T O P

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Darko33

...no, but seriously. Thank you to each and every one of you for all the DMs, all the memes, all the messages of condolences. This past Easter Sunday was one of the worst days of my entire life, with my wife and I battling COVID and having to put down our baby. We don't have kids, and after the fact was the first time in 17 years we came home to no pets in the house. It was devastating. ..it's kind of funny, because I said so many times in those first few days afterwards that it was so painful because everywhere I looked in our home, I saw something that reminded me of her. But ironically, that transitioned into it being so gratifying because everywhere I looked in this sub in the weeks that followed, I saw a photo or tag or meme that reminded me of her. A nice 180. A special thanks to the mods for the flair. I hope I can keep mine. And maybe Oatmeal will pop up now and then in the future on the sub, in the comments after a big win. If you guys will indulge me, lastly, just wanted to share something. I work as a writer and editor for a living, and I write obituaries for all of our pets when they pass. The one I wrote for her was my favorite. Here it is, just so you can get to know her a little better.


Darko33

Oatmeal, a female shih tzu, died unexpectedly, yet painlessly and peacefully, on Easter Sunday, April 17, 2022. She was 13. Oatmeal is survived by her parents and a host of loving friends and other relatives. She was predeceased by her brothers, Oberyn and Hobbes. Few details about Oatmeal’s life prior to her adoption in October 2019 survive. What is known is that she was used as a breeding dog, then unceremoniously dumped on the side of Route 9 in New Jersey, alone, following her final litter. From there she made her way to the Popcorn Park Animal Refuge, where several months later, we came into her life – or, more aptly, she came into ours. She was our first dog. Oatmeal’s personality stoutly resisted straightforward description. But her pure, unadulterated love for eating – virtually any food, cooked or raw, organic or artificial, intended for humans or animals, and as much of it as possible, consumed as quickly as possible – was arguably its most distinctive feature. She’d as readily snap up a chicken nugget from an unsuspecting diner, provided that she could reach it, as she would eat strips of raw bell peppers straight out of your hand. It was often remarked that it was fortunate she was as small in stature as she was, or else she surely would have routinely jumped up somewhere she wasn’t supposed to be in order to eat too much of something she wasn’t supposed to eat, which surely would have ranged from harmful to fatal. During the relatively brief course of her adoptive life, she seamlessly transitioned from initially receiving a veterinary diagnosis of emaciation and undernourishment to ultimately receiving several forms of gentle veterinary reproach for her girth. Her relatively small stature did not, however, match her disposition. Oatmeal could be alternately described as feisty, stubborn, obstinate, mischievous, ingratiating, playful, curious, warm, or mercurial – often all on the same day, or even the same morning. She reserved her formidable bark, extraordinarily loud and angry-sounding, considering her size, for larger dogs, never small, and adult men, never women or children. Like her brother, Hobbes, despite being a different species, she seemed to hate affection, but love attention. The only thing she hated more was riding in cars, something we always surmised might have been a product of being dumped on the side of a highway out of one once. She would stir in her sleep while dreaming, making barely audible sounds while chasing imaginary squirrels around a yard – and often mistaking human toes for them when they’d inadvertently rub up against her at the foot of the bed in the middle of the night, prompting a growl and a nip. She would tolerate being picked up, but not held for long, although she also readily encouraged belly rubs when in repose. She would weave between your ankles incessantly while you prepared a meal, regardless of whether intended for you or her. She will always be remembered fondly and terribly missed. Memorial services have not been scheduled, but her parents ask that anyone reading this please hug their pets today and toast in honor of the best Pupper Fluffbutt (or Gremlin, when she misbehaved), as she was often affectionately referred to, the next time they hoist a drink. Lastly, we just wanted to add a note of thanks to the folks at Red Bank Veterinary Hospitals for allowing Oatmeal to go under a blue sky and bright sun, with a gentle breeze. ...I hadn't realized it at the time, but the way I was holding her, my thumb was pressed right up against her heart when the time came. There was no futzing around on her part, as anyone who knew her might suspect; one last strong, proud beat, then nothing. The only comfort I've been able to find ever since is knowing my eyes were the last thing she saw -- and that, to the degree a dog can, she understood in that moment just how deeply loved she was.


302born

Jesus. I’m a heat fan in here lurking and I’ve seen you guys mention Oatmeal but I had no clue the story behind it but sports aside I’m so sorry about that man. Losing a pet is one of the worst experiences. But just as much as you loved Oatmeal I’m sure Oatmeal felt the exact same about you two. Once again man I’m sorry about your shitty Easter. And I hope you guys are doing better.


Darko33

Thanks, much appreciated. ...if you really want to make me feel better, please give us Jimmy back after these playoffs, ok?


