I've decided to share more photos of Odie. I adopted him from the Ramona Humane Society at the same time I got Ginger. They shared the same pen, and it was actually Odie who got my attention first. Before I went to the shelter, I knew it could be difficult because I'd want to take all the dogs home. But I prepared myself by knowing the kind of dog I wanted: medium sized, short hair, fawn to brown color, and neutered male. Breed was not important to me, but I mainly looked for a certain personality, a dog who greets me for the first time with ears folded down, showing respect and submission to humans. That's an easily trained dog, and that was Odie.
Odie had been at the shelter just two days, and was surrendered by his owner. He seemed like an old dog, and was very thin at 35lbs, with his ribs showing and a sunken face and dull coat. His teeth were bad too, from a poor diet. I was surprised to learn he was only 4 years old! I decided to adopt this beagle mix for his very gentle personality.Well, after coming to my home, Odie has gained over 7 lbs., and he now has a shiny coat, and is getting his teeth cared for. He gets lots of exercise and has finally become the dog he was meant to be. I'm so happy for him! Odie has also overcome a bad habit of stealing food off the table, now that he gets enough to eat. There's hope for all those poor dogs, like Odie, sitting in shelters just waiting for someone to love and understand them. It has really been so rewarding to bring happiness and hope to this dog.
Here he is again, resting under a park bench after one of our many hikes at Lake Hemet. He really likes to get out and hike! I don't know if he ever got this kind of exercise before, but it's been good for him now.Here is Odie at rest, sleeping on the sofa, a far cry from a cold shelter floor, surrounded by barking dogs. Welcome home, Odie!
For anyone considering getting a dog, please consider a shelter adoption, or if you desire a specific breed, check out the many organizations who specialize in rescuing those dogs. And don't worry about getting an older dog. They're often less trouble because they've had some training. Also, read my earlier post about adopting adult dogs.
