One Big Thing: Otis the King | SC with SVP

On SportsCenter, Scott Van Pelt pays tribute to his dog and faithful companion, Otis.
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[@TheRugby23]

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

[@bp7152]

“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”.

[@Dell-ol6hb]

such beautiful words

[@cosmiccharlie1056]

Scott is a great writer

[@jimmy22334]

Best anchor ESPN have ever had by far. He doesn't rely on screaming to entertain.

[@zz-.-]

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

[@francesrobinson615]

💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕

[@ryanlerman4401]

yup

[@eavensokolewicz7246]

Otis!! Hopefully you have endless treats and plenty of sports to watch. (SVP) Your dad is still killing it, we miss you bud. Rest easy bud!!!

[@Magucci13]

I still think the bat dog story is the best. I never not cry when I watch it

[@allanritz5323]

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.

[@jeffreylindsey1757]

My condolences Sir! It's harder i think to go on yourself than watch a loved family member move on. That realm being Heaven i would hope includes Dogs. Think of this statement as comfort maybe "Never underestimate Gods ability to exceed our dreams" Saw that years ago on a church billboard. Hope n Faith is a beautiful thing. Godspeed sir....😊

[@bevmcmullan-kungl8089]

All those years ago you lost Lady and yet you hold those memories to your heart after all these years...she must have been some dog. You will see your, Lady, again. I'm sure of that. God bless you always...and Lady.

[@LyonsdenNC98]

There is an afterlife, and it will be glorious. You will see your fur baby again.

[@A1N2D3R4E5Y]

A lot of my loved ones dogs and cats are waiting for me on that bridge. As you, Sir, I only can hope we all will meet again... Good day to you.

[@Eclectic999]

Mr. Ritz, Wait until you see Lady again - all her friends will tell you that she’s been talking about you the whole time you were apart: how much you loved her and how very much she loves you.

[@bensmith6321]

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

[@catneedham4913]

Same! My GSD Auggie, who’s having surgery tomorrow

[@ludabam241]

love that sweet baby as much as you can. I put down my sweet boy yesterday after 11 years and I can't describe the pain.

[@cosmiccharlie1056]

Absolutely man, fantastic writer

[@mr.horseshoe2301]

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

[@HughsReviews]

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.

[@zz-.-]

So sorry man ✨

[@alexanderschembra141]

Yall crying over a dog. Boo hoo. My homeboy got murdered. My dad's dead. My homegirls dead.

[@lakersrdbest]

@@alexanderschembra141 We're talking about losing someone we love so quit the I had I've only felt loss talk man... You're with us here empathizing and we are all willing to hear you out like everyone else but don't undermine anyone's loss please and thank you.

[@zz-.-]

@@lakersrdbest well said. Never ever trivialize someone’s losses, ever. Ever. Less than human. Thoughts and prayers to all going through loss ✨✨

[@ermannosorricchiodivalfort4905]

that's beautiful right there, i feel you man

[@CappuccinoZilla]

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.

[@JohnHausser]

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

[@KevyKevshorts]

-Agnes Sligh Turnbull

[@internationalmanofmystery4285]

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

[@brianmeddings2870]

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

[@mborjon1009]

“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.

[@christianbradshaw7124]

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

[@TonyPajamas24]

Facts

[@danielpabst4548]

Actually... I kind of wish this pain to every single pet-owner in the world, because...think about it...isn't the pain just the ultimate scale of how much you love your pet? And when there is no pain in the loss, was there any real love before?

[@catneedham4913]

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”

[@skw1rl]

On point 🤔❤️

[@RameyRocks]

Amen

[@eavensokolewicz7246]

Otis🤙🏻 continue to be great Sir! You will be missed.

[@rlh5870]

The love between a boy and his dog, priceless. I have done this three times, it’s doesn’t get easier.

[@wvuwhat]

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.

[@SheevX66XPalpatine]

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.

[@juanjuanson8533]

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

[@garyalexander7306]

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

[@KevyKevshorts]

“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

[@gfear24]

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.