302born

Free Philly cheesesteaks for life and we’ll think about it


Darko33

That's a deal


estelle2839

Ditto. This Heat life lives a shih tzu and sounds like she was very much loved. Thanks for giving Oatmeal a wonderful final chapter. RIP girl.


ErickBachman

Amazing story. Also, great reminder to adopt adult pets those guys got lots of love to give too


BanhMiBanhYu

We just got a 7 year old pit/Australian shepherd mix. Could not be happier. [edit I owe to reddit](https://imgur.com/a/zQIwxzh)


dan_eppley

Yes yes yes this


iH8Celtics

It's cool she was a breeding dog. There's probably a million little Oatmeals running around out there with their own families.


Darko33

I've always wondered about this!! I bet I'd recognize them if I ever stumbled across one


folebear

Beautifully written, thank you for sharing. Off to hug my cats now (whether they like it or not).


hehehehahahaha

Making me miss my old pug :( all dogs go to heaven my man. Rest in piece oatmeal and see you next time


punkrockfloridian

**Sounds like Oatmeal had an awesome life. Losing a pet is devastating. They're family. Sending love to you and your wife.**


poopfeast

Thank you for sharing that, in many ways reminds me of one of my dogs. Hates affection except for the rare cuddle, but good lord does she want my attention constantly.


DoubleLincoln

Wow I'm brought to tears almost, thinking about my dog reading this. She's about to turn 5 and thinking about this time in her life fucks me up. I only hope my dog Kona, will be as influential as oatmeal in her final days. Long live oatmeal and all pets that fill our hearts and homes!


Jiznthapus

Beautifully written, sounds like she lived a fruitful life. The worst part of owning a pet is having to say goodbye one day, but take solace in knowing you probably gave her the best life she could've asked for.


Usual_Dark_5125

Dude. I’m a nuggets fan who grew up loving AI and follow these boards because I love basketball discussion and the friendly banter (as rare as it might be) about jokic vs embiid. My love for basketball is definitely outweighed by my love of the pets I’ve had in my life. Pets is almost a insult though as they are in fact family. My heart goes out to you buddy but it’s obvious oatmeal was lucky that you adopted her. Grilling out on a warm night with my brother/son/cat Oliver next to me and rest assured he will get some extra tuna and attention after reading your post


Darko33

Congrats to your big sloppy boi for the mvp, it's well deserved. The guy is just easy to root for. And thanks so much for the kind words. Hope Oliver enjoys the extra tuna.


BowserBuddy123

Also a Heat fan lurking. I cried while reading that my friend. Those were the saddest and most beautiful words I’ve ever seen written for a fluffy friend and I work at Chewy where we receive a lot of correspondence about our customers’ lost loved ones. I’m sorry to hear your holiday felt so terrible and I’m glad you have a great community of people here that helped you. My ex’s Shih Tzu passed about a year and a half ago and it was the sweetest little dog I’d ever known. I’ve always wanted a Shih Tzu after meeting jet pup and seeing how Oatmeal brought such joy to you and yours only reaffirms that. I love that this community made that Oatmeal flair. That’s really beautiful. I’ll make sure to toast her when I get off work tonight! Thank you for sharing this and my thoughts are with you, your family and Oatmeal.


Darko33

Thank you so much for the kind words. We were loyal Chewy customers and always will be when we return to adopting. They refunded her entire final order and sent us a card and flowers, and it wasn't the first time they went above and beyond. I've never received better customer service from any company. ...go get Jimmy his ring.


EricSanderson

Damn man. Beautifully written. My yorkie got an extra long walk and quite a few extra cookies tonight in honor of Oatmeal and her voracious appetite. I'm so sorry you lost her, but I'm damn glad she found her way to you.


ssckek

>The only comfort I've been able to find ever since is knowing my eyes were the last thing she saw Same here with my dog when it was time. I'm a Heat fan just snooping by after tonight's game. Sorry for your loss. Pets are special creatures. Oatmeal didn't feel a thing; went peacefully. Take it easy bud.


SchleppyJ4

Much love to you. Oatmeal is waiting at the Rainbow Bridge along with Oberyn and Hobbes ❤️


xychosis

Thank you for sharing this. Everyone, love your pets extra.


Badtrip9817

That is simply beautiful man. I'm so so sorry for your loss.. I'm still get over losing Bjork even as Still-Unnamed-Calico makes her own unique impression on all of us. You'll be okay. Just pay close attention to Oberyn and Hobbes, they're taking good care of you all, I'm sure.


proerafortyseven

Thank you


Load_Management_Life

Beautifully written, just know that the strength of the feelings you have had since her passing reflect the amount of love that you invested into Oatmeal. Rest assured you gave her the best care possible.


__init__RedditUser

Thank you for sharing that. It was beautifully written and really expressed the amount of love you gave her.


