Harold
From our president, Katrina young-Pope “9 days ago I was contacted by an amazing animal rescuer. Cindy explained that a senior dane’s owner had been killed in a terrible car crash leaving the dane and his fur siblings homeless. I wont lie I instantly refused the idea of taking him since all my giant breed fosters were full and my heart still was shattered from Odin’s sudden passing; however, in Katrina fashion, I couldn't get him off my mind. So I texted Cindy and let her know I would take him until I could find him a home.
Friday they made the long drive to Toledo where our vet was waiting to give him vaccines and do a wellness exam. She let me know that he was a huge dog and that he was grumpy and growly. So grumpy they couldn't even give him a bordetella. I instantly was brought back to my first days with Odin and came up to meet Harold the next day.
I walked into his suite in boarding and saw this monstrous grey faced old man. He backed up and started growling at me. I could tell it wasn’t out of aggression but he was scared. I knelt down and explained to him softly, I was broken too after losing someone who meant the world to me, but I was there to help him. His giant head nudged mine and I took him to meet the kiddos and other giants. He got along with everyone and so he came home with us. He paced, he cried, and he was uncomfortable all night. He growled at everyone when we walked near him but I gave him his space and I laid down a big thick blanket by the door where he sat crying, in hopes he would calm down.
Sunday- he still paced and cried all day in daycare. He refused to eat and didn't accept the other giants trying to play with him. He did follow my son everywhere, and it was quite obvious Kaiden was his safe place. He refused to eat, and once again came home restless. My heart broke watching him look for a life he would never know again, and I started wondering if he would ever heal.
Monday- when I left for work I noticed he had some pep in his step but skipped breakfast. He did allow me to put his coat on but still was distant. Then I came home on break and when I walked in he greeted me with tail wags! His giant body tap dancing with excitement at seeing Kaiden and I. I let him go potty then made him a meal of kibble, yogurt, and blueberries and he not only ate some, but ate it all!
When I came home tonight there where more tail wags and tap dancing and he ate his entire dinner, but the best part was when we went up the steps to the bedroom, he followed just like he was one of the giants! He climbed in bed next to Kaiden and quickly fell asleep complete with snoring! His body relaxed as he was covered in warmth and love.
To say my heart is full tonight is an understatement. This sweet old man who has been through so much, trusts us and has started to be a dog. Tail wags are normal for a dog, but in a dog with a broken heart, it’s a sign of healing. I can’t help but think my sweet boy Odin somehow aligned things so our paths would cross. I think he knew I could help.
As someone who rescues animals, it’s often a bittersweet experience. Odin’s sudden passing has left me devastated, but helping Harold has started to make me see why I do what I do. There are far more good days then bad and I'm so blessed to be able to mend not just their bodies, but also their broken hearts.”