Today is a tough day in the Ollice household. Otis, my faithful companion for 10 years, just passed away. I read the book “Marley and Me” and Otis was nothing like Marley. Quite possibly, he was the best dog anyone could have ever had. He had the greatest disposition for a family dog. Being our “first born”, he was always very gentle with our children, even if he might have been a little jealous at first.

Otis was always one of my favorite subjects to photograph. I even developed those photos into t-shirt designs for Ducks Unlimited. Here is my first digital painting using Painter software, using a photo of Otis.

One day, when it is my turn to go, I know Otis will be there. I will miss him until then.