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.
Liz says
What a beautiful tribute to a precious soul. I cried with you when i read your post. Wishing you time to grieve fully and heal the holes in your heart.
Love from Liz in Denver
lillian says
I'm so sorry for your loss
Valerie says
My heart is breaking for you and your family....what a sweet face...how very fortunate you were to have each other for all those years.......I send you a BIG ( H-U-G ) of comfort......
Padma says
Hugs.
Meena says
Very very sorry for your loss Vaishali. I've never had a pet in life; but always loved your posts on Opie. He was such a beautiful dog and I'm sure he brought smiles to all those who knew him. He was blessed to have you and so were you guys to have been blessed by his love and warmth for years. Praying God to give you and your family lots of strength to heal ....
Love
Meena.
confidentialsecret says
This is so sad, sending you lots of hug and support. It sounds like he had an incredibly happy life and great quality of life, thanks to you and your famill.
Cat x
NancyAnnK says
I am so truly and deeply sorry for your loss. My heart breaks for you. You were his angel and how he will be yours. Love and peace to you.
Nicola @ Running Happy says
I'm so sorry to hear about Opie.
It's always hard to explain the loss of an animal to people who don't know the love of an animal. Hopefully your writing will help others going through the same thing.
Aarti says
Sorry to hear about your loss... may you gather all the strength to face this period...
Anna says
I am so Sorry. Deepest condolences!?
Lin says
I also understand the dreadful pain of losing a beloved pet. The hole it leaves may get smaller, but it never goes away. He was a blessed doggie for sure. Thank you for your vegan inspiration, sending love and hugs. Lin from uk.
Berrie says
I'm so sorry to learn about Opie's passing - he was a beautiful dog, and you gave him a loving home and family for 13 great years. I'm sure he knew and appreciated that. I have no doubt that he and Lucy have had a grand reunion and that they will draw close to you in spirit to ease you through the worst of your grief. You, Desi and Jay are in my thoughts. Love and Light.
sharmila says
I know what it feels like Vaishali. The pain in the heart will never go. But it is this pain that we never want to let go of. I have known Opie for as long as I have known you. Hugs to you and loads of love to both Opie and Lucy, wherever they are.
cathy says
It always hurts so much when we lose them, but they will live on in our hearts until we meet again one day. Adopt again and keep the love moving. "Heaven is where every dog I have loved runs to great me." On that day you will find a loving pack waiting for you.
Anonymous says
I teared up reading about Opie's passing. May you and your husband find peace and solace in the fact that he is in a better, pain-free place.
Dee says
What a beautiful tribute. I am so so sorry for your loss. You have made such wonderful memories with Opie.
Anonymous says
I couldn't even finish reading your post. I am so sorry, both for you and for the world who lost a positive part of our world. I hope you heal fast. My heart is heavy for you.
Vidya aka Shri Abi says
Vaishali! I am a SoCal vegan and read your emails, as they help me stay strong and Vegan superhuman. I am so sorry about Opie. I have lost a dog to the pound and therefore not seen the death of a loved one, even human, but I feel for you.
Keep writing! Your posts are a burst of sunlight even through a computer screen. We love you!
Vidya
Meghan says
Oh, I am so sorry for your loss; it's obvious how much you loved each other.
Richa says
I am so sorry Vaishali. He looks glorious in the pictures and so happy. Sending you lots of love.
Sunitha Kasiraman says
Dear Vaishali,
I am so sorry for your loss. My deepest condolences to you and your family. We lost our beloved dog of 13+ years in December 2014 and it still hurts. I hope you can take comfort in all the beautiful memories you made together with Opie. He is frolicking around in the grass with all the other much loved fur-babies who have crossed the Rainbow Bridge. Hugs to you all.
Sunitha
C Atkins says
Dear one, there are no words that I could say which would ease your heart or convey how deeply and completely I understand your pain. These precious beings come into our lives to bless and teach us. We think we are rescuing them but they are actually giving so much more. Sending you love and light.
Christa says
XOXOXO
Wanda says
Thank you for sharing your story. I know how you feel about the loss of Opie as I've had the experience of losing our 16 year old Alsatian dog when I was 18. You can offer his spirit to the Divine who will take care of it. With a big hug.
Nupur says
I am so sorry for your loss, Vaishali. Sending you and your family long-distance hugs.
Andy R. says
I hope you may find peace during this difficult time. Opie lived a great life thanks to you and your family.
Anonymous says
Your words are an elegant heartfelt tri bute to a beautiful szoul. Bless Opie, bless you for the love you gave him.
Anonymous says
I am so sorry for your heavy, heavy loss. I love that your Opie knew from day one he was meant to love you. And perhaps because of that he caused enough mischief to be sent back to the shelter in order to be part of your family. I hope in time your family is able to recall that love with a soft heart and happiness.
Jain says
I'm so sorry, Vaishali. Please take comfort in knowing you gave Opie the best life he could have had.
Dorothy says
I don't know you except through blog and I rescue cats even though I love dogs too but my dear I read this and I cry for you. Not a gift you could keep. But spirit remains and that love you can cherish. I hope your heart finds the courage to feel alive again soon.