Otis Keifer

A beautiful tribute written by Jaclyn Keifer…..(Otis’ mom)

Meet Otis, a dog that will be loved and remembered far longer than his short years on earth. I found Otis during my first year at IU. I went to the eye doctor in College Mall then walked around only to ask the pet store if they had any Boston Terriers. Sure enough, he and his sister were too sick to be out for viewing so I waited a few weeks and brought him home. Otis endured my college lifestyle which included many selfish days and late study nights. I remember how he’d faithfully sleep in after many all nighters. One night, I had a terrible fight with my mom and my best friend, Mecayla, had us stay with her so I could study for my midterm the next day. That winter, I learned he hated snow and had to shovel a path to ensure he would go potty outside. I realized he was special when my other dog ran out the door in Bloomington and I spent 30+ minutes following him into the public library. When I returned, Otis was there, sitting on my outdoor couch (it was a college thing). He loved walking campus with me – I remember him jumping onto the short stonewalls so he could walk close by my side. On one of my birthdays, we shared ice cream and spent all day in the sun – his favorite season was surely summer.

        Toward the end of college, I went through a breakup after 2.5 years. This was before I came to know Jesus and I remember this was the most lonely period of my life. He spent many nights by my side, being so present in my pain. His faithfulness was a vital part of my healing. During my last year as a single woman, Otis and I ran a lot. I still can’t believe he ran 2-3 miles at a time in the hottest part of the summer and through many chilly winter days. Just before meeting Cory, I decided to get a pit bull so we could walk the Monon together safely. One evening after meeting Cory, the dogs were with us and suddenly, my pit bull attacked Otis. I was terrified she was going to kill him. Cory tried everything to save Otis – he even bent a metal broom handle and finally, they broke free. Otis quickly went after her and to our shock, she was in worse shape than Otis. That was the day Otis became a legend!!! The 20 pound dog that took on a pit bull and won!

        I knew Cory was the one because he loved and cared for Otis as I did despite the fact that Otis suddenly grew a love for the trash months before I met Cory. I can’t remember how many times we came home to the trash being all over the floor only to find Otis hiding somewhere, waiting for us to find him. Once found, he had the BEST nervous grin and he’d immediately lift up his left paw as if to beg for forgiveness. We have so many fond memories of the idiosyncrasies that made Otis the dog he was:

-he could keep hold of a toy for nearly a minute when lifted off the ground

`he loved sleeping under the covers but, unlike most dogs, he was so considerate and didn’t hog the bed

`he never minded getting his nails cut and ALWAYS tooted before I finished

`at random, Cory and Otis would sneeze together – It was like they were playing their own game or speaking their own language

`he couldn’t help but lick his nose any time you scratched his rump

`above all else, he loved his people. One time, he refused to go outside for my roommate when I was sick. Instead, he waited until I got up with him.

        The next year, Otis and Charlie were our ring bearers, and he became the family dog. During the early years of our marriage, he loved playing with the kids and loved our many visitors as we started watching dogs through Rover.com. In all, he met nearly 200 dogs.

        He was by my side for my pregnancy with Henry and joyfully tested out our bike trailer over the summer. I was nervous he’d feel left out once Henry came but he seemed to transition with ease. It was if he knew that, because Henry was a part of me, he was to be loved. He endured all the baby/toddler tortures. Not once do I remember Otis showing Henry any negative feelings. He loved following me to care for Henry and would quietly sit with me during late night/early morning feedings. He would follow Henry around the yard and loved sitting in the sun. After Henry, we started taking him to my grandparents when we visited. Otis was about eight then. She isn’t exactly a dog person but loved having Otis visit. She was always amazed that he would patiently stay where he was told for the entire visit and joked that he “minded more than any kid she’s met”. One Christmas, my uncle got Henry a battery powered gator truck. Despite his age, Otis chased Henry around the yard – barking madly until we brought him in or Henry got off. If there was one thing Otis hated, it was that truck. His passion to destroy it brought so much laughter to us all.

        During his later years, Otis still looked quite young – we often heard how he looked no older than five or six. However, Otis struggled to walk with us. Many times, he’d start our walk on his leash and end in the stroller basket. I remember a time where Cory carried him nearly a mile without complaint.

        Last January, Otis was attacked by another dog. After that, his decline became more rapid. Owning a senior dog can be quite a challenge – sometimes worse than a puppy. Otis however tried to be thoughtful. He struggled to hold it through the night so once in a while we’d wake to poop in our shower. Yes, poop is gross and SUPER annoying. However, that was Otis’ personality – he loved us all so deeply so I can only imagine he was considering us even during this difficult time for him. His accidents became more frequent and he started losing weight. In all, Otis lost about 40% of his body weight this year. Despite his struggles with the stairs (he slid down many times) he often tried to “sneak” upstairs as if to demonstrate “I can still do it – I see your busy running up and down the stairs and I want nothing more than to be close to you”. Otis was no longer able to jump on the couch or bed but still loved snuggling close to us and LOVED the sun. He’d often shift his body to remain in the sunniest spot of any room.

        Though I’m 32, no one in my immediate family has passed so choosing to put down Otis was one of the most painful choices. In the end, Cory showed incredible patience, never showing anger despite the fact that Otis no longer made it to the shower. He allowed me to choose when I was ready and showed incredible support along the way.

        It’s amazing – no one, not even Cory, has known me so well as Otis yet, he continued to show his love every day until the very end. Today, the littles and I spent Otis’ last day together which, unfortunately for him, brought rain. We went to Garfield Conservatory. At first, they refused to let him come inside but Cory called and told them he was my therapy dog (so true yet unofficial) and they thankfully approved.

        He is incredibly loved and will be remembered for many years by our family. We love you, sweet friend and look forward to the day we see you running toward us when we meet you on the other side of heaven.

        Thank you, Otis , for giving me 13 years of unconditional love. Your presence in my life shaped me more than any other animal will.

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