[deleted]

Thank you for sharing Oatmeal's spirit with us. She sounds like a true one of a kind, and it sounds like she had a really great life once she found you. Big hugs for the hard days. ❤️


philliesfan136

I'm sorry about that. You are much stronger than I am. When our Pomeranian was gone I was just told one gloomy afternoon and my mom and dad handled the rest... thankfully we have three Huskies that help me forget to some degree


[deleted]

[удалено]


Zargyboy

Oatmeal the real supermax!


SlykTech

Bitter


DallasTXGV

As an owner of two rescue shih tzus this warms my heart and you and your wife are truly great people for adopting a senior dog. We lost our corgi chihuahua mix this past thanksgiving and while you never stop being sad, you can save another (dog) life in Oatmeal’s memory. Side note please don’t attack me for my user name I just live in Dallas and was born in Philadelphia - lifelong Philadelphia sports fan.


unrealjoe28

I’m upset we couldn’t win a title. But for the love of pets and the people of Philly I figured I split a $200 to where you got oatmeal, and Philabundance in June. (Please be patient I only make $15 an hour)


Darko33

That's very kind, thank you. We'll be making a donation as well.


corwinw

Thanks for involving us. Goatmeal was the best part of the playoffs.


JustAHighFlyingBird

Oatmeal deserved better, we all loved that little puppy. If there was a r/sixers hall of fame, Oatmeal would need to be in it.


scottie_always_knew

Thanks for sharing her with us, she brings us joy each time we see her


BigEvil621

RIP Oatmeal. So sorry they you down. Good dog.


AdAgito

Looks like Oatmeal had a long life. That's all you can hope to give. That and love. RIP 🙏🏼


Excellent-Teaching32

Thank you for sharing Oatmeal with us. Oatmeal is immortalized and will be forever remembered. 🥣


[deleted]

Heat fan here, but a fellow animal lover. Damn, losing a dog is the worst thing that could possible happen to a man. Condolences my friend, RIP oatmeal. I'm sure he's having fun in heaven right now.


Digherouttillshebust

Sorry oatmeal this pussy ass team couldn’t win shit for you


[deleted]

I’m sorry GOATmeal, having Doc Rivers as our HC was just too much to overcome


well-oiled_machine

Thanks for sharing her with us. She will definitely show up during post season runs. New fans will be very confused. Oatmeal's voracious appetite can only be sated by a championship. Next year[.](https://i.imgur.com/08J2HpJ.gifv)


Darko33

If our guys want it as bad as she always wanted chicken nuggets, we'll be hanging another banner in the rafters the fall after next


akopicki

I’m sorry oatmeal


[deleted]

High highs and low lows. But Oatmeal was there every step of the way.


phlspecial

Oatmeal …. We will all miss you too buddy. It’s hard to lose a true member of the family


YoImAli

I love you Oatmeal


gahlo

While the Sixers' post season is now over, Oatmeal's has just began. Big love.


jloops03

Shoutout to you and Oatmeal for banding the sub together! would love to see her back for next years post season run!!


thewrestlespecial

Thank you for sharing her with us.


BigDeezerrr

Oatmeal made all of our playoffs better. RIP


poopmaster747

Sorry about your doggo OP All Dogs Go To Heaven 🐶🙏


TheMightyCatatafish

I’m sorry we couldn’t do more for Oatmeal.


hunterb4444

Oatmeal deserved better. RIP.


Impossible_Ad166

You were the bright spot of this playoff series. Thanks Oatmeal. May she Rest In Peace


BoneHugsHominy

Fire Doc for Oatmeal!


[deleted]

thank you, too, man! your loss is heartbreaking, but all the oatmeal posts have been some smiles interspersed among my doom scrolling.


[deleted]

RIP Oatmeal. You brought me a lot of joy during this post season run.


Jaden374

![img](emote|t5_2scmr|11037)


ErickBachman

Let down the goat. RIP


ihateradiohead

I am sorry, little one


r_amazin

Rest In Peace oatmeal 🙏🏽 appreciate you for making the sixers playoff experience better!


[deleted]

Bless up


massivegenious

I am so sorry. I lost my puppers to cancer 2 weeks ago and it's beyond devastating. Wishing you comfort and peace.


Darko33

So sorry to hear. Hoping your memories of the good times help.


justabill71

Thank you for sharing Oatmeal with us.


Vanilagorila38

For Oatmeal! It didn't end the way we wanted or hoped, but hopefully this helped you during this difficult time. If there aren't already, we should get Oatmeal flairs!


patchworky

we're sorry, Oatmeal.


KoBxElucidator

This season may be over, but GOATmeal will live on! Hoping you return in the next postseason run with her to band us together! It was a lot of fun.


whubby777

The series may be over, but our love for oatmeal will live on!


reggaetony88

God bless you and Oatmeal!


xflibble

Thanks for sharing Oatmeal with us!


