Otto the Golden Retriever: A Wild, People-Loving Dog with 20 Volunteer Walkers
When the family acquired Otto, a golden retriever, a year after the passing of their previous dog Bertie, they harboured doubts that he could ever measure up to their lofty expectations. However, during the often humiliating sessions of puppy training classes, it swiftly became evident that Otto operated entirely on his own terms.
A Law Unto Himself
"He's not normal" rapidly evolved into a recurring family saying as Otto showcased a repertoire of wild, mischievous, and downright eccentric behaviours. In training, instructors diplomatically labelled him as "wilful", prompting his owner to resort to hiding cocktail sausages in pockets during the final exam to coax even a semblance of good manners from him—a tactic that barely succeeded.
Otto was exceptionally hairy, boasting astonishingly soft ears and a tail that perpetually swished with sheer delight. While other dogs might gently curl up on the sofa, Otto preferred to sit like a human on his rump, with two paws held aloft. Where others splashed in water, he would fully submerge and roll. Instead of retrieving Frisbees, Otto had a knack for discovering dead badgers. As the neighbourhood's resident court jester, he possessed an innate talent for turning heads and capturing attention.
An Unwavering Sweetness
Yet, when not acting the fool, Otto was utterly sweet and incapable of walking past a stranger without forging a new friendship. Nothing brought his owner more immediate happiness than opening the front door to witness him thundering down the stairs, tail thrashing vigorously and knocking over countless items in his eager rush to reunite.
During a period when the owner was away at university and the mother suffered a broken foot, the family turned to BorrowMyDoggy, a website connecting dog owners with local individuals seeking to walk dogs. Otto quickly amassed a devoted team of walkers, and over his ten-year lifespan, he "befriended" more than 20 dogless humans. He loved each one in turn, significantly enriching their lives with his affectionate presence.
Aging with Grace
As Otto grew older and developed inevitable arthritis, he would plod alongside his owner on walks. Strangers would frequently pause to pat his large head and commend his apparent good training. The owner would smile graciously and accept the praise, well aware that credit was not truly due. Had his aging body not limited him, Otto would have undoubtedly been off helping himself to the nearest picnic spread.
He stood by the family through illnesses, breakups, and weddings, and when they eventually lost him, their grief felt bottomless. On his final day, the owner released every tennis ball they owned in a huge cascade around his head. Despite his poor health, Otto was thrilled—likely recalling that he had stolen most of those balls from the park over the years.
A Lasting Legacy
Otto's enduring charm lay in his ability to help his family see the world through a dog's eyes—a perspective filled with kindness and joy. His wild, people-loving nature, supported by over 20 volunteer walkers, serves as a poignant reminder of the profound bond between humans and their canine companions. How fortunate we are to share our lives with such joyful creatures.