[@jopet216]

No tears when I lost my grandma and dad. But when my first dog passed, I was a wreck. Only time my wife saw me cry.

[@anthonyrobinson2163]

Exactly Cats also. Lost mine a month ago.

[@andrewmiller4116]

Yeah it’s so strange but absolutely true

[@retiredtidepodeater3339]

@@jopet216 Thanks for letting us know you're mentally ill. Dog nuttery is a disease in this country.

[@michaelweitz29]

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

[@brentsutherland]

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.

[@brandonlizza9402]

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

[@JeremiahCox]

Just said goodbye to my first dog, Aunt Darlene, yesterday. Came back to this video. Unimaginable hurt.

[@bethwoods3449]

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.

[@bensmith6321]

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

[@vulcan542]

So sorry bro... I know exactly how you feel! It helped me (many times) to think of all the good times we share with our pups! I still have one left but my last girl died 4 years ago... I think about her everyday!

[@thelonerwill7518]

Got me tearing up in this Walmart man😭😭

[@DeeNice2023]

Facts

[@Wade9170]

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!!

[@Charlie-mm4wc]

Fly high Otis 👑. Sorry for your lost.

[@jfoxx5291]

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

[@Andrew-wb2zq]

I just lost my cat. Dogs, cats... the pain is just truly profound to lose a family member that was by your side every day. Ugh.

[@ProdKaizUp]

man that hits hard

[@slavyslav]

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❤️

[@adamaizenberg756]

I lost my lil guy last Christmas still hurts

[@tamikas6519]

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

[@billjordan3639]

Anyone who looked at you funny when you proclaimed your dog was your soulmate either never had a dog or has no soul.

[@tamikas6519]

@@billjordan3639 I agree completely. Thank you for your thought.

[@danaphillips1592]

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

[@Oxford322]

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

[@nategomes1719]

🔥💯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.

[@eldudereeno77]

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

[@taylorsmith2812]

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!

[@Solidus__]

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

[@alan-ferguson]

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!

[@RameyRocks]

I know this exact pain and loss. Lost my Snoopy to cancer dec 3 2022 he was only 10. He was my soul dog and his death has been devastating. I miss him every minute of every day.🤍🐾🖤

[@thatsnotamuffin]

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.

[@WIG23]

Mr. Van Pelt, I have no idea if you will read this or not, but this morning I had to say goodbye to my best (no-questions-asked) friend, Boxer, Jaxie. She was 14 and had a tremendous run. I said goodbye along with my wife and my two precious daughters. Just as it should be. I’m 62. It was as difficult of an experience that I have ever dealt with. I work for the same company as you, albeit on the other side of the camera. I have longed enjoyed your broadcasts, but this tribute to your best buddy hit me in MY time of need. You know where I’m coming from…you just lived it….and I want to thank you for articulating what I cannot. I just want to share this virtual hug with you and tell you, “Bro, it was totally worth it.”. Thank you, SVP. Always there when I need you. Just like my sweet lil Jaxie. Peace, bro.

[@cbenson196]

Maybe the best thing ever written about our love for dogs

[@linbenfield]

all the tears from watching Kirk Herbstreit's story of Ben brought me back here for more tears. Beautiful tribute for Otis from Scott Van Pelt as well.

[@bevmcmullan-kungl8089]

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.

[@pambsmith]

Beautiful tribute. We lost our Ridgeback, Zullee, at the age of 14. Heart breaking.

[@vectorhold6489]

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

[@janedoedashsevfivfiv9265]

Otis, the dawg.

[@Maddecent30]

Long Live King Otis.

[@lindaseverson5498]

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

[@kizmo2317]

That was beautiful, and I'm saying that sitting next to my best friend in this world.

[@carloswithac]

It's too early to be crying. Rest in peace, Otis!

[@JimmyMiramontes]

Otis and other dogs come here to show us a piece of Gods Love

[@mtg610]

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

[@brinicole2999]

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.

