Otto's Last Hurrah

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Otto is over 13 and has been a frisbee dog since he was 6 months old.  He is a pro.  We always used to say he should perform at a half time show during some sporting event.  He was that good.  In the last year or so, we've noticed it gets harder for him to catch the frisbee midair and land well.  His eyesight is poor and his hearing is gone.  He even had a malignant tumor removed in March from his left leg, but when it comes to his favorite activity he still thinks he's 5 and will leap into the air to grab the frisbee no matter how much we try to throw it softer, lower and closer.  Today, we took the camera out because I wanted to test some issues I'd been having with it and we happened to find his frisbee on the dog house roof (go figure). Otto most days now plays with his big blue squeaky (used to squeak at least) ball.  Of course, the minute he saw his frisbee, he dropped his blue ball and danced and pranced in excited anticipation.  The minute Matt lifted his hand to launch the frisbee Otto froze and waited for the throw.  Sadly, after watching Otto go up 3 times and land hard, we've decided it's time put away his frisbee.  It's just not worth the risk of injury.  We are heartbroken for our Otto puppy because he lives and breathes for that frisbee.  We'd kind of hoped that when it was his time to go, he'd be leaping up in the air catching one.


Anticipating the throw






Comments

{Shannon} said…
He is such a beautiful dog!
June 17, 2012 at 4:14 PM
Amanda said…
WOW he is gorgeous, and looking amazing for 13! Give that boy a big hug and a new squeaky ball. :) You are doing what is best for him. :)
June 17, 2012 at 5:23 PM
Spare Parts and Pics said…
Bittersweet story... hopefully Otto will have other activities that keep him happy!
June 17, 2012 at 8:12 PM
Beyond the Dog Dish said…
13 is an age to be proud of. We have an obsessed frisbee dog here too - but pint sized ;)
June 18, 2012 at 12:35 AM
Anonymous said…
Liz, I have two GSDs and I love them to pieces. Maybe the frisbee could be thrown rather slowly and at a short distance so Otto could still enjoy this activity?

Such a sweet post. Thank you for sharing at YSB this week. xoxo
June 18, 2012 at 8:02 AM
Diana said…
What a sweet boy! Thanks for sharing this story and photos :)
June 18, 2012 at 8:07 AM
Toni said…
What a beautiful dog! Love German Shephards.
June 18, 2012 at 11:58 AM
Toni said…
What a beautiful dog! Love German Shephards.
June 18, 2012 at 11:58 AM
Stefanie said…
What a handsome boy... and 13? Wow, he looks great! And it's great that he's still getting around well and able to get the squeak out of a squeaky toy ;)
June 18, 2012 at 2:59 PM
Pat said…
Otto is a beautiful dog! This is a great series of photos.
June 18, 2012 at 7:24 PM
Jephyr said…
Wonderful story! Thanks for sharing it!
June 19, 2012 at 2:14 AM
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