We adopted a Labrador / pit bull mix at the Danville Humane Society when Revan was about a year and half old . Sky again suggested the name , Oso , meaning bear in Spanish , after a Disney Channel television show Revan watched called Special Agent Oso , about a bear .
I remember Revan running around outside with Oso , playing in the snow together , taking Oso on walks and to Lincoln Park and playing with water toys .
Hermione didn ’ t like Oso and would hit him on his nose with her paw . They would sleep near each other sometimes , so I think Hermione liked Oso deep down .
Oso didn ’ t like the sounds of fireworks or thunderstorms .
Oso was a very good dog .
It was a sad day last summer when we had to say goodbye to Oso at the University of Illinois vet clinic . Oso was about 12 years old . He suddenly had a health emergency . Revan hugged Oso and told him goodbye , not knowing if he ’ d see him again . That was a very hard and emotional day .
We made sure Oso was loved and had a good life .
Hermione will be 15 years old this summer . She ’ s our only pet now . She lets you know when she wants attention . She has her favorite sleeping spots , including my lap , and still plays with string and crinkle toys .
Our pets have been there for me and my family through the years . It ’ s meaningful to look back at photos and think of all the memories .
ILLIANA MAGAZINE — SUMMER 2022 15