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By Alyce Collins
Senior Reporter
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An abandoned dog who was found tied to a tree and “dying of thirst” was found just in time, and now he’s finally learning what it means to be loved.
Dog owner Makayla Hadaway, 31, came across the Catahoula leopard dog mix on January 6 near an apartment complex in Las Vegas, Nevada. He was in such poor condition after being left outside by himself, but he still seemed incredibly trusting.
Hadaway didn’t hesitate to untie the dog and take him home to safety. While his arrival came as quite the surprise to her husband, Tyler W. Nash, 36, the dog instantly settled in. Nash was so amazed by the dog’s temperament, telling Newsweek that he “couldn’t believe anybody would mistreat” such a sweet dog.
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The Catahoula Leopard dog has been named Odin, believed to be around one year old.
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The couple initially believed the dog may have been stolen or missing, but they soon confirmed that he was in fact abandoned and unwanted. Once they knew for sure, Hadaway and Nash set their sights on helping the dog heal and giving him the care he deserved.
“My wife said she felt a deep pit in her stomach when she found him because he was so skinny and mistreated,” Nash said. “He was tied to a tree with cheap rope outside an apartment complex. He was emaciated, dehydrated, and in general poor condition from being left in the cold outside overnight.
He continued: “When I first met him, he melted into my hands immediately and has been following me ever since. I still can’t wrap my head around anyone abandoning him.”
After deciding that they would be keeping Odin, the couple gradually started to introduce him to their three-legged husky, Kronos. Both dogs are adapting well to each other’s presence. They’ve already started laying together, watching over each other, and walking side by side like an inseparable duo.
House training Odin has also been a positive experience so far. He already has his own spot in the house to sit alone when he needs to, his stress levels have decreased, and he loved all his toys.
Nash said: “Kronos is adjusting slowly but surely, while Odin seems to love having another dog around for safety. They lay together, watch each other, walk together, and do normal pack animal stuff. Odin is beyond thrilled to follow his big brother around all day and he took to toys rather quickly too, which let us know he was at ease.”
Sadly, this isn’t the first time Nash or Hadaway have discovered a stray dog. Over the years, they’ve come across numerous dogs in need of a home, including some “extreme cases” who needed shelter care.
It’s a devastating sight every time, as Nash told Newsweek that they see strays “far too frequently.” Odin is fortunate to have been given a second chance, but not every animal gets the same opportunity.
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Nash shared Odin’s rescue story on Threads, explaining that he was “malnourished and dying of thirst” when he was discovered. The pictures of Odin in his new home went viral and generated over 60,400 views and 11,300 likes on Threads in just a matter of days.
With such an overwhelmingly supportive reaction online, Nash hopes that Odin’s story will encourage people to educate themselves before getting a dog and taking on that responsibility.
Nash said: “People have been nothing but kind and supportive. Our message is to adopt if you can, and please be aware of the responsibilities you take on when getting a pet.”
Many social media users thanked the couple for saving Odin’s life, leading to more than 480 comments on the post so far.
One comment reads: “you guys are the best and look at him sleeping knowing he is safe.”
Another Threads user wrote: “The last picture says enough. He already looks comfortable and settled.”
While one person replied: “Oh bless him! Look at him sleeping in safety. He’s beautiful and you are angels. Thank you for saving him.”
Do you have funny and adorable videos or pictures of your pet you want to share? We want to see the best ones! Send them in to life@newsweek.com and they could appear on our site.
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