Opie passed away this morning.
We got home from the hospital after a grueling night and I took the day off work but I cannot sleep a wink or rest without exploding in tears. So I am trying to write about this dog whom I loved so much that my heart feels dead today as it probably will for a long, long time. I don't have the words, but writing is the only way I know how to dull the pain.
Opie came to our home as a four-month-old puppy from the Washington Humane Society. Desi found him in one of the runs and salivated over him as he romped around with a German Shepherd puppy. He was a golden furball with a tail like a hairy rod: the most beautiful thing we had ever seen. We were told he had already been adopted out to someone else. Desi was heartbroken, but when we returned to the shelter a week later, there was Opie, returned by his new family for reasons I cannot fathom: who would not want this absolutely divine creature? Their loss was our gain.
Opie was a storm. That first day in our house he ran up and down through every room, chased by an excited Lucy, stopping every few seconds to deposit a small pool of pee. Suddenly, without warning, he would fall fast asleep. Once, as I stood at the kitchen table eating breakfast, I found him sleeping right on my foot, cuddling my fluffy blue slipper. That sight tugged at my heart like nothing ever had.
Opie was extraordinarily smart, and knew exactly how to manipulate us and even Lucy. He loved soft toys and although Lucy did not really play with them, she was nothing if not the fun police. So she would grab his toy from him and take it to a corner where she would sit down, holding a paw over it. Opie, not to be deterred, would pick up another toy, walk over to Lucy, drop it in front of her, and make whiny sounds as if to plead that she take the other toy and return his. It was the cutest thing I had ever seen.
Over the years, Opie and Lucy remained our chief trouble-making duo even as a procession of foster dogs passed through our home. Despite the difference in their sizes and temperaments they loved each other, and together they got into every mischief you can imagine, from chasing squirrels to joggers. But Opie was also as peaceful as they come-- he was a happy dog with a beautiful, bushy tail that never stopped wagging and a mouth that was forever wide open in a smile. He loved other dogs and got along reasonably well with one of our cats, Pubm (although our other cat, Pie, and he never quite saw eye to eye). And he was content to play sidekick to Lucy. Early on he discovered she was not happy to share the backseat of the car with him, so he moved permanently to the place he favored anyway: my lap, so he could get the full picture through the windscreen and satisfy his endless curiosity about how the world worked. You've got a lion in your lap, passers-by would yell with a smile.
We had many names for him, most given by Desi, and he responded to each one: Opu, Opya, Opayan, Opeshwar, Sunshine, Cashewnut. For more than 13 years that we had him, he ruled our lives. Not for a minute would he let you forget he was around, demanding treats, demanding walks, or just demanding. Today, my house feels cold and empty and my heart jumps when I hear a creak on the stairs. I can't believe he's gone.
Many of you have come to know Opie and his antics on these pages. He made my life complete. I feel lucky I have you, all animal lovers, to tell his story to because it is hard to describe to people who do not share their hearts with animals just how deep a void they leave behind. Opie, to me, was no less than a human -- or a human child -- could ever be. He was more, because humans can never offer you that complete, unconditional love that shines out of your dog's eyes.
I miss cuddling his sweet, soft, furry body, and kissing the top of his beautiful head. I miss his paw scratching at my leg as I write at the computer to ask for something. I miss taking him for a walk, even though all he did in these last few weeks after he got sick was to sit around on the grass, look at everyone and everything passing by, and bark.
I hope he is out there now, happy and healthy and reunited with his old friend, Lucy, as they chase a squirrel.
Sleep, sweet Sunshine.
Srividya says
So sorry for your loss, Vaishali. You are in my prayers. You are a kind soul and are blessed to have known such love.
Ambika Devi says
Dear Vaishali,
Understanding how to navigate the stormy waters while experiencing the death of a being so dearly loved is easier with the love of friends and the remembering that life is a great gift. How lovely that you were given the honor of knowing this being and sharing love with them. May the Loving spirit of Opie glow in your heart forever for he is a great teacher of love, for love's sake! Let his spirit ignite your creativity. I send you healing energy and pray for your comfort and happiness.
Mary says
It broke my heart to even read about such a wonderful doggie. I've had dogs for years and haven't regretted a single moment. All dog lovers, animal lovers, share your sorrow....bless you Opie and see you in heaven!
geetha says
I am so terribly sorry.IIt is terrible to lose one's baby.I have no words...
Kersti says
My heart goes out to you on this very sad day. Loosing your beloved pet is very painful, and the heart feels broken.
But dear Opie is now reunited with Lucy, and I see them running up a hill, in tall green grass, sun shining and clear blue skies. Opie reaches the top of the hill a little before Lucy, so he stops and turns his head, watching her run towards him. They both smile. They have both known unconditional love, living with you. Now they will continue to love you from Heaven. They will both be around you still, just in a different forms of energy. Every time you think of Opie, you honor the love and bond you shared. Opie wants you to celebrate his life, not to mourn his passing. Sending your heart lots of love and light, so the healing can begin.
