“If this hurt is the cost of the transaction from being on the receiving end of a mighty love that I got to know in Otis the dog, then I pay it with enormous gratitude”.

Forty-seven years ago, my collie Lady passed away. There isn't a day that goes by that I do not think of her. The worst part is all the photos we had of her were destroyed in a flood. I an now 77 years old so my memory is not what it used to be. If there is an afterlife, I look forward to meeting Lady over the Rainbow Bridge. A vert touching video.

Literally best thing ESPN has produced. Right up there with the best of the best. Rest easy pup✨

There's only one time that a dog will break your heart, and it's when their's stops beating.

The man is A+ with words. I'm hugging my 7+ year old now.

Beautiful eulogy. Wish dogs lived longer. 10-15 years isn't enough.

I feel this one. Lost my dog of 15 years back in October. She was with me through marriage, child birth, divorce, alcoholism, recovery, sobriety, and new love. She made sure I got through my hardest times and left when she knew I was gonna be ok without her. Doesn’t make it easier at all.

Thank you ESPN. Finally someone has been able to put into words what I have been feeling for the last 2 years.

“Dogs lives are too short.Their only fault,really” 🙏 Cheers from San Diego California

Fabulous tribute. Really well done. Thank you for posting this. I’m bawling Also- my favorite quote: “Everyone thinks they have the best dog. And none of them are wrong”

“The cost of transaction,” I’ve been trying this last year to put into words what you’ve so eloquently have done. I miss my four-legged friend Jack. I’m very sorry for your loss. Rest In Peace Otis.

This Pain is truly what I don’t wish on Dog owners. A man’s truly Best Friend that’s something untouchable right there

I can't believe my allergies kicked in while sitting at my desk inside and listening to that.............I'm not crying, you are!

Having to put down my dog was worse than losing my Dad. It sounds bad, but it's true. Thank you SVP for this piece. I have all the feels.

A wise woman at work saw me crying one day over my boy chance… and she stopped me dead in my tracks and said “John you would rather have all the happy memories with chance and a little bit of pain at the end, then to have never have met chance at all…” and that stuck with me to this day.

I literally watched this, teared up, and of course my dog came over to cheer me up. So glad for this segment. We all feel your pain

“I guess I’m doomed. It’s alright.” - Scott Van Pelt

Got me tearing up in this Walmart man😭😭

“The truth of the matter is that the only thing our dogs have to do to take up this much room in our hearts and in our souls…is be ours. “ Instant tears

Fly high Otis 👑. Sorry for your lost.

I found this segment while going through the recent grieving process of my best (animal) friend of 11 years. Thank you so much for sharing. It’s such a pure, real and unfiltered tribute. Our society doesn’t know how to properly address pet loss. This hits the nail on the head. Have never posted a comment to a story here but this is the best segment ESPN has ever aired.

The feels, 😭 and I'm a cat guy with 2 of them. Got me crying at work, I can only imagine. Beautiful piece though

This genuinely made me cry. I can’t imagine ever losing my dogs.

🔥💯Scott I’ve grown up watching u every night on sc of course a few others. I’m sorry for your loss. And your family’s. That piece was moving.

This one hits home with so many of us, SVP. It’s one of, if not the hardest things in life because there’s such a strong connection in such a short amount of time. It’s not fair. They bring light to dark days. Love when there’s hate. Comedy when there’s tension. Loyalty when when you’re wronged. They just seem like perfect beings and we love them so. It never truly gets easier, but the memories outweigh the anguish.

For some reason, it always hurts more when you lose a dog than it does when you lose a close friend or family member. Dogs just provide unconditional love. That doesn't exist in people. I think that's why it just hurts more.

What a beautiful tribute he gave to his Otie Boy. The unconditional love of a dog is unlike any other feeling!

This was the most beautiful tribute to a beautiful boy I’ve ever heard

Been there buddy! Watched the whole thing even though I didn’t want to just to honor your dog. I don’t care how famous you are, you’re still a stranger to me, but you words were on point, spoken like a true friend. We may not know each other, but the “cost of transaction” connects us!

It’s been two years since I lost my childhood friend and golden retriever Abee. I felt this pain on a personal level. rest easy Abee. Thanks for being my best and only true friend❤️

Even with my antidepressants this broke me. My wife and my first dog is gray in the face and long in the tooth and watching him slow down is tough but I feel so lucky that we are able to give him the best possible life and he rewards us just by being there

We don't deserve dogs, they are too good to us. I felt this SVP, sending you good vibes my man.

My dog and I had a moment after watching this. ❤️

What a tribute to all the good boys out there. Rest In Peace Otis.

Last June I lost my Nilly pup after 12 years. The best dog I could ever hope to have. For weeks I thought I could still hear the tag on her collar or her claws hit the wood floor when she would walk into the room.

Scott Van Pelt- Poet. Lover of dogs. Preacher for the church of saint pupper. Ne’r has speech so eloquently shown the 50,000 year bond we share, with our best friends.

