From the moment I saw Otis' picture, I knew I was in love and that there was no way in this world he was going to be put to sleep. It was one of those moments where you tell yourself, "I just have a really good feeling about this". Sure enough, I was already on my way to pick him up before I could think further about it. When I arrived, I was taken to meet the most shy dog I had ever come to face. He was friendly enough but not at all trusting. I popped the lead on and we walked to my car. I could tell he wanted to get closer to me but was terrified about the potential consequences. Otis was hairy as hell, quite overweight and in need of a good bath, brush and cuddle. He jumped into my car hesitantly and stared at me, turning the other way when I'd make eye contact. The rest of the car trip home, he looked out the window, worried about where he was off to. For the first few car rides to follow, he'd turn and face the seat with his nose pressed against it, eyes wide open - he had no idea and I had to admit, it made me chuckle. For a couple of months, he was constantly scared. All you'd have to do was say hello and he'd drop to the floor trembling. He'd slide on his face because he felt safer when he was closer to the ground, almost as if we would hit him if he dared to sit up straight. There is no doubt in my mind that he was abused before we got him. After losing my last foster puppies to parvo, I was reluctant to take another dog in. I never wanted to do it again and I was completely shattered. I had no idea at the time that Otis and I were helping each other heal - I'd sit there for hours outside, brushing him and singing to him. I didn't forget about my last foster experience but this one was helping me to realise that in rescue, everything happens for a reason and it all works out the way it is supposed to.
Otis obviously had no clue what 'playing' was - you'd pick up a ball and he'd drop to the floor trembling. He was also scared of water and pretty much anyone who looked at him. Initially, I would take him to the local supermarket and stand out the front letting people pet him until he decided they were okay and began letting go of his fear. It took months but I started rewarding him when he showed an interest in playing, until he began to do it for the love of it. People starting remarking about how he'd become a 'real dog' - I remember I was so shocked the first time I heard him bark. In under 6 months, he has turned around completely. He wags his tail, he barks, he fetches, runs faster than a rocket, gets the zoomies, cuddles people without a second thought, swims, and is so much more confident (also a bit cheeky). I have enjoyed watching him grow into the beautiful dog I could see inside from day one. He has the greatest smile and gives the BEST cuddles. I've been in love with this guy for a while - I've just been scared to say 'I DO'. I've never been good with commitment, always worrying about this and that. Recently, someone told me that if I can imagine my life without Otis, that I should let him go. Recently, I kept making excuses as to why he wasn't ready for a new home and the truth is, he won't be ready for another home. He has one already. My cat loves him, my family love him, my house mates love him and most importantly, he loves all of us. That is why I have finally decided that I will be adopting Otis. I'm honoured to state that I will officially be joining the 'failed foster' club.