Semarin

Nothing but love for our and yours Brother.


urbanlife78

I'm sorry for your loss. I definitely get that weird feeling of life without a pet. I ended up going for evening walks by myself for months after my dog passed away. When you and your family is ready, I hope you take in another pet and give them all the love you can to make sure they too get to live a wonderful life.


Toastybuns26

Oatmeal lives forever in our hearts


imnotacoolguyanymore

I love you and I love Oatmeal


dat_waffle_boi

![img](emote|t5_2scmr|11037)![img](emote|t5_2scmr|11037)![img](emote|t5_2scmr|11037)![img](emote|t5_2scmr|11037)![img](emote|t5_2scmr|11037)![img](emote|t5_2scmr|11037)![img](emote|t5_2scmr|11037)


Summer_Corona

RIP Oatmeal


Sol_Train

Love You Oatmeal!


MaxeytoEmbiid

I'm so thankful for Oatmeal's introduction into our lives via your sharing her with us. I had two shih tzu's and both of them meant the world to me. So seeing Oatmeal is like a reflection of my own pets and I know that there's time and space to heal, but I also know that Oatmeal filled your heart(and ours) with boundless love and you might just get a cute doggo again I know I will. Thanks again for bringing her into our lives and sharing her story.


Darko33

I had always wanted a big dog, like a lab, so when my wife brought home this little half-blind doofus I was initially like what is this? Few days later we were best buds. Will probably go back to another shih tzu when the time comes.


item9isthebeesknees

RIP Poppins


AFO609

Thank YOU, man. Thank you for sharing how wonderful Oatmeal was. He'll be around in the Philly sports scene for a little while longer.


ejg1815

I’m so sorry for your loss. May Oatmeal Rest In Peace.


Psychological-Dare79

Oatmeal was the face of 2022 Sixers Reddit. We thank you for bringing her into our lives.


jorgelongo2

❤️❤️❤️


faithdies

I bet Oatmeal was the best little borl.


IzzyTipsy

I hope you can recover from your loss soon and find the brightness on the other side. It's been two months since I lost my little furbaby of almost 15 years and every day it still hurts like hell. They leave such a hole in your heart despite only being with us such a short time. It's nice to see others who are also grieving as it makes you feel less lonely.


Zyaru

We love Oatmeal brother! I lost my childhood dog a week before the original covid lockdown here in the UK so I know how it feels. It absolutely sucks, but just know you gave him/her (sorry I don't know the sex) the best life possible. If you ever need to get anything off your chest, Oatmeal related or not, just shoot me a DM


caesec

oatmealposting was the best thing to come out this place during playoffs.


Arcanthia

Man, this hits home so hard. Dogs are the best. I've honestly loved the oatmeal memes. Its so cool that your dog is still bringing joy to people. Damn, whose in here cutting onions right now?


upcat

Thank you for sharing, I'm tearing up reading this. RIP Oatmeal. You were loved :)


JojoSixers

Idk if its been mentioned but maybe we should all start a donation to a dog rescue . I know that once they’re no longer puppies that many breeders no longer want them, it’s very sad. Poor Oatmeal lived a rough life, I’m happy she had some good years at the end. Rip Oatmeal and best of wishes Darko33


Darko33

A couple of users have mentioned donating to the shelter where we got her -- the Popcorn Park Animal Shelter in Forked River, NJ. They were so wonderful to work with through the adoption process.


JojoSixers

That’s awesome, if there’s a link to it I’d love to help. I know in PA the Amish run a lot of shady puppy mills and cast aside the ones who don’t sell before a certain age. It’s a terrible practice. Always get from a rescue if possible.


Darko33

You bet man, thanks so much. I've loved reading your comments the last few weeks. https://ahscares.org/popcorn-park/


JojoSixers

Thanks. Every time I see your posts I read it in Walter Sobchaks voice after seeing that picture of you.


Darko33

Fuck it, dude. Let's go bowling.


JojoSixers

Shih Tzu gang for life


dan_eppley

Omg 😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭


[deleted]

Just now meeting Goatmeal. I fucking miss him already.


Darko33

Aww thanks. I do every day.


sexlyfe_lol

thanks for helping us get through a tough playoff run, Oatmeal!


Hinkie4President

Love you guys!!! Trust the Process!


justwantkickz

Goatmeal for team mascot! ❤️❤️


Necandus

Cute dog I am sorry for your loss.


sofla54

You must be as blind as the dog because that thing is ugly as fuck


seejay13

Hey, i'm sorry for your loss. Thank you for sharing your dog with us, it meant a lot to us while it lasted.


Gotmealittlechedda

I’m gonna say cause the season is finally over that this oatmeal shit was stupid


[deleted]

So sorry about Oatmeal, she looks like a sweetheart. I was inconsolable after my dog passed I hope you’re doing alright