In Memory
Today we lost a close friend in Otis. This summer his health had been digressing steadily. The fleas were an obvious factor and when we took him to the vet we discovered a tapeworm and other intestinal parasites. We had him treated for all of those but he continued to lose weight in spite our efforts. Last week was his final dose of tapeworm meds but there was no sign of improvement. The last few days we could really tell he was dying. We thought he might have gotten into some mouse poison, but after talking to the vet, he said that wasn't a factor. He had lost his appetite, and paid no attention to what was going on around him. So finally this morning, when he could barely walk a couple of steps. We took him in to see what, if anything, we could do. The vet found a tumor the size of a softball in his abdomen and said that his liver had shut down completely. The painful decision was then made to let him go to sleep for the last time.
We took him home and buried him under the pine tree in our back yard. We covered the bottom of his grave with his favorite petunia plant that he always slept in. As we were burying him, the noon church bells were ringing. It was as good a funeral as you could expect a dog to have.
Sarah had Otis 6 months before we even started dating. She took him everywhere with her, even when she wasn't supposed to. For over a year, that was her only roommate. He has been a great dog, and had just as much attitude as Sarah. We will miss his playful prancing, his wagging that would begin at his rib cage, and his exasperated grunts. Below are several pictures of Otis.
I would like for any of you who knew Otis (espectially Sarah's family and my mom) to share any memories or nice thoughts about him.
posted by Drew @ 1:41 PM
2 comments
2 Comments:
After keeping Otis and Buffy a year, I realized how fun it was to have a pet to come home to. It was neat to take them walking in the evenings. Now that I have Digory, I know how much I would miss him and know a little how much you and Sarah will miss Otis.
People might like to know Otis was named after Sarah's dad's favorite singer Otis Redding.
Otis was very agreeable, mild-mannered, and courteous. He always let Buffy go first at meal time.
The cutest thing was how he really did prance with his front legs when he was excited.
It will be sad for him not to be there at your house.
Mom
The first time I met Otis, I was also meeting Sarah. I remember that Sarah had Otis in the cab of her truck, something the Baker family never did. I knew Sarah really loved Otis and Drew might have to give in to a dog ridding between them.
I didn't know Otis had been sick. I'm sorry he has passed, particularly for Sarah. I know Buffy must be down, too. The burial sounded very nice.
We love you guys.
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