otto at Bernal HeightsSan Francisco is not only full of wild and wonderful human characters, it’s also home to some of the most unique dogs in the world who often outstrip the humans in individuality. One of them is Otto the Wonder Dog who I met through his human companion, Ed, at one of my photography classes. Otto is a strange and serendipitous mixture — some Terrier, maybe some Beagle, perhaps some Lab. But his most amazing talent is his healing ability. Read Ed’s post, Dog is My Caregiver, about how Otto nursed him through some pretty grim health crises. Once Ed was on the road to recovery, Otto turned his powers to watching over a family of hummingbirds (that story also on Ed’s blog.)

Now I find myself the proud recipient of a limited edition Otto 2010 Calendar. That’s twelve months of Otto! These are hot commodities and sure to be collectors’ items. But you might be able to get one with postage, handling and a small donation for the dogfood fund by emailing Otto at otto0905@gmail.com. This is also the source for two Otto posters.

And check out Ed’s wonderful photography on Flickr featuring breathtaking California nature scenes, eccentric San Francisco city finds, and, of course, lots of Otto.

Here’s one of Ed’s pictures. The view of the Sonoma Coast from Goat Rock. Copyright ejbSF.

Here’s another of Ed’s photographs. Stow Lake, Golden Gate Park in the Fog. Copyright ejbSF.

Thanks Otto and thanks Ed. My Otto Calendar will have pride of place on the bar in our basement Pub.