Odie in Korea!

I received the most wonderful letter today from a school teacher in Korea about Odie. Here it is:

Dear Mrs. Twyman,

You don't know me, but I searched for your daughter Erica on the Facebook website a few weeks ago. A couple days prior I had been looking on the internet for "talking animals" and I quickly came to a link for your special dog Odie.

I am a teacher in Korea for children in grades four, five and six. I teach English as a second language, and I wanted to show them some clips that they would love, and that could send them a clear message - If a dog can speak English, then so could they.

Well, as you can imagine, Odie was an instant hit. My students talk about him in the hallway, they have gone home and shown their parents, they have told other friends in other schools, and I have shared the lesson with other teachers. I will tell you right now that Odie is starting to spread like wildfire here. In a country halfway across the planet, where few people speak English (comparatively that is) your English speaking dog is entertaining, and more importantly, inspiring children to learn.

When I heard that Odie had passed away, I was deeply saddened. I have a dog myself, a three year old Shih-tzu/Pomeranian cross named Lana, and I know how sad I will be when she is no longer with us except in spirit. Odie was not my dog, but if he was even a hundredth as special as he is in the David Letterman video then clearly you were blessed to have him.

Erica told me that it has been hard on you, so I asked if I could make a gesture to hopefully raise your spirits. You see, once some of my students found out about Odie a number of them asked me, "Teacher, can we make cards?" Of course, I said yes, thinking I would have no real way to send them to you. Well, with the wonder of the internet, one quick search of your daughter's name on Facebook, a couple of responses later and she agreed to let me send them to her.

Ruth, Odie was a special dog. I do not need to tell you this, you know better than anyone, and you loved him more than anyone. I know personally how much the loss of a dog can empty your heart, but it is my hope that a look at the cards - written by children who love to watch, listen to, and talk about Odie - just might help to fill it up a bit more for you. I hope these cards bring you some happiness Ruth, my students were very happy to be able to send them to you and to tell you how much they loved your special animal.

God Bless you and Odie.

Tony Copp
and the After School Program

Well, needless to say, I cried tears of happiness reading this letter and looking at each of the cards warmed my heart. My Odie is still touching people but this time, he is helping children so far away want to learn. What a feeling of joy this message has brought me.

To Mr. Copp and the students at Oryunam Elementary School:
A million thank you's for taking the time to make the cards for me and for Odie. One thing is for sure, Odie is at The Rainbow Bridge screaming I LOVE YOU to you all in the hopes that you will hear him.

Thanks again,
Ruth (Odie's Mom)

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