Otto the Golden Retriever: A Wild, People-Loving Dog with 20 Volunteer Walkers
When we welcomed Otto, a golden retriever, into our home a year after losing our previous dog Bertie, we were filled with skepticism. Could he possibly meet our high expectations? The answer unfolded quickly during puppy training classes, where Otto proved to be a law unto himself, defying norms with his unique personality.
A Dog Unlike Any Other
"He's not normal" became a frequent family refrain as Otto displayed a series of wild, mischievous, and outlandish behaviors. In training sessions, instructors diplomatically labeled him "wilful," and I resorted to hiding cocktail sausages in my pockets during the final exam to coax even a hint of civility from him. It barely worked, but it highlighted his spirited nature.
Otto was a vision of delight, with astonishingly soft ears and a tail that constantly swished with joy. While other dogs might curl up gently on the sofa, Otto preferred to sit like a human on his rump, paws held high in the air. Instead of splashing in water, he would submerge and roll with abandon. And where most dogs retrieved Frisbees, Otto had a knack for finding dead badgers, earning him the title of neighborhood court jester who always knew how to turn heads.
A Heart Full of Love and Connection
Beyond his antics, Otto was utterly sweet and incapable of passing a stranger without making a new friend. Nothing brought me more immediate happiness than opening the front door to see him thunder down the stairs, tail thrashing vigorously and knocking over countless items in his eager rush to reunite. His excitement was infectious, reminding us of the simple joys in life.
When I left for university and my mother broke her foot, we turned to BorrowMyDoggy, a website connecting dog owners with local volunteers eager to walk dogs. Otto quickly amassed a team of devoted walkers, and over his 10-year life, he "befriended" more than 20 dogless humans. He loved each one in turn, enriching their lives with his boundless affection and playful spirit.
Aging Gracefully with Unwavering Charm
As Otto grew older and developed arthritis, he would plod alongside me on our walks, his pace slowing but his spirit undimmed. Strangers would often pause to pat his big head and compliment his well-trained demeanor. I would smile graciously and accept the praise, knowing full well that it was Otto's innate goodness, not any training, that earned it. Had his aging body not betrayed him, he would have been off helping himself to the nearest picnic, ever the opportunist.
Otto was a steadfast companion through illness, breakups, and weddings, and when we lost him, our grief felt bottomless. On his final day, I released every tennis ball we had in a huge cascade around his head. Despite his frailty, he was thrilled, a testament to his enduring zest for life. I suspect he had stolen most of those balls from the park, a fitting end for a dog who lived with such playful abandon.
Legacy of Joy and Kindness
Otto's greatest charm was his ability to help us see the world through a dog's eyes—a perspective filled with kindness and joy. His wild, people-loving nature, supported by over 20 volunteer walkers, showcased the profound impact pets can have on our lives. How lucky we are to share our world with such wonderful creatures, who remind us daily of the beauty in simple connections and unconditional love.
