Otis: An answered prayer

This past Friday, October 15, I was scrolling through my Facebook newsfeed over lunch when a post on one of the dog mom pages I follow caught my eye. It was a rehoming post for this little boy: Otis, a 1-year-old teddy bear (Shih Tzu/Bichon mix).

Now, this was a type of post I had seen before, but there was something about this one that stopped me in my tracks. I just knew in my heart we had to help. I called Dan over to take a look. He had a similar reaction, which told me we were being called to do this. Even though we already had three fur babies, we were drawn to Otis. We had to know more. We had to meet him.

The post specified that they wanted Otis to go to a home where he'd be the king of the house or the only pet. That didn't stop me from reaching out. I wrote from my heart and asked that they consider us even though we did not meet the criteria set forth. Imagine my excitement when I heard back from the owner! We both poured out our hearts and knew this was worth a shot so we set up a meet and greet for the very next day.

Saturday morning, we dressed the boys in their best sweaters and told them to be on their best behavior. After a 30 minute trip to Menomonie, we pulled up to Otis' house. I was nervous. I wanted everything to go well. I knew in my gut and in my heart that we could give Otis the life they wanted for him and that he deserves—but it was up to Brody, Louie, Ollie, and Otis to make the decision.

We went in first to introduce ourselves and meet Otis for the very first time. His owner reminded me so much of a lady who was like a grandmother to me for most of my life—a very special lady who holds a special place in my heart—so I immediately felt at ease. But Otis did not. He could feel something was up. His owner was in tears and I believe he could feel her sadness and her hope that this was the answer she needed.

Otis lived with three other dogs, one of which was his littermate. He got along fine with him but wasn't bonded to him. The 4-year-old and him, though, didn't see eye-to-eye. His owner exhausted every option to help him, and I mean every option—I give her so much credit! But the fights became more frequent, more intense, and scarier for everyone in the household, including her 8-year-old grandson. So Otis' owner made a decision I hope to never have to make in my life. She had to do what was best for everyone in the house and what was best for Otis: rehome him.

After Otis started to warm up to us a bit, we went outside to his fenced-in backyard and introduced him to our pack, one by one, starting with the alpha, Brody. No tension, no aggression. This was good. Louie was next and it went just as well. Last, but not least, it was time to introduce Ollie. It was a match made in heaven! The boys ran around the yard playing and Otis ... Otis was happy for the first time in days. When we saw how well he fit into our pack, we knew it was right. Otis was coming home with us.

I went inside with Otis' mom and took care of the details. While we were inside, she said something to me that I have never been told before: you are the answer to my prayers. This hit my heart so hard and I found myself overwhelmed with emotions. Often, I've prayed for answers. But now, I had the opportunity to help answer someone else's prayers. God has a plan for us all and works through each of us in such a beautiful way. Yesterday was a testament to that.

Though there was happiness and joy, there were some tears at the next step: saying goodbye. Then, Otis made his way home, with us.

I am thrilled to report that he is adjusting very well to life with the Ekblads. He's eating and sleeping like a champ, and learning how to be part of the pack, but not the alpha. He is such a sweet boy and we feel so blessed to have him as part of our family.

Last night, I laid in bed thinking about the day, I couldn't help but think of Otis' mom and how hard that had to be to give up her little boy—it brought me to tears. My heart hurts for her, but I pray that she finds peace in knowing that we will give Otis the absolute best life we can, filled with joy, snuggles, treats, tail wags, and love.

For anyone who is looking to bring a fur baby into their home, it is important to know that regardless of age, there will be an adjustment period:

• 3 days to decompress
• 3 weeks to start to know your routine
• 3 months to start to feel at home

Give them the time they need to thrive. It will be worth it. I promise.

—Jen