How can I write a tribute befitting a loving, devoted creature whose fuzzy face greeted us every morning for 13 years. A stoic and reserved little man who tirelessly poised himself on guard at “his post” while the rest of his pack relaxed peacefully. The most polite pup we have known, backing away from the frenzy of other pups and patiently waiting until last for every treat and food bowl. He “tap-danced” with appreciation and took every morsel gently and respectfully.
Oscar was the first of what would become a pack of four rescued, pure bred Chinese Shar-Peis. As a 4 month old puppy, he came to the shelter where I (Steve) worked after being picked up by Animal Control while running loose in a blighted neighborhood. Two weeks prior to that he had been brought in to the same shelter by his “owner” who received him as a Christmas bonus from his (irresponsible) employer. He had never had a dog nor really wanted one and had no idea what to do with him, Oscar was terrified of him. The man was given everything he needed to start with his care, a collar & leash, food, microchip, all for free.
When Oscar later arrived at the shelter the man was contacted but never came for him.
Oscar had been at the shelter for two months, potential adopters refusing to pay for entropion surgery and a necessary operation for his nares. While walking our dog Ariel, Greg passed a volunteer walking Oscar and he immediately called me at the shelter to say we had to adopt him. After an application, a home visit, his two surgeries and several carefully staged introductions to Ariel, he came to his forever home with us.
His life with us took him from Alexandria, VA to Chicago, IL and to his resting place here in Oregon. No matter where we have lived, small condos or rambling houses, home was where he was and where our other pups are. We did our best to care for him like Shar Pei royalty, only the best, prescribed food we could afford, absolutely no junk or table scraps and a regimented daily routine and exercise. After his initial surgeries, he incurred very few un-routine trips to the vet and lived to the fullest expectancy for his breed. Energies were exerted playfully ruff-housing with the other pups and afterwards spreading out to soak in the rays with his plush, black fur in a sunny window.
Nothing of this world matters compared to the blessing we have in our devoted furry companions. We are heartbroken that he has gone on but comforted that he is in a better place and no longer suffering in this world. Our home is filled with three other little souls that enrich our lives. We visibly see they sense his departure and there is an emptiness for all of us where Oscar used to lay.
Oscar is survived by his two dads, Greg Harris and Steve Kopkau, sister in Shar Pei Aiko, brothers in Shar Pei Rusty and Ryu Inu, grandmother Janice Kopkau and aunt Rhonda Kopkau.
