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Steve, I'm so sorry. It's tough to go through (I've been there) but you did Otis proud.

My condolences. I've had more than one of my dogs die, and I wasn't able to be there with them. It's tough, though Otis did get to see some of the best Yankees' baseball ever.

Steve, peace be with you and with Otis. My eyes are filled with tears at the love you shared. Our old girl is 15 going to be 16 and we come down every day wondering. Pets are the best companions for so many things. Bless you, Otis!

Hey Steve,
My condolences - I know from personal experience how entwined within the family a pet can become - I hope that your kids are handling it okay as well.

Hey man, sorry to hear of your loss...

Our condolences to your family. My sister (DVM) always says dogs that size never live past 8-10 unless they're blessed with a loving family.

Man, that sucks, as I type with my two dogs (a Scottish Terrier and a Boston...errr New York Terrier) at my feet. I don't even want to think about losing these two little guys. Good luck and get your next dog from the pound when you're ready, take it from me--the Scotty came from there after being given up twice and the Boston came from a terrier rescue group after being found roaming the Rocky Mountains in Colorado as a puppy. Enough about me, God Bless.

I have two puppies of my own and I can't begin to imagine the pain losing either one of them would cause my wife and I. I have always liked dogs, but it wasn't until Elliott and Chloe came into my life that I became a DOG person. I am very sorry for your loss.

This is not much, but I thought I would write it and share it with you. I'm still hugging my old Shelty who has made me happy, crazy, and loving.

I said Goodbye!

I said goodbye to a friend today,
He was always there, regardless of the day.

I was always aware of his love,
It was as if it came from above.

Today was special. I held his face.
I reminded him of his place.

His place will always be in my heart,
And from him I am never really apart.

I said goodbye to friend today,
He was always there regardless of the day.
I have learned from him to be
The kind of friend he was, to me.

Thanks everyone for the kind words and thoughts! It's all very appreciated.

We got Otis from the NSAL shelter back in 1994. So, we never knew what breeds he was - but, he was the picture of health and fitness and never sick a day in his life until he got cancer this year. That was the shocker - but it shows you how cancer works in that you never know when it will strike.

The kids are doing well with this - it helps that they're just 1 and 3. Actually, it's me, my wife, and our other dog (also a shelter mutt, 8 years old now) that are the ones feeling it the most.

I keep expecting to see him in the house, in his usual spots at the usual times, but, he's not there. But, like anything else, I'm sure that will pass in time.

Sorry for your loss. I too lost a pet this year. It wasn't on the same scale as a dog and I only had him for a little over 2 years (uh, he was a rat), but I was saddened nonetheless. I can only imagine what losing Otis is like. But it sounds like he lived a long, happy life in the Lombardi household.

Steve -

My condolences to you and your family. I have always believed that dogs are the most profoundly good creatures in all of God's creation. May fond memories of Otis help to keep your spirits up.

Thanks guys - as before, the thoughts are appreciated.

Sorry to hear that, Steve. :(

Steve,

I've got a 12 y/o (or so. Not sure as i adpoted her as an adult). She looks like she could've been your dog's sister. She's been ailing the last year or so. I dread the day I'll have to make that final visit to the vet w/ her. She's been my best friend ever.

Like your dog, she watches every game w/ me; and, has gotten used to my screams late nights in October.

Peace,
Redbug

There is a reason why they're called man's best friend, indeed.