To My Otis

by Dena Norris
(Fort Worth, TX)

I found Otis wandering down a country road as a small puppy. I took him in and he immediately took my heart. Otis was a very sweet and devoted companion. He was much more than a dog. He was the child I never had. Otis had several "brothers" and "sisters" over the 15 years he lived.

He had to have one of his front legs amputated several years ago due to a dog attacking him and mauling his leg. This never got him down and he never felt sorry for himself. He kept right on going. He may have been a bit clumsy but he would get right back up and keep on going.

Otis developed cancer in one of his back legs. It came on him suddenly and developed quickly. It got to where he could no longer walk. He was in alot of pain. The decision was very hard but I knew what I had to do.

He went to heaven today, February 7, 2009 at 1:30 PM. I held him tightly and felt his life slip away from that cancer-ravaged body.

I know he is no longer hurting, but my sorrow is just beginning. I loved him so much!! My heart is broken today. He will be missed by his family of dogs and humans alike. He was my Otie boy.