What a lovely dedication to a beloved dog who was definitely man's best friend. This was very emotional not only to Scott but to the rest of us. To never have loved a dog is to never know love. This made me cry. Otis, where ever you are...I hope you are happy.

I feel sad for those that have never known the love of a dog! I thought they were going to have to bury me when I had to bury my last dog. They are truly one of the family! I still miss him!!

Pets are family.. Period. He seems so well loved and lived like a king!

Beautiful tribute. I recently lost my dog of 11.5 years back in Jan 2024. I get it that there is that empty feeling when you come home and that furry friend is not there to greet you.

There's nothing like the love of a dog. It is pure, unconditional and unswerving and they give so much to us. For all they give to us, they take a part of us with them when they pass and leave a part of themselves with us. They are amazingly beautiful souls. If you're lucky, you will have one very special dog that comes through your life that you have a bond unlike other with, even if you've had other dogs before or after.

That’s maybe the best thing I have ever seen. Respect, SVP!

God bless you Scott.

The greatest pain he mentioned was coming home and seeing them, for years this is a dog owners routine... we come home from a long day, and when we get there we're greeted in a certain way. That norm is there and when we lose our beloved dog its still there, years after my Gizmo passed I still expect to see him outside in the yard, sun bathing for a few minutes before coming in and finding his spot on the couch. If you ever want to own a dog, remember that there will be a time you have to say goodbye, and you think you'll be ready for it... you won't. Your home will still have bits of them, a spot they sat/slept on, something will be there in that house that'll make you think of them. Thank you for this amazing video. This moment of sharing your life with Otis, he's at peace now, and we'll soon be there as well.

What a beautiful tribute. All of us pet parents feel your words so deeply. Rest comfortably Otis the dog.

I lost my best friend, Meeko, to prostate cancer the day after Christmas this past year. I've lost friends and a parent. But nothing hurt me as bad as having to make that decision to say goodbye and holding him on his way out.

Scott this was beautiful. I'm going to be absolutely devastated when my boy dies. I admire the strength and honor you gave to Otis for this tribute.

we all feel your pain. Otis was a good boy. my dear cat of 13 years passed 2 years ago almost to the day, and i still grieve her loss. but, like you, i'm forever grateful that i got to share my soul with her.

I’m so sorry for your loss SVP. I too had a ridgeback who’s name was Max. He was amazing. They are amazing and i miss him every day.

I miss my pup too homey. God bless

Wow, that left me a blubbering mess SVP but I know your pain. Beautiful tribute man…

Im not crying something just went in my eyes

What a wonderful tribute. He will be waiting for you on the other side. Wiping tears myself.

I lost my dog January 21st of this year. I am sobbing like the day I lost him watching this. My kid and the dog grew up together. Dogs are pure joy and love, and I will miss my baby every day until the day I die.

Damit Scott, I knew I shouldn't watch this. Now my eyes are foggy and I got a huge lump in my throat ........ They say you'll be with Otis once again. I hope so.

I’ve watched this so many times since it was 1st aired and can’t help but BAWL everytime I watch it. Thank you SVP. So often I find myself through you’re words. That is a truly special talent and something you use to bring people together all the time from the good and the heartbreaking.

God bless this man and his family this is a great piece by ESPN Mr Van pelt should be the face of ESPN such good with words so much dignity so much grace he should be the face of ESPN not Stephen a Smith God bless him and his family

I am a fan of this guy Scott Van Pelt. One of my favorite Anchor.

Otis, the dawg.

They say that dogs give you lots of really happy days and one profoundly sad one. I lost my 14 year old dog in July and it's still pretty raw for me. All those little moments and rituals really add up.

Once your fur baby passes on... It's probably the worst feeling i've ever felt in my life to watch it happen and have no power to change it. Then you see other people going through it and I cry every single time, not just for them and how raw and emotional that is for them but the memory of my own "Champ's" passing on as well. So well spoken, thank you Scott. Otis will look over you and your family forever and he will be the first to welcome you when you pass on as well, like my Champ will when I.

This is a beautiful tribute. Thank you for putting into words what many of us have felt. I’m sorry for your loss ❤️

I understand your pain so much. We have had the pleasure of loving and having the love of many dogs. Right now we have two Siberian Huskies and a big, beautiful Rhodesian Ridgeback named Leo. I am HIS person as you were you Otis’. As I sit here watching your tribute to your boy I’m crying for you and thinking about that inevitable day for my Big Leo. What a beautiful tribute to your Otis.

Loved this.. this is what we need in the world authentic pure honesty no matter what the topic

I am soooooo moved by this tribute! This hits hard for me on every level

That was a beautiful, heart-breaking, uplifting eulogy. 😥

Best thing i have seen on espn in a while hes feelings are so real im sry for ur loss

Amazing story SCOTT..... MAY GOD BLESS and STRENGTHEN in your lose 🙏🏽

So sorry for your loss 😢😢

Can relate so strongly. Cried. Ugh.

