BARRY LEVINE: A fitting final farewell to Otis

“Though summer turns to winter and the present disappears. The laughter we were glad to share will echo through the years.”

— “Moments to Remember,” The Four Lads, 1955

“Well, I never felt more like cryin’ all night. Cause everything’s wrong and nothin’ ain’t right”

— “Singing the Blues,” Guy Mitchell, 1955

The toughest aspect of being a good pet owner is when the time comes to say goodbye, as it must. The pain can be excruciating as you long for another day, another hour.

My time to say goodbye to Otis, my 80-pound black Lab, came on Aug. 24 when he died on my living-room rug. I’d had him since June 2008 when I acquired him from the Albany Humane Society. Although officials there said they did not know his exact age, they estimated he was then 1-1 1/2 years old.

Except for my brief stays at Phoebe Putney Memorial Hospital, we were inseparable – until now.

My pain was eased that last day, thanks to my neighbors, Jamie and John Fabian. I realized at 4:30 that morning that Otis was not acting right. As hard as he tried, he couldn’t stand up.

I walked to Jamie’s car to place a note on her windshield, saying that Otis wasn’t acting right and could she stop in on her way to work.

Jamie stopped by at 7:25 a.m., and I told her I was really worried about Otis. Jamie, who has worked as a secretary at Westover Animal Hospital for the past 23 years, bent over, touched Otis and said, “Barry, he’s gone. Let me go get John so he can help.”

Jamie and John quickly returned. John asked me if I would like to pet him one last time. With tears streaming down my cheeks, I shook my head no. A lieutenant with the Camilla Police Department, John lifted Otis and the three quickly disappeared through my front door.

He was an amazing, amazing dog. Approximately two years ago, Otis lost his sight in both eyes, yet he managed to negotiate himself around my duplex without bumping into furniture.

He later was diagnosed as being diabetic. He quickly learned that when I took my insulin shot in the mornings and evenings, he would sit next to me so I could administer his insulin shot. He never whimpered or tried to avoid his shot.

Despite his physical problems, he never changed his sweet disposition. He never seemed unhappy or frustrated. He never, absolutely never, growled at anyone. All he did when I had company was to gently place him head on their lap to be petted.

Oh, did he love his treats. He loved having a bagel for breakfast and always wanted some of my french fries when I had them for lunch.

He learned quickly that I loved watching TV, especially New York Yankees games. When game time arrived, he would lie down in front of the TV as if he were watching the game.

My older sister, Madeline, recognized the emotional state I was in following Otis’ death and sent the following email.

Barry: I know how difficult it is to lose a dog – especially one that you’ve had for a long time. How fortunate Otis was to be rescued by such a wonderful caregiver. I don’t think he could have found a better home if he tried. He lived a beautiful life and you enjoyed every day you had with him. He died as gently as he had lived. Fortunately, you did not need to make any difficult decisions regarding his final days. He took that away from you. He did not suffer and he died peacefully – as we all would like to go. He would not want you to be so sad and he would want you to continue having companionship. I do believe this. Your sister

Remember the popular 1950s TV show “Father Knows Best” starring Robert Young and Jane Wyatt? Maybe they need an updated version of the show called “Sister Knows Best.”

My favorite dog songs:

1953 — “Doggie in the Window,” Patti Page

1956 — “Hound Dog,” Elvis Presley

1958 — “Bird Dog” The Everly Brothers

1960 — “Doggin’ Around,” Jackie Wilson

1963 — “Walkin’ the Dog,” Rufus Thomas

1964 — “Blue,” Peter, Paul & Mary

1966 — “I’ll Be Doggone,” Marvin Gaye

1971 — “Me and You and a Dog Named Boo,” Lobo

This week in rock history: The Byrds began recording “Turn, turn, Turn” on Sept. 10, 1965. Unlike their first hit, “Mr. Tambourine Man,” members of the group were permitted to play their instruments instead of having to use session musicians. … At Atlantic Records in New York on Sept. 11, 1952, Ahmet Ertegun began recording his newest star, Ray Charles, 21, of Albany, whose contract was purchased from the Swingtime label for $2,500 in June. … Manfred Mann’s “Do Wah Diddy Diddy” entered the Hot 100 on Sept. 12, 1961. It eventually reached No. 1. … “To Know Him is to Love Him” by the Teddy Bears cracked the Top 40 on Sept. 13, 1958. The song was written and arranged by Phil Spector, then 18. He took the song’s title from the inscription on his father’s tombstone. The song eventually reached No. 1. … The Beach Boys’ “Surfer Girl,” the first song written by group member Brian Wilson, peaked at No. 7 on the Pop chart on Sept. 14, 1963. On the same date three years later, Otis Redding, of Dawson, performed at the Orchid Ballroom in England. Tickets cost 10 shillings ($1.40). … The Four Seasons had their first No. 1 hit with “Sherry” on Sept. 15, 1962. The song originally was called “Terry,” but after considering other names, including “Jackie” for first lady Jackie Kennedy, the group settled on “”Sherry.”

Barry “The Old Rocker” Levine is an entertainment writer for The Albany Herald. He can be reached at [email protected].