Otis came into our hearts and our home when he was four years old. Kyle was 8 years old when he started praying for God to send him a Black Lab. And I said that any dog would have to be at least four years old because I didn’t have time for a puppy. And a week later, God not only brought us a black lab, He gave us the best black lab in the world, Otis.
We had Otis for about 9 years. We have welcomed other dogs into our home, but Otis has always been in charge and all the others looked up to him. He had a stately, dignified presence, and he had the kindest eyes I’ve ever seen in a dog. He loved his belly rubs and his tennis ball, but most of all he loved his people. As Kyle and Katie grew older, “Odie” became a “mommy’s dog”. Because of that, making the decision to let go because of his failing health was the hardest thing I’ve ever had to do. I look now at his empty bed, and my heart is breaking. When his kind eyes closed for the last time, part of my heart went with him.