Opie was my rescue boy. I adopted from a St. Bernard rescue in Ontario California in May of 2000. He had mange, was under-weight, was anemic and had a thyroid problem. The first two months were spent restoring his health. He went from being a lethargic, under-weight dog with skin problems to an alert, slightly over weight dog with a coat that would have been the envy of any show Saint.

Sadly we only had two and half years together. But he brought a lot of joy,laughter and fond memories to my home during the much too short period of time.

The first memory is one that occurred often. Opie could let out a belch that would rattle the windows in the neighborhood. After he ate, and if I was watching him, which was often, he would turn look at me, let out a belch, wag his tail and go about his business.  I guess he knew belching is a male bonding ritual.

The second memory involves my neighbor.  I had to go up to the bay area overnight on an emergency and asked my neighbor to feed Op while I was gone.  Opie was very protective of my house.  My neighbor attempted to enter the house through the front door, but Opie kept slamming the door shut on him with his nose!  My neighbor was eventually was able to "talk" his way into the house to feed him.  I can just see him there standing by the front door and calmly pushing it shut with his huge nose!

He was a character and is missed.  Not only did he bring laughter to me, he brought smiles to the face of many people. But that's what a Saint is supposed to do.  Thanks Opie!

The animation below are some of my favorite pictures of him.