Remembering my best friend...

Well as you can probably guess by the title of this post, it's not a happy one. Today, October 2nd 2009, Otto my German Shorthair Pointer who was 6 1/2 yrs old past away. The sadness I feel is just so great. It's hard to explain the bond you have with an animal, and those that don't have them can't relate. Those that do understand, they are a part of your family. We lost a part of our family today. To an unknown cause. That is the worst part. My baby died and we don't even know why. He was suffering from Lepto which is a bacterial infection dogs pick up in ponds and stagnant water. We had been treating that for about 2 months now with anti-biotics but nothing was working. The new vet I took him to last week said it was a 'chronic' case...

We took him in last night b/c when Luke got home from work the poor guy didn't even get up to say hi like he always did. He rushed him up there and the started an IV to get fluids and nutrients in him. We left him there over night hoping that would help turn him around. But it didn't. The poor baby didn't survive the night.

So many things are going through my head. What I didn't do, what I should have done, why did I leave him there in the scary kennel instead of bringing him home with me? I didn't know it would be his last night. Had I to do over again I would have had him with me the whole time. I didn't even get to say goodbye...

Otto was a wonderful dog. Almost human some would tell you. Since he was a puppy I knew he was special. I got him in the ghetto in Pontiac. No papers, just an adorable little face with a cut up ear...Since the day I brought him home I have loved that dog more then any other pet I've had. He was mine. My baby. He slept with me - under the covers (until Luke came along), followed me around constantly, I would sit, he'd sit on my feet or in my lap...Always full of life and energy. He just wanted to be with me. And man did he love to swim - when he finally figured it out :) He would swim for hours on end, fetching a tennis ball. I can't forget his prancing either. He didn't walk - he pranced! It was hilarious. He was so proud. Great with everyone especially kids. Which is what makes this even harder. He doesn't get to meet our baby. I have been telling everyone how great he'd be and now he doesn't even get to show them...

Please help me remember Otto today. My loyal companion and my comforting friend. I can't even put into words all that that dog means to me. He'll always have a place in my heart. I miss him like crazy...

I leave you with a quote that fits this all to well...

"I said “good bye, I love you”,

When I saw that look in your eyes

It was the type of look you give someone

When you know these are your last goodbyes.

You were just a dog some might say

But I know they’re all wrong

You were more than a dog

You were my best friend, and

Now dear friend it is going to be long,

Before I can hold you in my arms once again.

It is hard to put in words how you made me feel

But when I heard your foot steps charging to me,

There is nothing in the world that could’ve made me more happy
You were so small, yet

You had more energy than any dog I had ever met

You were so strong.. and Ill never forget,

All the fun times we shared together

You were with me for so short of a time

But you taught me so much

I never knew I could love anyone the way I loved you

All I had to do was touch

Your soft fur and I knew everything would be ok

I don’t know what I will do without you

I feel like there’s a huge hole in me

Once so filled with joy and glee

Now so empty and cold,

I'm sure your spirit is still with me and I hope you know

There will always be a place in my heart for you.. "

...bye Otto baby I'll always love you. More then I probably ever showed...

So incredibly sad ~ B