Shakespeare’s Phantom Othello…aka…Othello…Otapotamus, Oti -O, Wookie, Moose, Woolly Bully , Bunnybear … OTIE!!
Never truly knew what to expect from a Bouvier but it is quite a ride! From the moment I got the phone call from Linda at about 7pm on a Thursday night nearly a year ago that Lola was giving birth – to the moment my daughter Chelsie picked him out because “the best dogs have big stupid heads” (and he does) …I have been in love.
Looking in Otie’s eyes is truly looking into a soul…especially because he has no issue looking right back at you. When you speak he is listening and watching…he is also quite vocal. I never taught him “to speak” but he has no issue speaking on a regular basis…with hmpfs and murrrrs and outright barks when HE feels you have done something to displeasure him…like leaving or putting him in his dreaded crate.
Otie is not a snuggler unless it is on HIS terms. Which means he may lean on you, lay on your pillows, sit so close to you he is either pushing you out of the seat or nearly sitting on the other side of you! He can be stingy with his kisses, but when he does kiss you it means a little more;) He is a “hugger”…when you walk in the door; if you are family, he will put his paws on your shoulders and rest his head on your shoulder and you MUST hug back or he will “yell at you.”
Otie is not a chow hound unless it is watermelon, ANYTHING you are putting in your mouth or perhaps something left defrosting on the countertop, or the cat’s food. He has a few best friends: Oliver, our friend’s golden, our mini horses, who I contend since they have a fall and are the same size, believe that Otie IS a mini horse and of course Freddie our “patio cat.”
Otie is incredibly smart; he has learned that he prefers “cold” water too tepid so he is pleased that we have provided lovely porcelain water bowls throughout the house and if we should close the lid, he has learned to open them. He is multilingual and can understand commands in French, German, Gaelic, Italian, English…and “mommy is mad.” He believes ALL teddy bears belong to him, NO bed should ever be made properly as the pillows should be everywhere and mud puddles are for bouncing in. He believes that Victoria Secret panties and small socks are appetizers, and much to our chagrin no matter how we try to prevent it has eaten well over $150.00 worth of lingerie.
Otie LOVES sticks and no walk or run can be done properly without finding just the RIGHT stick…and he will search and pick up and discard stick after stick until the PERFECT stick is found. You know it is right because he will turn around and literally smile and then prance ahead doing his bear/bunny/happy dog bounce. He lays on the ground with his feet out flat behind him in the best impression of a bear skin rug or on his back, feet in the air, in blissful deep sleep. He is both smart and brilliant at the same time. He recognizes his commands and knows exactly what to do…that makes him smart. What makes Otie brilliant is when he does his tricks in slooooow motion to make YOU wait just as long as he has too!
We are always asked “what type of dog is that”; with his black mask, and grey brindle, and we have a lot of fun answering: Ewok, Wookie, Bear, Mongolian Chihuahua. But what type of dog is he? THE best kind – a REAL Teddy Bear come to life – a brilliant companion, a comedic relief, a tender heart, a staunch protector…a Bouvier! The BEST kind – my Otie!
