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Tuesday, August 4, 2009

Our hearts are heavy...........goodbye,sweet Otis.




This morning,our beloved Otis began having labored breathing. We took him to our vet,only to find out that he was in severe heart failure.We had to love him enough to end his suffering..a very painful decision. Otis,and his brother Oswald are 12 years ols and have been our babies since they were about 8 weeks old. Otis was a typical runt..pushy,grumpy..you know the story! It was his world and we only existed in it for his pleasure! He was my baby and my heart is broken..he has brought me so much joy ,laughter and love.The nights I have spent awake in severe pain from my Thoracic Outlet Syndrome,he has been by my side,actually on my lap wanting tummy rubs! His brother, Oswald, is now laying forlornly by the door,with Otis's squeeky toy,waiting for his not to happen return.I,at least,understand..but Oswald does not. Otis was not a morning dog..had to be carried out to go to the bathroom,then came right back in,to slleep until noon! Yes, we spoil our dogs!!My husband won't even move a dog or cat to sit on the couch..he'll sit on the edge instead!
I know,with all the aweful things that are going on in this world,that this may sound silly,but all you animal lovers know what I'm talking about..a member of my family is gone..and it hurts.
I share this because I need to..thank you for letting me pour my heart out to you.
GOODBYE,MY DARLING OTIS,MY FRIEND ...........

14 comments:

purplehatartist said...

Ann, So sorry to hear about your beloved companion Otis. Yes, they ARE part of the family. Our pets love us unconditionally, entertain us, keep us company, and become part of our daily routines. You are right to grieve. My condolences. Marge

Ann said...

Peggy and Marge, thank you for the kind words. They bring comfort.Ann

Anonymous said...

Grieve away. Dogs are so special - and those of us who love them can appreciate what you are feeling. I hope your hearts heal soon. I have a 15 year old dog that is hanging in and I'm dreading the day you are facing. Bless you for caring for your fine boy. Janene

Ann said...

Janene, thank you so much..there is much comfort in the kind words of people who care! Ann

trash talk said...

Ann,
I have an 11 year old schnauzer and the thought of losing him makes me tremble so I do understand your heartbreak. I am so sorry for the loss of such a good friend and companion. Dogs are unique in their ability to love and comfort us in a way that is totally unconditional. I wish I had the right words to say, but I just can't think of any. You made the right choice. I feel so sorry for Oswald because as you said, he doesn't understand. So sad for all of you.
Debbie

Ann said...

Debbie,your kind words bring comfort. Thank you so much. Ann

Art From The heart said...

There is no way to discribe the deep loss of a best friend.
We share this together Ann. To lose our babies so close together is tragic and the void is impossible to fill.
I take comfort knowing your there for me as I am for you,and that our best friends will meet at last.
Love you dear Ann.......

Anonymous said...

So sorry for your loss! Dogs are bundles of wonderfully unconditional love and they bring such joy to our lives. I can only imagine what you must be going through. Our sweet pets live in our homes such a short time but in our hearts and memories forever.

april said...

Oh Ann, I am so sorry. There is no other friend like our faithful loving pet. We lost our golden "Clifford" at age 13, two years ago, and now we are facing it again as "Timber" is 13 and I know his life is slowing down. They give so much in their short lives. Our hearts are filled and it's a pleasure to share time with them while we have them. You gave Otis a wonderful life. Thinking of you.

BrendaLea, the Prpldy said...

Ann, I am so sorry for your loss. I've lost several and know the pain you are suffering, but you will always remember the good times you and Otis has. Our Fur Babies are our BABIES! I hope it is getting better for Oswald, if only we could make them understand. (((((Hugs)))))

mel said...

Oh, Ann!! I'm so very sorry for your loss (I'm desperately behind in my reading too!)!

I know exactly what you mean....these furry people are just like family and it hurts just as much when they leave us...

I had to smile...our animals enjoy the same reverence that yours do -- I have to carry Oscar out of bed and down the stairs in the morning. It started when he'd hurt his back and has become a habit...he's quite capable of getting up and down on his own but...:)

~healing blessings~

Unknown said...

Dear Ann, I'm so sorry to hear you have lost your beloved Otis. Words can not ease the pain and grief. Thinking of you.

Anonymous said...

Ann, have just come across your lovely blog, and have read about the passing of Otis. These fur-people are so precious to us and such a huge part of our family: one of mine is lying under my feet as I write just now. Am certainly 'sending one up' for comfort for you.

Our beloved vet made a suggestion several years ago upon the passing of another dog that has been very helpful for our family. If possible, allow the other fur-people in your home to spend a few moments with the earthly body of deceased one. Animals understand death so much better than we, and they will not roam the house aimlessly looking for their companion. Somehow, that's comforting for all of us.

Blessings,
Joy

Ann said...

Thank you all so much for your kind and caring comments.Just knowing how much others care helps so much!! My house still seems so quiet, but having Otie's ashes home with me has been a big help..he sits with me throughout the day and the grieving process has now begun. His brother Oswald seems less depressed and is enjoying life a little more...it's a good thing!! Thank you all!!