My Little Opie

by Linda Siler
(Springfield Missouri)

My little Opie was 13. He was one year old when he was given to me. We were together 24/7 as I live where I work.

He was a little red dachie. When he was handed to me the first time, he put his little legs around my neck and I instantly fell in love with that wonderful little guy.

He died Dec 13th 2008. I still have a hole in heart that dear little guy left. I have four other wonderful dachies and I love them so much, but it is not the same love I had for little Opie. I still cry.

My son teases me and says "Mom, you thought more of Opie than you do of me." Of course he is teasing, but these little four-legged friends give us a sense of total love and committed care of something other than ourselves. They love and forgive us for all our mistakes.

I thank God he knew enough to send us these wonderful animals we call pets. I do believe that our animals will be in heaven to greet us. If I didn't believe that, then God would not have given us a heart that breaks when we suffer the loss of our precious pets. I know millions feel the same way I do, and thanks to God that we can share our joy and grief when we get these wonderful creatures in our lives.

Linda Siler