Seeing Odin today, you would never know that, just four short months ago, the young Labrador-mix puppy was barely clinging to life. When the Dumb Friends League Investigations Team and local law enforcement first discovered him in an abandoned home in southern Colorado, 10-week-old Odin was starving, freezing, and surrounded by filth – a far cry from the care and human companionship that every dog needs and deserves. But thanks to the hard work and dedication of our investigative agents, San Luis Valley Animal Center, community partners, and generous supporters like you, wonderful Odin was given a second chance to experience a life filled with comfort, purpose, and love.
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In response to a report of possible animal neglect last November, our Field Services Cruelty Investigator and the local Town Marshal quickly arrived on scene and were dismayed to find 11 malnourished dogs living on the property without access to food, water, care, or reliable shelter. As the two agents approached the premises, they peered through a mudroom window and observed three tiny Labrador-mix puppies, only one of whom was alive – Odin. Immediately, our investigator entered the mudroom, lifted the fearful pup, and radioed his team at the League to secure a same-day warrant to search the rest of the house. He and the Marshal then raced the sweet, lethargic puppy to the nearest emergency veterinary clinic.
The next day, Odin and his 10 canine friends were transported to our Leslie A. Malone Center in Denver, where they received further evaluation, nutrition, and specialized care. As each of the older dogs gained strength and found loving homes of their own, Odin took some time to recover until he was deemed healthy enough for adoption three weeks later. And it didn’t take him long to meet Danielle, Brandon, and their two young daughters – the adoring family he had always deserved.
Our veterinary partners in Alamosa soon determined that the suffering puppy was cold, dehydrated, and gravely deprived of necessary sustenance. Fortunately, he responded well to food and fluids and was quick to warm to his new caregivers. Odin was kept overnight for observation, where he continued to rest and progress well. In the meantime, after the search warrant was secured, our investigative agent, the Marshal, and a dedicated staff member from our San Luis Valley Animal Center worked tirelessly to bring the other neglected dogs on the property to safety at the League’s Alamosa location.
The next day, Odin and his 10 canine friends were transported to our Leslie A. Malone Center in Denver, where they received further evaluation, nutrition, and specialized care. As each of the older dogs gained strength and found loving homes of their own, Odin took some time to recover until he was deemed healthy enough for adoption three weeks later. And it didn’t take him long to meet Danielle, Brandon, and their two young daughters – the adoring family he had always deserved.
Five years before, Danielle and Brandon had sadly lost their beloved boxer after their eldest daughter was born, and they were finally ready to welcome a new companion into their growing family when they saw Odin’s photo on the League’s website. Although they had never had a puppy before, Danielle and Brandon were more than ready for the happy challenge – not to mention a life of shared outdoor adventures. It was love at first sight.
Today, nearly four months later, Odin is a quick learner who takes training seriously and continues to impress his family with his newfound confidence and eagerness to please. When he’s not joyfully playing and retrieving with Brandon, Odin can be found taking full advantage of his big backyard, engaging in morning zoomies alongside his 5-year-old best friend, or dreaming about all of the above in the comfort of his secure and loving home.
“Without the Dumb Friends League, Odin would have met the same sad fate as some of his siblings and never would have known the happiness we see in him today,” said Danielle. “We feel so lucky to be Odin’s people … and plan to give him the fullest life possible.”
