Otis is a sweet little Shepherd puppy who came to us from a kill shelter in Ohio. He was the runt of the group and never seemed 100 percent healthy. We took the puppies to the Vet because they all had diarrhea. They were tested positive for Coccidia which are small protozoans (one-celled organisms) that live in the intestinal tracts of dogs and cats. They cause disease most commonly in puppies and kittens less than six months of age, in adult animals whose immune system is suppressed, or in animals who are stressed in other ways (e.g.; change in ownership, other disease present).

While the other puppies in his litter were running, playing, and enjoying life ; Otis was losing weight, not wanting to eat, and was sleeping a lot. He started having diarrhea which had a very strong odor to it and had stopped eating. He was drinking small amounts but we could tell that he was getting dehydrated. We took him to Seneca Animal Hospital so that he could be hospitalized until he was better. Unfortunately that day never came.

His first day at the Vet's office wasn't so good. They did blood work which showed that his white cell numbers were extremely low. He was dehydrated and lethargic. As well as having a temperature of 106 degrees. The Vet was not sure what could be causing him to be so sick, especially when all of his siblings were acting fine. They hooked him up to IV fluids, gave him medication to help stop the vomiting, as well as Karo syrup to his gums. He was there for a few days and had no interest at all in food. He seemed like he might be getting a little more stable, but then his health started to decline towards the end of his stay there.

Otis's temperature had dropped drastically and his body was starting to get cold. He hadn't eaten anything in a few days and he was slowly dying. Even with a heating pad, his temperature remained unstable. The Vet told us that he wasn't moving and was just laying on his side. We didn't want to see him suffer so we made a group decision that he needed to be humanely euthanized. This baby was a sweet and loving boy who enjoyed cuddling and giving lots of kisses. Here he was laying there half dead in isolation.



The President of BPC and her two daughters went in to say goodbye. Her daughters had formed a bond with him and wanted to see him one last time. It was a sad day, especially since it was on Valentine's Day. A day where you are supposed to celebrate love and happiness. They pet him, said a prayer, and then went into the other room so that they didn't have to see him take his final breaths. Everyone cried knowing that this sweet little guy would never be in a forever home, would never play again, would never give kisses or cuddle, would never have a chance to grow up and become an adult, would never have a chance at a good life!!



For whatever reason, Otis was not supposed to live on this Earth. We believe that he is meant to be an angel for other puppies or dogs that are sick and need help. We hope that Otis will look over them and give them the strength that they need to survive. We love Otis and we will miss him. We are sorry that he had only a short life to live. Hugs and kisses to our baby boy who will be greatly missed and forever loved.