs would be quite jealous.
    It hurts something fierce to lose a pet.
    I'm sorry.

    ReplyDelete
  22. Oooooh, I'm sad with you guys! I think I almost know how you feel, since we went through that with our dog 6 weeks ago. There will be an empoty spot on your porch...but you have great memories (and lots of wonderful photos) of his time with you.

    ReplyDelete
  23. Lovella, Julian and i are so sorry to hear about Otis he was such a lovable teddy bear. We will be thinking about you guys in the next few days.

    ReplyDelete
  24. Nooooo! First Indee and now Otis. Wow. I'm so sorry. He seemed like such a great, faithful and loyal friend. I enjoyed learning about him over the last while. The last dog I had was 13 years old as well. I know how easy it is to get attached and treat them like family. It will be hard to look at the empty porch, I'm sure. I'm glad you have such good memories.

    ReplyDelete
  25. I am so sorry to hear about Otis.

    ReplyDelete
  26. I'm so sorry to hear about Otis. What a faithful furry friend. I think he was a lucky dog to have spent his years with you on your farm. There will be a hole for sure. Bless you guys.

    ReplyDelete
  27. Oh so sorry, he looked like such a sweet old dog... :(

    ReplyDelete
  28. Sending a HUGE hug...so sorry about Otis. I am glad that you had each other all these years- I know the porch will be changed without him.


    A good dog is such a gift-I am glad you have all those pictures!

    Kimmie
    mama to 6
    one homemade and 5 adopted

    ReplyDelete
  29. This is overload!!I can't believe that you did not post yesterday morning and so I did not look till tonight till after my work load at the hospital.
    You have had celebrations this last month. Those for a new child and then those of pets that are aging.

    I can't believe how your emotions must be just turning.....This is highly painful.

    ReplyDelete
  30. He had such beautiful big brown eyes. What a loyal dog he was to you, and what fond memories he left behind. I'm so sorry for your loss.

    ReplyDelete

Post a Comment

Thank you!