Loveable Odie lights up his family’s lives
“He even gets a bit cranky if he’s not been given a chance to make a new human friend.”
Odie, a Shar Pei-Bulldog x, was adopted from our Hobart Home in March 2023 and has made the lives of his family members so much the richer with his goofy antics, eminently smoochable face, and boundless capacity for love.
“Odie’s funny and loving character lights up the room,” his human mum Cassandra says. “He loves connecting with new people at trade stores — it’s one of his favourite things. He even gets a bit cranky if he’s not been given a chance to make a new human friend.
“He loves politely stopping people in stores for a pat and a cuddle, snuggling into people’s legs while they pat him. He is very appreciative and reciprocates love with cuddles and kisses. We’re constantly being told what a beautiful soul he has, and we are so very grateful to have him as part of our family. We can’t remember a time without him.”
But it hasn’t all been sunshine and lollipops, although as far as Odie is concerned there’s been some great fun and games. Let’s just say he’s as capable as any dog of getting more than a little sidetracked.
“The first time we went camping as a family, Odie just loved the waves at the beach,” Cassandra recalls. “He got caught up in the excitement and started chasing the waves … all the way to the end of a 15km beach. He had a blast! I can’t say it was a much fun for us.
“After walking the full 15km as fast as I could on soft sand, I could finally see the bluff at the end of the beach, and saw a little white spot running back and forth still just chasing the waves.
“None the wiser that he was temporarily lost, Odie didn’t try to run away, he was just living his best life. We couldn’t help but laugh. His innocence was precious — he was just having a great time. As soon as he saw me, he bolted towards me, wanting to share his adventures with mum.
“For a dog that has had it rough, his innocence and lust for life is beautiful.
He has such an empathetic nature, and so much character. He puts himself to bed and will come and get us if he thinks it’s past our curfew. He walks into the middle of the lounge room, stares at us, gives a big huff and walks back into the bedroom: our behaviour is not acceptable.
“Whenever I get home from work, he’ll run to the door to greet me, run upstairs to his human siblings and Dad, then run back to me as if to say, ‘look mum, our whole family’s here’, with the biggest smile on his face. His love is infectious.
“He especially loves meeting and playing with other dogs. The dog park is his favourite place on Earth apart from home. He loves his toys and playing with dad.
He doesn’t care for rain or the cold — the cold is his enemy. He loves a ride in the car, especially if it involves picking up his human siblings. He loves cuddles, especially with mum and nanny.
“When we got a new couch, he was sure to choose his seat first. We hadn’t even had a chance to finish moving it in. He sleeps on his seat some nights, and we’ll wake up to find it reclined (super dog!).
“One day when Odie and his dad were playing, Odie’s collar came off. He got dad back by taking off his Apple Watch and running away with it. Heavens knows how he did it but it was hilarious.
“If he wants to go out for an adventure and we’re not responding quickly enough, he’ll go and find one of dad’s shoes (only dad’s), sit in front of us and gently pretend to chew it.
“Watching him play with his youngest human sibling is such a gift. Wherever her imagination takes her, he’s on board. He just loves being part of things. He’s so full of character, loving, gentle and hilarious. We love him to the Moon and back and he loves us all just as much.
“PS: He’s listing to us while we read back through this. I think he’s very impressed.”
We’re very impressed too! Thanks, Cassandra, for sharing Odie’s joyous story.
Click below to see the dogs available for adoption around the state.
