Opie

We lost a member of our family on Thursday night.  Our Schnoodle Opie died.  He had been having heart troubles for a couple weeks, but we didn't realize that he would go so soon.

We have to be thankful because he didn't suffer for long and his body knew enough to give out on it's own.  Most animals can't do that.  He died in the laundry room, which was his room and safe place. 

He was an amazing dog and an important part of our family.  Always happy to see us when we walked in the door.  He loved to beg for food even though it upset his tummy.  He loved women, especially my mom and grandma.  He never chewed anything except for his toys.  And his biggest joy in life was going for car rides. 

His favourite words were walk, Grandma, car ride, cheerio and poodle treat.  He liked treats and snoozin, snoozin and treats.  He had a tendency to take over your bed at night.  He would start at the bottom and work his way up.  By morning he was on your pillow and you were pushed to the side.  When he was excited, he would run in "Opie circles".  Laps around the living room and kitchen, usually stopping at his basket to grab a toy on the way by.

He had his issues.  He suffered from severe separation anxiety.  Every time we left he thought we were never coming home.  And he had some food guarding issues.  He was always thinking we were gonna eat his food on him!  But these made him unique, and unique he was!  Up until a couple weeks before he died you never would have known that he was an 11 year old dog.  He was still running around and playing as if he was a pup.

Life is so much more joyful with a dog.  They love you unconditionally, and are always happy to see you.  When you are sick or sad, they just know and they cuddle with you.  They are a constant companion.  I feel emptiness now that he's gone.  I can't believe he won't ever wag his tail at me again or paw me at the dinner table. 

We loved him, and he loved us. 

Opie

May 14, 2001-May 24, 2012