In 1995 I begged my mother for a dog for months. Finally she decided that I could go to the Humane society and rescue a dog. I walked in and wanted to scoop all the dogs up. I came across this sad and skinny brown brindle pitbull. At the time his name was Sammy. His golden eyes connected with mine and he leaned his head against the bars. I picked up the paper work to read his sad story. Sammy had been in the Humane society for 3 years (off and on at the time I adopted him he had just turned 5) He had been returned 4 times and the last time he was removed from the home because he was severely abused and used for dog fighting. I read to the bottom of his paper work and seen that he would be removed from the humane society and put in a regular pound for euthanasia in 1 week. I called my mom over and said this is him. This is my dog. She tried to turn me to a younger dog without a bad history but I refused and said no this is him. We went through the interview and were warned that he wasn't good with children or other pets. We were ok I wasn't thinking of children and my mom was well past her prime and my other siblings were either moved out or just hitting their teenage years. On the drive home I said I don't like the name Sammy (at this time I was obsessed with the movie Milo and Otis) and I said his name is Otis. Life was great he was such an awesome dog so eager to learn new things. In 1998 I found out I was pregnant I was scared I would have to re-home Otis because of what we were told about him not being around small children. I couldn't just give away my best friend so I decided to put my trust in him. 8 1/2 months later I brought my son home from the hospital and from the moment Otis met my son it was an instant connection. Every where I went with my son Otis was right there. He use to lay by his crib, sit by his high chair and let my son sleep on his ribs as he got older. They were the best of friends and I was so amazed by this. You never know I was so scared at first and he shocked me at how gentle and loving he was to such a small lil life. My daughter came along 5 1/2 years later and it was another instant connection. Through all of this though Otis suffered sever allergies to the point that he would rip the skin from his feet and head until it was bleeding. (My mother moved out when my son was 2 1/2). I had taken him to vet after vet searching for something to help him. We tried allergy meds, shots, creams, even went as far as steroid shots and allergy washes. They would help for a short period then it was back to waking up in the morning and finding blood everywhere. This is what eventually took my buddy from me in April 2005. Otis had scratched at his ears so bad that he ruptured an artery in his ear. The vet told me that because of his age that he wouldn't make it off the table. I took Otis home and told the vet I would return the next day to make the worst decision of my life. His suffering would end at the age of 14. It has now been 7 years since he passed away and not a day goes by that I don't think of him and look at all his pictures. I miss him so much. I know he is waiting for me at rainbow bridge and I'll see him some day. From that sad skinny little pitbull on death row to 9 years of joy you brought me I'll never ever forget you. I love you always and forever. R.I.P my sweet Otis/Odie