Odin is a 35-pound pit bull mix who thinks he's a sled dog. He likes to pull. A lot. He walks like he's on a mission. I'm not exactly sure where he's heading, but on Sunday, he merrily yanked me along on an hour-long excursion.
We paused for the occasional chicken snack and he was more than content to nest in my lap at walk's end, but this boy needs a happy ending. And soon.
You can't really blame little Odin for wanting to take you for a ride. He doesn't get out much. He's been sitting in the Sacramento County Shelter for almost two years.
And he's not going anywhere, anytime soon.
Oh, and did I mention that Odin takes Prozac?
You see, Odin was taken into shelter custody, along with his litter of four other sibling puppies, when his owner was arrested for allegedly running a dog fighting ring.
A confiscated dog can't be adopted out until their owner's case is adjudicated. They also can't be spayed or neutered. It makes for some very overwrought animals.
PB Soc provides one of the few sources of companionship for these dogs. The volunteers work tirelessly to keep them sane, exercised and socialized.
There are many animals in just such a situation at the shelter. A lucky few get fostered out to await the outcome of their owner's case in a nice home. But most must sit and wait.
When Odin finally settled in my lap, I could feel the tension start to seep from his body. I scratched his chin and stroked his head. He could almost relax.
We sat there another few minutes. He quietly watched the world go by, sitting motionless, feeling secure for the briefest of time.
And then it was time to take him back to his kennel.
To wait.
--Ron
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