He sees the world a little differently than most dogs. He had a tough past and when he arrived at the SPCA, he had to have one of his eyes removed. This brave boy may have lost an eye, but he never lost his spirit, his energy or his ability to love. His name is Otis. This is his story.
Seven-year-old Otis was brought into the care of the Colchester Shelter in February last year. Because he had multiple medical needs, he was transferred the next day to the North Nova Shelter. Sadly, Otis was significantly underweight, had severe ear problems, a swollen eye and porcupine quills that had to be removed from his body. To alleviate the pain from trauma to his left eye, his eye was removed. Tending to Otis’ medical needs and getting him to an ideal weight took one month. Once Otis was put up for adoption, he wished for a special family who would give him a forever home. On March 22nd, his wish came true.
Dana and his partner Lindsay had heard about Otis from a family member who worked at the hospital. Dana recalled “She told us about a wonderful dog that had arrived with medical needs and injuries, and she felt that Lindsay and I would be a great fit to adopt Otis. She knew we would treat him like our child and take good care of him.”
There was an instant connection the moment that Dana and Lindsay saw Otis’ photo. Dana explained “We felt like he was sent to us from our beloved dog Marley, who we had to say our final goodbyes to six months prior.
So, when we were told that we could finally see him, five of us piled into our SUV and drove two hours to meet Otis,” said Lindsay. “At our meet-and-greet, we were surprised by Otis’ large size. But he was a gentle giant – very calm, a bit shy and great with the kids. We fell in love with him the moment he walked into the room and we haven’t stopped. He is treated like one of the kids.”
Otis adapted quickly to his forever home, but it took some time for him to become comfortable enough to let his personality blossom. Dana chuckled “Now Otis runs the house! He is full of affection and loves to snuggle and get belly rubs. And he always lets us know when we are sitting in the spot that he wants!”
Otis is incredibly friendly and his gentle nature makes him great with people, especially children. “Otis is one hundred percent a kid dog,” said Dana. “He stays close to my son and Lindsay’s nephews when they visit. In fact, he acts like one of the kids! He also has a good relationship with our cat Kiwi, and they sleep on the same dog bed together.”
Otis has brought smiles and laughter to the couple’s home. “Otis is still a puppy at heart and when he gets the ‘zoomies’, he is like an elephant in a china shop!” laughed Lindsay. “He loves going for walks and car rides, especially if he knows we’re going to Tim Hortons for Timbits! But the thing Otis loves the most is joining us in bed on Saturday and Sunday mornings for snuggles, and of course, he has to be in the middle!”
March 22nd was the one-year anniversary of Otis’ ‘Gotcha Day’ and the family wanted to celebrate this special occasion. Dana said “We took him for his annual Easter bunny pictures and got him a pup cup from Starbucks. Lindsay baked him a birthday cupcake and we took him to the store to get a new stuffed toy.”
Otis has made a big difference in the family’s life. The couple said adopting Otis is one of the best decisions they’ve ever made. ”Otis has brought us joy and happiness again after losing our beloved Marley. He loves us unconditionally and reminds us that life is about making the most of every moment; that our past doesn’t have to define our future. We know that Otis had a tough past, but we are amazed at how he has bounced back with resilience and optimism. We don’t see him as having special needs. Having only one eye doesn’t define him or slow him down. He occasionally bumps into things, but he always shakes it off and keeps going.”
And the couple’s final thoughts. ”Knowing that we were able to give Otis a forever home where he feels safe and loved is the best feeling ever. Every animal deserves a safe and loving home – a forever home where they are truly a member of the family, regardless of their age or special needs. They will repay your love many times over.”
And if Otis could talk, he might say “I only have one eye. But I see everything that matters – kindness in small gestures and love in quiet moments. I see that I was chosen, not for who I used to be, but for who I am and for who I can be when I am surrounded by love.”