Oswald
Oswald: A Heart Full of Love
When I first received the shelter notification about a Boxer/Great Dane mix, I wasn’t particularly interested in a Boxer, but we would have loved a Great Dane mix. When they brought Oswald into the room, I immediately exclaimed, “I LOVE YOU!” followed shortly by, “You’re not a Great Dane.”
But it didn’t matter. I was already in love.
Later that day, I returned with my husband to meet Oswald, and we decided to bring him home. I don’t think he ever forgot that I came back for him.
Oswald became a loyal, protective, and deeply loving member of our family. When our grandchildren came into our lives, he absolutely doted on those babies. He patiently sat with them during their pretend tea parties and checked on them whenever they cried. They were lucky to grow up with his gentle, watchful presence.
Oswald loved people and wanted to be everyone’s friend. On walks, he would slow down, hoping strangers would catch up to give him attention. He loved visiting dog-friendly stores and stopping to greet people sitting on their porches. Anywhere he might receive a little affection was somewhere he wanted to be.
That was Oswald. He wanted to connect, to be noticed, and to be included. He gave us so much love, and it always seemed there was room in his heart for a little more—for him and for everyone else.
We were so lucky that a shelter notification brought him into our lives and that we got to share so many years with a dog whose heart was as big as his presence.
Oswald, you may not have been a Great Dane, but you were everything we didn’t know we needed. You were our protector, our companion, our grandbabies’ gentle friend, and a source of unconditional love.
You will forever be in our hearts.
We love you, Oswald. Always.
