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.
Sunitha
Dear Vaishali, I am very very sorry about Opie. It was heart melting to read your beautiful post about Opie. I loved it. Thank you for pouring your heart out in writing. May his soul rest in peace. Sending you and your family prayers and love during this tough time.
Connie
My heart goes out to you Vaishali, and Desi as well. I haven't visited your site as regularly as I once did and seeing that now Opie is gone hurts. I know how big a hole is left in our lives with the loss of someone we loved and cared for so deeply. But, compared to the years of fun, laughter and joy we shared with them is so much greater than the pain. Embrace those memories, as you've done in your beautiful tribute and hold them close. Sending love and hugs your way.
claireatchezcayenne
Vaishali, this is such a beautiful tribute to Opie. Good night, Opie. Sleep tight. You are loved.
Anonymous
You had me in tears from the word go...I have lost dogs and cats through sickness and the heartbreak will always be there and the self-questioning: "Could I have done more, what could I have done different to keep them alive etc. etc." But the memory of those little bodies filling the space in our hearts and lives are irreplaceable. The pain fades a little, but the longing will always be there.
I am so sorry that you lost your baby Opi, but believe you will see them again some day. God cannot create something so beautiful, intelligent and awesome and not let a creature like that not live further, the same way they lived on earth in the after life (Paradise).
Anonymous
Sorry Vaishali, at least you know they had a wonderfull life...and that's what counts!!!
Marc
So very sorry for your loss. Your memories will sustain and nurture you.
caren ferris
Oh, I am crying now for you. I so understand. We are all so blessed to share our lives with our pets. And we are all so heartbroken at their loss. I dream of meeting my dear ones someday again. Please be well, take care of you and Desi, and know he was well loved, which is all a dog ever needs or asks for...
Anonymous
I am terribly sorry for losing your sweet pup. I know the pain, as time passes it lessens but never goes away which is a good thing because it reminds you of your love.
Laina
What a doll! He was so handsome!!! Hugs to you and so sorry for your loss!!! I loved reading the story about Opie!
JS
Oh, no! Oh, no! I'm so sorry! I know this feeling all too well, unfortunately.
Anonymous
So sorry.. I know how heartbreaking it is to say goodbye.
Shantee'
This makes me so sad. I'm sorry, Vaishali
evolvingtastes
Very sorry for your loss, Vaishali. You write beautifully even amidst the sorrow.
Kelly
Oh, Vaishali, I'm so very sorry. I will be thinking of you and your family.
Nora Cervera Gharaibeh
I am so sorry for your loss.
Ruth Eisenbud
Vaishali,
I have lost many beautiful dog and cat friends through the years... and the two things that give me strength are knowing that I gave them the best possible lives... and that there is always someone waiting in the wings, some desperate being, who needs my help. It is the greatest honor I pay my friend when I give a home to another wonderful being.
The pain of loss eases off slowly... as the wonderful, good memories take front stage... and the joy of having known our happy, loving, sometimes mischievous friends takes over.
You will always cherish Opie. Thanks for sharing his life with us.
Ruth