Ollie

It’s been a very long day. Not as long for me as it has been for Ollie though. He has spent since about 8am this morning on the road to get here. He is terrified and I can’t blame him. You see, Ollie was recently dropped by his owner at a kill shelter in rural Virginia after nine years of ownerships hip. His last memoryof his prior ownerowner is, and I quote, “He watched his owner drive away that day. He cried and cried chasing the car from inside the shelter fence.” and “Each time he goes out he goes back there watching, hoping.” I’m sure the harsh reality of how expendable he is has set in along with the fear of all things unknown and unfamiliar. You see, I can empathize with Ollie. I know exactly what it’s like for him right now. I know exactly what it’s like to spend what feels like a lifetime with someone and yet after so many years together, to then have them leave you behind. Helpless, with no answers. It’s sad, it’s scary and it hurts.

He’s exhibiting very similar signs that Daisy did when she came here. Signs that even though he was in a home, he was treated strictly as a pet. Sure he was fed and watered and given a place to rest but it’s clear he was never loved. You can see this by how uncomfortable being both held and being petted seems to him. Not just fear, but unfamiliarity. It’s sad to see a dog that has gone through life and has no idea how to approach or accept these things. Even though he’s scared, just like Daisy, he lets you do these things, although it’s very awkward to behold.

There’s good news here though. What he doesn’t know yet, is that moment he ran the fence line, crying out to somebody that would never come back, is the turning point in his life. From this moment on, he’s going to know nothing but the opposite of what he had. He’s going to know love, he’s going to know happiness, hes going to know support, he’s going to know interaction and how to enjoy being social. I’m sorry you went through this buddy and that we had to meet this way but moving forward, I promise you nothing but brighter days. Welcome to the island Ollie, welcome home. 💔❤️❤️❤️