I'm currently sitting next to my 16 year old dog. I dread this heart ache that I know will come. Otis clearly had a beautiful life. I hope your heart can rest easy in knowing that. His memory is always with you.

If you’re lucky in life you get one that connects. I have been blessed with two. One as a child and one as I was a father. I’m ready for number three I think after this. Thank you SVP

I'm in tears hugging my dog, you can tell in every picture Otis was loved and he knew it.

Very few internet videos have ever been able to make me actually cry. This one had me in shambles

Long Live King Otis.

I am literally struggling to leave this comment. My dog was also named Otis and he was the best good boy. People look at me funny when I say that dog was my soulmate but he absolutely was. The part that got me with every time he saw the suitcase. I often traveled for work and he knew in that suitcase was coming out I was leaving and it was the worst feeling ever. The guilt I felt that I had to leave him when all he wanted was me. I have two children and I love them dearly but I agree there is no love like that of a dog. I miss him every single day. I now have a Chiweenie and we have a good relationship but it's not the same I love her but she will never be my Otis. My heart absolutely goes out to you

My Rhodesian passed a few years ago (also after battling cancer for several years). His favorite spot to sit in the whole world was beside me in his recliner. Your puppy and story reminds me so much of my Dexter. Thank you for sharing.

I’ve often said the profound sorrow you feel over the loss of a dog is a direct reflection of the love you shared with them. Go ahead and cry, Scott. After watching this piece, it certainly sounds like you deserve it. ❤️

I like you have lost my two beloved jack russel terriers....my boys traveled with me frank and george they have been to 48 and 49 states respectively...we had so many awesome adventures together...i like you miss them with all my heart i find myself still saying wait here ill be right back when i exit my semi....i know they aren't there it was what i always told them they were my two best friends and i will miss them for as long as i live .... Thank you very much for sharing your story and your love for your dog

Beautiful tribute I understand that feeling and heartache 💔I’m so sorry for your loss Scott😢🙏 im here crying my eyes out 😭😭R.I.P. Otis sweet dreams big boy.

Not much that’s more painful than losing a family member like Otis. This was beautiful and moving. Anyone who loves their furry friends will relate 100%. Rest peacefully, Otis, ya handsome boy.

Lost my dog of 18 years back in January! Hardest thing I’ve ever had to deal with in life thus far! My condolences to you SVP!

I sat beside SVP inside the ropes eating lunch at the ANGC one Masters and overheard him talking to someone, might have been his wife/fiancee. This was 2012/3/4, not sure. What a kind heart. I am a huge fan, and always have been. And this eulogy? Beautiful.

I was so touched by this that I posted it on my FB page May 3. I had no idea that just four days later my sweet dog Zeke would die in my arms at home. His illness came out of nowhere late on May 3, after I had share this. The vet tried everything she could. Sorry we're sharing our grief, Scott! I didn't cry this hard when my sister passed in September. there's just something about a dog's affection!

Thank you for this! We just lost our yellow lab of 14 years. There is no greater pain that this. We loved him all the way and he loved us back even more until his final breath.

Dogs are mans best friend... always hard to lose them😢

Svp continues to be the best part of ESPN, thanks for this and Otis definitely knew you loved him

I lost my dog today, completely devastated! I can't move

Otis is better place now this really hurts when we lost our dog it tore me up Otis will be missed but he'll always be remembered God bless you

Nothing more to say than Beautiful.

This could not have been delivered with any more caring and compassion. He hit home on everything he said. I've had cats my whole life, and got a dog a year ago. He (henry, my corgi) is one of the best things to ever happen in my life (right up there with my kids). a dog will give you every single bit of love that it has in it's heart, and all you have to do is love them back. Rest easy Otis.

We all think we have the best dog, and none of us are wrong. Just came across this after watching John Stewart’s tribute to his dog. Lost my own extra-special Otis last summer, also cancer. Spent hours and hundreds on Stanley today when he had gastrointestinal distress. A year late, SVP, but sorry for your loss.

I'm so deeply sorry 😔 I thank you for your beautiful words, only who really love dogs can understand and feel this big and sad pain. I'm with you 💔🐾❤️

Tears, tears, tears.....been there many times.....it is hard but the hurt is worth it in the end. You have some joyous memories to look back on.

My heart goes out. I also know this pain all too well. Rest well Otis

Loved: "Nothing we do could earn what our dogs give away to us for free. That love, that loyalty." and "he was the corner puzzle piece"

I'm not crying.... You're Crying!!!

I feel you brother! 🙏🙏🙏

Every day with a dog is a gift. Every memory a blessing. You will always have your baby in your heart, the love never dies. My deepest sympathies to you and your family.

I’m so sorry. May his memory be eternal!🙏🌈♥️🦋🐾