A few people have asked me if I could provide weekly updates on how Odin is adjusting to his new life and I’m happy to honor that request!
Since I’m new to all this I didn’t think that weekly updates would be possible because I didn’t know how much progress we would make from week to week or even how much progress Odin needed.
As each week passes though, I’m seeing more and more of the real Odin come out and it’s amazing to watch.
We’ve had a had pretty busy couple of weeks since our last update but I think the most wonderful thing was seeing his eyes soften.
I know many of you have noticed that too!
Instead of having this intense look of fear and uncertainty in his eyes he now has a look of calmness and contentment and that may be the most rewarding thing to happen yet!
A few new things were introduced to him these past few weeks the first being the carting harness.
Since Odin is smaller than Sherman and Leroy I was curious to see if the draft harness would fit him or if I would need to order a new one.
First I had to locate the harness because it’s been several years since we’ve used it and then I had to figure it out…..again.
I didn’t find all the pieces but the main part of the harness does fit.
I’ve decided we won’t be doing any carting this season but hopefully, we’ll be ready for next year.
We worked on jumps a little bit.
Well, not really worked on jumps but Odin did give the cones a try.
I had them set up for Leroy so one day I just moved the bars up a few notches and guided Odin over them.
He didn’t actually jump over them, rather he took really high, uncoordinated steps over them.
He’s very agile and quick which makes me think that agility may be in his future.
I also introduced the grooming table to him.
Odin was at the groomer on a grooming table before he came to us so I knew he was a bit familiar with it.
I brought it outside, set it up, sat on it and then asked him to jump up on it.
He had a little bit of hesitation but eventually, he jumped up on it and then quickly jumped back down.
He did this 3 times.
He likes to jump and sit on things. Lol
I didn’t do any grooming on the table but I’m pretty confident after this that he’ll be fine up there.
Odin saw his first dog on a walk!
I know that Odin doesn’t have an issue with dogs but I still wasn’t sure how he would act when he saw one out on a walk.
We practiced avoidance and crossed to the other side of the road and I kept an eye on Odin’s signals and he did well.
He was excited and happy and I didn’t see any aggression or agitation on his part so that was good!
Odin had his first family party!
My son turned 18 last weekend so we had family over to celebrate.
Odin had met about 1/2 the family already but this was the first time everyone would be together in our home.
There were about 12 people here including a toddler and Odin did great!
He was overwhelmed for sure but he greeted everyone with a happy tail wag and kisses.
He listened well and he had a strong begging game.
I was super impressed with him because I know it was stressful but I couldn’t have been more proud.
Odin made his first Halloween appearance!
Many of you saw his costume earlier in the week and he did wonderful.
I wasn’t sure if Odin would be into dressing up but when I saw the shield in the store I knew it was meant for Odin.
He could do without the helmet and cape but he loves his shield!
Odin has a goofy side and it comes out more and more each day.
He gets the zoomies and he loves belly rubs right in the middle of them!
Odin snores!
It’s not super loud snore but it’s a snore for sure.
He also found my side of the bed.
Nicknames we have so far for Odin:
Big O and Odie Boodie. He responds to both.
I think he’s really starting to know and feel comfortable in his new life but there’s still a lot to learn.
He looks forward to every single day and so do I.
But he still refers to me as Jen.
When do you think he’ll call me mom?
p.s I had someone ask if I could share the challenges that I’m facing with adopting for my first Newfoundland so I’ve been really giving that some thought and will have a separate post devoted to that topic next week.
Fenris
Sunday 27th of October 2019
Odin does indeed look more relaxed and content. When I brought our Lottie home from the rescue she would not make eye contact for weeks. Now, 5 months later, she looks me in the eye and holds a long gaze. It's the best thing in the world, because I know she's happy, safe and content. I don't know what she experienced before I adopted her, but I know for sure I will keep her safe now and give her all of the love I can.
Jen
Sunday 27th of October 2019
It is so great when they first make eye contact! So glad that your girl is doing so well and feels safe and at home! That's the best!
Beth
Sunday 27th of October 2019
Thanks for the update! I'm happy that Odin is adjusting so well.
Jen
Sunday 27th of October 2019
Thank you Beth!!!
Jan K
Sunday 27th of October 2019
Odin has been a busy boy, and he has come so far already! We are so happy for your whole family that he is settling in well. ♥
Jen
Sunday 27th of October 2019
He is tiring me out! Hahaha.
Patty Kiser
Sunday 27th of October 2019
I love following your journey with Odin so much! I'm pretty sure he already thinks of you as his Momma....he's just afraid to use it and show it so soon ?. His whole world has been turned upside down so much already. He just wants to be sure this is real and forever before he let's his guard down completely. I am so glad you are doing a blog on Newfie rescues because it is different with them. I have rescued 3 Newfies and 4 Labs in my lifetime, and the Newfs are much different then the Labs ( and yes, I am generalizing because I did have one severely abused and neglected Lab that took TWO YEARS to fully trust me and no, I am by no means, even close to being any kind of expert on rescues). Newfs seem to take much longer to adapt and adjust, and you definitely need to earn their respect and trust before they return it. When that moment finally happens, and you'll know it when it does, it is the BEST feeling in the world. I'm looking forward to your next blog on Newf rescues because you are always such a great resource for information and help. Odin is a very lucky boy and I look forward to following his wonderful new life with you, Leroy and your family.
Jen
Sunday 27th of October 2019
Thank you for the kind words Patty and for telling me that about resuce Newfies. It is SO different than having them since puppies and it took me a little bit to catch onto to that. I caught myself wanting to do too much too soon and I took a step back and I think that has really helped his transistion. I'm letting Odin show me who he is and building off of that.
Melinda
Sunday 27th of October 2019
Hi Patty! Your rescue experiences jive with mine. Newfoundlands are very different than others in terms of their willingness and ability to accept new families. If one can manage their fear and needs in a positive fashion for as long as it takes, you have devotion and duration from them that is so different from taking them in as puppies.
Jen, you remain a gift and a benefit. Odin has changed, is changing and will change. He is such a love, and you and yours help him develop the trust necessary to enhance those wonderful, soulful elements. Thank you for all that you do, all that you share, and all that you expose. You've helped us understand more, care more and be more. We have learned so much from you!
Karen
Sunday 27th of October 2019
A Landseer that I bred came back to me after a year and a half when his parents could no longer keep him because of a cross-country move. He was absolutely lost in the beginning, but much like Odin, steadily and surely his dapper personality came out. I chose to keep him, because I thought rehoming him would be too much, and I needed to make sure that all of his needs (emotional) were met by someone who stayed at home and could attend to him. To this day, eleven years later, I am so glad I made that decision, as he is an absolute delight and the light of my life. He has a larger than life funny bone and he loves to jump up ever so gently to kiss my face (something he's done since day one), while I am leaning down to pet him. He is always up for a good time, is my absolute guardian (has killed countless snakes in the back yard and in the play-yard) in his on-going effort to secure my well-being, I'm certain. Odin is a lucky fellow to have found you. I hope you enjoy many, many happy years with him.
Jen
Sunday 27th of October 2019
Awwwww, thank you for sharing that with me Karen! It's an amzing feeling to watch them come back to life in a way! I was thinking about the first day Odin was with us and how he kept going to the door that he first came through. It broke my heart because I thought he wanted to get away but he hasn't done that since that night so I hope he thinks he's here to stay!