Hi there - This is Otto and my mom, Betty. I feel we owe you a long overdue thank-you!

In September 2000 at the first Pet-Lover’s Party in the Park, my mom, who is a volunteer at Lane County Animal Regulation Authority, asked if we could join in on all the fun - you said absolutely! At the time, I had been living in the shelter for quite a while. I didn’t mind staying there. There were a lot of nice folks that would walk by and smile at me from time to time.

Anyway, my mom’s boss, Mike Wellington, wanted us to take 2 dogs out there to walk in the Pet Walk, show that they were wanting nice homes, and also to hand out good pet information.

Well, my mom really wanted to take me out there until she found out I had not yet had a rabies shot and couldn’t leave the shelter without it. The clinic was closed on Sunday, so I could not go. I did not really care since I was so scared and felt really sick because my teeth hurt bad.

But you know my mom when she gets an idea, she’s a little nuts. Because the party was on a Sunday, she wouldn’t be able to find out what was up with me until Tuesday! She called all her other bosses and left messages for all of them saying “If you get this message before you do the morning’s euthanasia's PLEASE DON’T PUT THE DOXIE DOWN!” (She can be quite pushy sometimes.) It was funny when she showed up, she didn’t even know if I was a boy or a girl, she just knew my eyes had a lot of love left in them for someone.

So now I had a mom and they filled out some papers (I had no idea I had papers) and she took me right to the vet to take care of my sore teeth!

It turns out I am about 8 years old and super healthy! (minus four teeth, now!) And just think, if it weren’t for the Party in the Park, mom and her bosses say that Tuesday I would have gone to sleep! I do love to sleep but it is much better here where I have a big bed and a lot of pillows and my mom to cuddle up to! I gave her my trust and she gave me her love and protection.

And now I have become a bit of a celebrity! I go to important meetings, and I was even on TV! People are always stopping mom to pet me and talk about me (if I hear the story again I am going to bark!) But mom says it will help other animals so I put up with her telling my story. (It is neat that so many people think I am cute and sweet.)

Mom is sending you a photo of one of my favorite things to do… she makes the bed with me in it!! We play this game a lot with my brother and my sister, who is what mom calls a German Shedder.

Mom even said that I may be your first life saved (except for Bearen of course) but she is not sure. So once again, here is a big (((((((((HUG)))))))))) from me and mom. Thank you!!!

Otto & Betty

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