A sad goodbye

My family got Otis when I was a sophomore in college. Mom called one spring weekend and said that Libba and Will picked-up a black lab puppy in Schaller. When I met him that summer, I concluded that he was part lab, part Shetland pony - Otis was a giant.

Otis was a great dog, and after 11 years of taking care of the Young family and farm he was laid to rest yesterday afternoon. I only had the fortune of spending one summer and the occasional trip-home with him, but every time I would drive up the lane he would greet me with excitement and a look in his eyes that said, Hello, old friend. Welcome home. He was very special to us, and I have to echo my sister in saying, Boy, will I miss that dog.