Anyone who has ever shared life with a dog knows how much they thrive on love and attention. Each pup has their own way of asking for it. Some spin in happy circles, some bark joyfully, while others jump straight into your lap.
My own German Shepherd, whenever he met someone new, would race around them in giant loops before finally stopping to say hello. It was as sweet as it was funny.
This story, though, is about a very special Pittie named Otto, who greets people in a way unlike any other dog. His routine is simple, but it never fails to grab attention.
Otto’s Wonderful Family Opens Their Hearts
Before finding love, Otto was struggling as a stray in Michigan. Laura discovered him outside of an AutoZone, living in rough conditions and in need of help.
She couldn’t bear to leave him there, so she and her family decided to take him in. From the moment Otto arrived at his forever home, he acted as though he belonged.
Laura shared with The Dodo: “He acclimated to our family immediately.”
It wasn’t long before Otto revealed an unusual habit. No matter where he went, he insisted on carrying his favorite blue stick in his mouth. It quickly became part of his identity.
Even more endearing, Otto refused to interact with new people unless he had the stick with him. Outgoing and cheerful, he would march up proudly, stick in tow, eager to win someone’s attention in his own quirky style.
A Sweet Game Makes His Greeting Even More Fun
It didn’t take long for everyone who met Otto to notice his funny little quirk. Neighbors and strangers adored it. Laura also observed that Otto would sometimes sit in the yard, stick in his mouth, waiting patiently for someone to pass by so he could show off.
Even when the family headed out for walks in the park, Otto never went without it. Laura said: “Sometimes he can be shy, so I think the stick helps him feel confident to meet new people.”
Wanting to encourage his favorite habit, the family surprised Otto one day with a box full of brand-new blue sticks. The moment he saw his treasure, he wagged his tail nonstop, completely thrilled by the gift.
To make things even more exciting, the family decided to create a scavenger hunt in the yard. They hid the sticks in different spots, waiting to see if Otto could find them.
Clever and determined, Otto tracked them all down quickly. After that, the family gathered the sticks in the front yard so Otto could continue greeting passersby with his collection proudly on display.
Watching Otto shine filled his family with joy. He wasn’t just a dog anymore, he was part of their lives in every way. As Laura put it: “He’s not just a dog, he’s part of the family.”