[@andyj1266]

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

[@tomo9224]

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.

[@blakeschmitt5174]

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

[@oAPXo]

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.

[@chrispierdominici3891]

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.

[@MegaTyler97]

Just had to put our Rott down 2 days ago. He got sick so suddenly, it was a shot to the gut. They really do love us purely and without exception, and this pain is so strong yet the love we have is worth it.

[@tjavideo]

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.

[@buddyvaru]

Very touching..My golden Retriever Buddy passed away 5 years ago..I just feel the same way...every minute she comes into my memory and I really miss her..

[@adamthomas8205]

Teared up. What a great video.

[@jimlambert2039]

I love my dog, rescued on a cold winters night, 45 lbs. Best friends now and what a beauty, 71 lbs and there isn't a walk when someone doesn't comment on his beauty. He was a gift from God.

[@graphchick]

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.

[@HighPlainsDrifter53]

I miss my pup too homey. God bless

[@daphnenicole5927]

Now I'm crying. A stray german shepherd/doberman adopted me and he died at age 11 in 2001. My best friend, my love of my life, the tear licker, the head on the outstrecthed paws looking at me through beautiful brown eyes.. The only he was made at me was when my husband and I put him in the kennel for a vacation. At first he was thrilled to see us, dancing around. When we got into the car he stamped his foot once and snorted with this "don't you EVER do this to me again"! He was my heart and I still kiss his pictures on the wall. Great tribute Scott. Otis knew how much he was loved..

[@holly.earendil5187]

Sat with my two Ridgebacks sobbing watching this

[@Miguel-hi9oh]

Im not crying something just went in my eyes

[@Barfyman_362_]

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.

[@hirolla74]

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.

[@WorldwideWyatt]

Truly man’s best friend.

[@RMTTR640]

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

[@keithdistefano8595]

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.

[@johnspigarelli8155]

I feel you brother! 🙏🙏🙏

[@jimfath]

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.

[@spardy6214]

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.

[@cr8244]

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

[@Secz12341]

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

[@718empire]

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

[@JosephKalson]

Scott very moving and touching

[@brianlakso1066]

I've posted this clip before. But today I lost my beautiful dog after 11+ years, and it resonates in every fiber of my being. I've cried an awful lot these past few weeks, but watching this, my tears felt different. They were tears of joy, tears of gratitude, tears of wonder. The love of a dog is pure and unequalled, and it is something to be cherished forever, and I will certainly do just that. Thank you to Scott van Pelt for sharing this piece. It touched me when I needed it most. And thank you Shea for sharing your love with us for as long as you were here. It was my privilege to walk through life with you.

[@watsonsd1]

A lot of doggos getting extra cuddles tonight thanks to you, my friend.

[@rebecai.m.6670]

Ridgebacks are incredible. I miss my Hanna so much. She's been gone for over 5 years and I miss her every single day. She was the best dog ever. This was a beautiful tribute, made me cry at work.

[@bobriquardo5317]

LONG LIVE THE KING

[@justinrush6620]

Can relate so strongly. Cried. Ugh.

[@MeatSteeple]

My wife and I have lived this. You have our deepest sympathies, sir.

[@josephmarcel9546]

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

[@jarodahlgren5170]

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

[@MrPlatanoMan]

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

[@Drawingve]

I have to hurry home to hug my Stella. This is beautiful❤

[@lmack62]

I lost my dog over a year ago and it still hurts I miss you so much Blondie.

[@marinar4542]

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.

[@SQT2112]

So beautifully said! Lost my best friend Sawyer last month, 05/19/2023 7:15pm… it may as well have been yesterday because I cry just as hard as I did the first day without him…. Thank you for putting all my jumbled up thoughts and emotions into words so eloquently… I miss you, my Tom Sawyer… and will love you for the rest of my life and beyond! 🖤🐾

[@BradleyShannon]

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.

[@paulmoonbear8989]

A wise man once told me,Heaven is every dog you ever loved running back to you.

[@sabbyblue2]

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"