Anonymous says
My Dear,
I am sorry for your loss. Rescue Pets are wonderful family members. I understand & respect the sadness you feel today. Since I was a girl I have always had a dog or two. There is goodness inside of them and it teaches us to be better people. I will light a candle for sweet dog tonight.
Hugs,
Izy in the Okanagan, BC , Canada
Ira says
And here is another person's experience of losing his dog:
https://www.washingtonpost.com/national/health-science/the-death-of-pet-can-hurt-as-much-as-the-loss-of-a-relative/2012/02/21/gIQALXTXcS_story.html
Ira says
Always helps to read other people's experiences. Here is a heartwarming story about a dog and the pain of losing her (you'll have to copy and paste the link):
Priti says
Tight Hugs to you Vaishali! Tight tight hugs. 🙁 Please take care. Opie was such a darling, thank you so much for sharing his life here with us. His memories will always warm our hearts.
joan says
My heart goes out to you, Vaishali, and to your husband and son on Opie's passi. He'll forever be in your heart.
Morgan LaRue says
Oh Vaishali - I am so so sorry to read this. I have enjoyed your blog for a while now and enjoy your enthusiasm for food and animals alike, especially your own dogs. You gave Opie a wonderful, loved life, and he knew he was so loved. Be comforted in that. My heart goes out to you.
Ira says
So, so sorry. Opie was very lucky to have you guys. Hope the end was a peaceful one. We lost our sunshine, our beloved cat Tipoo last year. As I read your words, my heart was breaking and the tears flowing. Ira
Anonymous says
So, so sorry. Opie was very lucky to have you guys in his life. Hope it was a peaceful end. I lost my beloved cat Tipoo a year ago and as I read your words, my heart was breaking and the tears flowing. Ira
Saana says
Nothing but love for you and your Opie.
Smanders says
The universe was very kind to bring such remarkable souls together. Thank you for sharing his story. I smiled many times reading your post- may the fondness of his memories help usher in comfort and warmth.
- and oh my what a handsome boy.
jan says
I am so very very sorry you lost your Opie. Off the Rainbow Bridge with all of the other sweet dogs to play for eternity. My heart goes out to you and your family. Hugs.
Leslie Grabowski says
My heart goes out to you, Vaishali.
ann says
There are no words for what you're going through...but this was a beautiful tribute. Thank you and your family for giving Opie a wonderful life.
Laura McKenna says
I'm so sorry for your lost. I lost my first furry kid two years ago -- to cancer and after chemo. Slowly, you will feel better, but you won't ever forget the love and the bond you share.
Cindy Wilson says
What a beautifully written heartfelt story. Opie was obviously much loved. When my Dog died I swear she came back to visit me in my dreams. memories are such bitter sweet things. Hugs to you and yours.Cindy
fastpup says
I am so very sorry for your loss. What a wonderful life he spent with you! Here is a quote from a little boy named Shane on why dogs don't live as long as people. "People are born so they can learn how to live a good life--like loving everybody all the time and being nice, right? Well dogs already know how to do that, so they don't have to stay as long." Opie will live in your heart forever. Bless you, my friend!
Anonymous says
I am so, so sorry for your loss. I have felt your pain and although it will not go away, it will mellow with time and your memories of your beautiful dog will be a joy to you. ❤️
amarthya says
Wishing you peace and divine love at this sad time... Blessings to Opie who has found his angel wings!!
wisteria7 says
I too have loved and lost. I firmly believe that Opie will come back in to your life under a different guise. You will know and feel Opie again in your life but Opie will never be replaced. Just another kind of love entering into your life showing tidbits of your lost love. They say time heals all. And it does. My heart aches for you.
Jacqui says
So sorry for your loss. Our fur babies are so accepting of us with their unconditional love. My heart weeps for you, but I'm sure Opie and Lucy are having a grand reunion!
Anonymous says
Dear Vaishali and Desi, so sorry for your loss! How has little Jay taken this? No matter how many times we go through this, it's as difficult or more every single time. RIP beautiful Opie, we'll miss hearing about you.
Roy R. says
I'd like to extend my sincere condolences on Opie's passing. I know very well the impact a beloved pet like Opie can have on your life. We have three cats and a dog and over the years we have had many others. Each time one of our pets passes away the lose we feel is tremendous. Of course we have many pictures and even more fond memories but we miss each of them terribly.
Rest in peace Obie
Laura says
Oh, I am so sorry to hear about Opie. He is out of any pain, but for you it continues. Our companion animals are part of our families! It hurts terribly when we lose them. Surround his spirit with white light. Plant something to remind you of him whenever you see it. Seeing new life will help heal your sorrow.
Danell Avery says
I am so sorry honey. I love my babies so much and when they pass on it breaks my heart. I just had another one of my special needs pets pass on New Year's Eve. Know that your sweet babies are together and playing as they always did with you. Again, my heart is with you, I know how you feel.
David! says
I am so very sorry for your loss.