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Oliver
August 20, 2013 — March 30, 2026
gordito · the boy who always asked for more
Golden Retriever · Chennai · Delhi · Munich · College Station · Champaign · Forever
August 20, 2013 — March 30, 2026
gordito · the boy who always asked for more
Golden Retriever · Chennai · Delhi · Munich · College Station · Champaign · Forever
His Story
Oliver came into the world on August 20, 2013, born to breeder Radhika Chandrashekhar in Chennai. At just 8 weeks old, he made his first journey to Delhi, carried home by Pratyush and Unnati — his first family. The moment he arrived, he made himself completely at home: chewing on snack sticks, exploring every corner, already entirely certain he belonged there.
His name, Oliver, meant the boy who always asked for more — and he lived up to it completely. More food, more cuddles, more time together, more of every good thing. Pratyush loved and groomed Oliver into a gorgeous, happy boy — with just the right amount of mischief, which he very much deserved.
In Delhi he grew into his full, golden self: climbing sofas, watching television with great seriousness, carrying shoes as proud little offerings. He pressed his nose to terrace railings to watch his people leave, and waited faithfully for them to return. There were big dreams of dog shows and puppies — instead, what came was something better: a dog of extraordinary gentleness who brought joy to every life he touched.
Oliver was remarkably calm and self-possessed. He never approached anyone without permission. He rarely barked — only when Pratyush flew his RC helicopters, or when he desperately wanted to befriend a new dog at the park. He was so gentle he would let other cats eat his food without complaint. He never licked. He simply stayed close, steady, and present — the golden heart at the center of everything.
In 2015, Oliver made the longest journey of his life: from India to the United States, with a three-day stay at a pet-friendly hotel in Munich along the way — a whole adventure in itself. He arrived ready for the next chapter. Along the way came Kittu the cat, who arrived in 2017 as his little sister. He let cats eat his food without a word of complaint. That was Oliver.
Life shifted around him, as it does — and by 2020 he had found his forever home in Champaign, Illinois, with Unnati and her husband Josh, who loved him completely from the very first moment. Together they gave him everything a dog could ask for: dog parks and long walks, road trips and hikes, new cities and new smells, and always, always a warm place beside them. As the years passed and his body began to slow — arthritis first, then degenerative myelopathy — Unnati and Josh were almost always by his side. They drove him to every vet visit, helped him into and out of the car, and carried him up and down the stairs when climbing became too hard. On the hardest nights, Josh would bring a mattress down to the main floor and sleep beside him, so he was never alone.
Oliver was also held by a wider circle of people who became family along the way — sitters and friends who genuinely adored him, including Vince, who cared for him with such tenderness, and friends like Amy and Daniel. Along the way also came brothers Wicket and Chewy, a baby sister in 2025, and the hearts of countless others who called him gordito — their warm nickname for the big, golden boy who made everyone feel at home.
Oliver lived 13 full years across two countries. He was gentle and patient and always there. He gave more than he ever asked for — which, given that he asked for everything, is really saying something.
His Journey
August 20th. Eight weeks later, carried home to Delhi by Pratyush and Unnati — his first family. He immediately started chewing on snack sticks and made himself very much at home.
Celebrated with a homemade cake and golden crown. His first dog show in Gurgaon. A road trip to the hills of Kasaul. Pratyush raising a gorgeous, happy, mischievous boy.
Oliver made his longest journey — from India to the USA, with a three-day stay at a pet hotel in Munich along the way. One very adaptable golden dog.
Oliver became a big brother to Kittu the cat. He let cats eat his food without a word of complaint. That was Oliver.
Oliver met his new daddy Josh and it was love at first sight. Brothers Wicket (Yorkie) and Chewy (Lhasa Apso) joined the pack. The forever family was taking shape.
Oliver settled into his final and most beloved home. Covid walks, yoga mat takeovers, couch sovereignty — he was completely, peacefully at home.
Oliver lost his little brother Chewy. He kept watch quietly, as he always did everything — with grace.
Oliver and Wicket wore tuxedos. The whole family dressed up to celebrate. Oliver was, naturally, the most photogenic person there.
A two-year-old came home and Oliver loved her completely and immediately. He made room for everyone.
After 13 beautiful years, Oliver went peacefully, surrounded by people who loved him. He was always surrounded by love.
The Delhi Years · 2013–2015
Every Birthday
Adventures & Celebrations
His First Family · Delhi
USA · 2015–2020
His Forever Family · 2018 onwards
Illinois · 2020–2026
His Extended Family
The Small Things
Oliver approached every meal with the conviction that it might be his last. It never was. He always got more — he was the boy who asked for more, after all.
He'd sneak a chew of paper or cardboard, then — conscience intact — come and tell on himself. Every single time. An entirely honest criminal.
Chappals, sneakers, anything with a sole. He didn't destroy them. He simply moved them. With great dignity and no explanation.
Oliver watched TV like he understood every word. He had opinions. He kept them mostly to himself — except when he very clearly didn't.
Terraces, balconies, windows — Oliver stationed himself at every vantage point. He always saw you leave. He always waited for you to come back.
He let other cats eat his food. He never approached anyone without permission. He never licked. He never barked — except when Pratyush flew his RC helicopters, or when he spotted a new dog at the park he desperately wanted to befriend.
Spanish-speaking friends called him gordito — their warm word for a big, soft, golden boy who made everyone feel chosen. No one who met Oliver ever forgot him.
Children, cats, tiny dogs, horses at a fence, strangers — Oliver was calm and gentle with all of them. It was simply, entirely who he was.
His Later Years
March 30, 2026
On his last day, Oliver ran and played in the backyard, joyful and free in the spring air. Then he came inside and was held by people who loved him, all the way to the end. He took his last breath at 1:40 pm. He was never alone.
Goodbye, sweet boy
"If love alone could have kept you here, you would have lived forever."