Yes, Otis Is Still Here

I've not written a lot about Otis. He just became part of the scenery around here. Good natured, well behaved, a bit silly, happy and oh yeah, he still likes to try to eat other dogs upon initial meet-ups. Hmmmm, can't have everything, right?

Otis has been with me since March. I was thinking he might never get adopted. Although I had some inquiries and conversations with those interested...they just weren't the right fit for him. Three of the applications I received were from young couples, all were very interested. Sounds great, right? Well, Otis can't be placed with young children. I was told by each couple that they don't have children. I surmised that they probably would one day before Otis died and then he'd end up back here with me. I don't get it that they didn't get it. But after talking with them, it made sense, although they were disappointed.

I had some good news that Otis would be meeting his possible new owners on Thursday. I was so excited for him. But, I received a phone call this morning that said differently. The couple that was coming, have decided that it might not be the right fit. There's reasons I won't go into, but I was disappointed, and the husband of the couple, was as well. I've always said, 'when it's right it will happen.' and the same goes here, but it is disappointing. Better to find out now.

I've been waiting for the day that Otis would be adopted so that Hanzie could get a break for awhile from having foster dogs here. Otis especially, has been his nemesis. I found it hard to wrap my head around the fact that Hanz should die right before Otis was adopted. It made no sense to me. But apparently the picture is bigger than I can predict. So, Otis will be here until another day when it is right for him to go to a new home. 

Thank You

I received many kind words and warm thoughts about the passing of Hanzie, through my blog, my facebook page, personal phone calls, and text messages. 

I hadn't realized how many people knew Hanzie, and those that knew him best, had a story to tell and it usually included some laughter. He could be a little character. 

It is quieter around here without him -- and I mean that literally. But also, quieter in that his presence is not there when I look on the sofa, or the dog bed, or outside where he'd like to lay in the warmth of the sun. 

I don't fully understand why it happened, but do we ever? One minute he was barking and running around and then not too long after, he was gone. 

I think I've stopped questioning myself and what I could have done differently. I think we all do that when a loved one passes, whether it be a human or an animal friend. The task is to get through it. 

A friend wrote these words to me that she remembered a saying she saw...."Don't cry because it's over, Smile because it happened." I feel my smile beginning to return. 

A Very Sad Day...Saying Goodbye to Hanzie

A very sad day today. My silly Hanzie boy had his last morning with me. At around 10 a.m. I had to let him go.

April 12, 2004 - September 24, 2013

For the nine years that I have had him, he was notorious for eating things other than just food. I called him 'my little man with an iron stomach.' He'd dine on paper, cardboard, plastic, mushrooms in the backyard and apparently something like string, yarn or dental floss. And this was his demise. It perforated his bowel. An emergency vet visit this morning, he went into septic shock, and there was no hope for him. I had to say good-bye. Not easy. My happy-but-whiney little boy that never had to go to the vet for anything other than a teeth cleaning, made his last visit.

He would be so happy to see people, giving them his smile and teeth chatter that those who didn't know him thought he wanted to bite them. It was his happy face. He loved to be hugged and touched, that was heaven to him.

I rescued Hanzie when he was 5 months old. He spent over 9 years with me, graciously accepting each and every foster dog that came in, (around 85+) even if he wasn't keen on all of them. He would protect Little Bug if he needed to, but I always referred to him as a lover, not a fighter. He talked to me regularly, usually to tell me he was hungry, or to give him attention instead of whichever other dog I was petting at the time, and sometimes just because he was so excited. He was so polite when it came to feeding or treat time. He would patiently sit at a sit/stay until I gave him the word 'eat.' Sometimes his little tongue would stick out a bit and he'd drool from desire. He loved to eat, any amount was never enough, he was always hungry.

This photo of him is one of the last that I've taken, a few weeks ago. He was the only dog with me while on vacation at our campsite. He was such a good boy and often went to his favorite spot...his crate in the back of the car. He would just sit and watch the world go by and when the sun would hit, he lay in it in all it's glory. He loved being at camp, meeting and greeting, taking walks and wandering around in the wooded areas near our site. But his favorite place of all time was in a vehicle, it didn't matter who's or where it was.

He spent most of yesterday in the truck while I was going in and out of the house all day. When left in the house, he would get anxious and barky when I'd go outside, so in the truck he went. He was thrilled. He got to bark at passers by and just lay and take naps, then when I took him inside, he had a big dinner. It is hard to believe that today, he is gone.

I will miss my silly little boy. Rest in peace my sweet Hanzie.  

Heyyyy! My Photo is on Skull-A-Day

SKULL-A-DAY has Sunday Simulacra where they post found 'skulls' on their site. I couldn't NOT send them this photo of a log waiting to be burned while at the fire at camp.

A few years ago at the bookstore I found a book "Skulls" and loved it. When I got home I had to check out the website. Noah's book has 365 days of skulls and his website has skulls, skulls and more skulls...artist's skulls, reader's skulls, found skulls...

It's skullilicious!!

A Gift, A Gift, A Very Cutie Gift

Finally!! I'm telling you about my Schnauzer gift. I meant to post many weeks ago after receiving it, but busy-ness and laziness got in the way.

Look at this little guy!!

The sweet and talented Suzy from GeorgiaPeachez sent this to me. She said while thrifting one day she came across it and knew it had to go home with her, to be sent to me. How nice is that? To be in someone's thoughts that you've never personally met and only know through blogging. 

The funny thing was (and still is) is that I had (and still have) a small collection of things on my desk that are meant for her. When I received her email asking for my mailing location, it couldn't have been timed better because I needed hers, too. The difference? She is not a procrastinator and sent it out immediately. Me? Wellllllllll..... 

...but I do have an excuse, I'm going through some more stuff and the pile is getting a little bigger. Plus, I had work and the 5 weeks of vacation that got in the way, and, and, and....

Thank you Suzy!! He's an adorable addition to my Dog/Schnauzer collection. 

Hanzie's Favorite Spot At Camp

He stands at the back of my car barking at me to open the door so he can jump into his crate.

Most times the crate door can be left open but when there's other dogs around it's best to close it. He doesn't care either way. It's his safe haven.