HappilyEverAfterPage3

Otis

with Fred and Suzanne

We lost our 14 year old boy Chester to old age from congestive heart failure in early January, 2004. My wife, Suzanne, and I were devastated. While we mourned the loss of Chet, we found that we also missed canine companionship. I was in contact with Northcentral Maltese Rescue, Inc. and was told that a three year old male was up for adoption. Otis was the product of a divorced household. The owners were not present when the foster came to pick him up. He was in a household with another dog who attacked and bit him. When we were contacted by Mary Palmer, co-founder of Northcentral Maltese Rescue, Inc., it had been only three weeks since our beloved Chester had passed away, and I didn't know what to do. The best advice I ever received about pets came from Mary, and I pass it along to you. She said, "You'll never be able to replace the pet you lost, but a new pet will help fill the void you feel." Truer words were never spoken. We got the quivering mass of fur named Otis on the coldest night of the year on January 29, 2004. He was skinny, shaking, didn't eat, and was upset. But a bond developed that first weekend. We needed him. He needed us. We both needed each other. After several months of adjustment to downtown Chicago, Otis is on his way to becoming the perfect pup. He's sweet, loving, and protective. Outside, he still isn't too happy with other dogs. He believes that a good defense is a strong offense and continues to work on his city social skills. He has become a part of our family since day one and continues to bless us with his presence everyday.