Ohlis “Ohlie”
Beloved Dog, Loyal Companion, Nugget Enthusiast, Amateur Actor
Ohlis, affectionately known as Ohlie, Ohlis-saurus, and Ohlie-son, passed away peacefully after 17 wonderful years, leaving behind a family who adored him and a house that already feels far too quiet. He came into our lives as a 16th birthday gift, though in true Ohlie fashion, he made sure he was the one doing the choosing.
Ohlie was named after his great-great-grandfather, William Ohlis Plunkett—largely because Ohlis was the only name he would ever answer to. Believe us, many others were tried. None were acknowledged.
The family originally went to adopt a different dog, but after it became clear that dog wasn’t a good fit—especially with the resident dog, Nicky—the foster let all six dogs loose to see what might happen. Ohlie barreled into the room, tripped, tumbled, and landed directly in a lap. In that moment, it was clear to everyone: Ohlie was the one.
Ohlie was a steady presence through childhood, adulthood, heartbreak, joy, and everything in between. He was loyal, intuitive, and deeply devoted to his people. He absolutely hated car rides and made his displeasure known, unless the destination involved “the Lord’s chicken” from Chick-fil-A. In those rare cases, he somehow found the strength to endure the ride and could devour a nugget faster without teeth than most people can with them.
True to legend, Ohlie would eat anything that didn’t eat him first. This included lollipops, popsicles, and—on one unforgettable occasion—an entire gym shirt, consumed without incident or the need for a vet visit. He guarded food like it was sacred, pretended not to hear commands, but never once missed the sound of a treat bag opening.
He was an avid sun-bather who treated sunny patches of floor like prime real estate and could often be found stretched out as though he paid the mortgage. He was also a talented performer who occasionally faked back injuries in order to receive a good ice pack, followed by a miraculous recovery once the attention arrived.
Ohlie slept faithfully with his beloved stuffed Eeyore and took great pride in helping his grandpa “Butch” Roger cook dinner whenever he was in town—mostly by supervising closely and ensuring quality control. He also spent a cherished week in Baltimore every summer, firmly believing he was on vacation and fully deserving of it.
He was lucky enough to spend one final Christmas surrounded by love, a gift his family will forever be grateful for. Seventeen years was not nearly long enough, but it was a full life, well lived and deeply loved.
Ohlie is survived by his humans Reannon (Scott), Carrie and Brian; his Nana and Papa, Robin and Ric; his Aunt Erin; his Uncle Tim; and his Grandmas Jean and Nonie. He is also survived by his fur siblings Maxi, Vader, and Luke; and, in his opinion, his annoying fur cat cousins Blu, Smokey, Trigger, and Bella.
He was preceded in death by his human grandpas Roger and Tom; his great human uncle Penny; his fur brother Nicky; his friend and fur cousin Pete; his siblings bunny Marley, ferrets Lucy and Lenny, and sugar gliders Luna and Little Bit; and his great fur aunt Daisy and great fur uncle Jake.
The family would like to extend special thanks to Dr. Jo Ellen Hassan and the staff at Georgetown Veterinary Hospital for the compassionate care they provided Ohlie for 17 years.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Ohlie’s memory to the Humane Society of Greater Savannah.
Ohlie was not just a dog—he was family, a comedian, a sun-loving freeloader, and proof that love can be loyal, ridiculous, and everlasting.
He will be deeply missed
My thoughts and prayers to the family. It just won’t be the same without Ohlie to greet me at the door when I come to town. 🙏🏻
What a lovely tribute to Ohlie! He was well loved. My heart goes out to all of you xoxo