Ole

Ole Solbjørnson The Loud, a big ol’ 11-year old Lab mix stray, found himself at the shelter, very confused and stressed, injured in both knees and suffering from significant arthritis. Ole didn’t do well in the loud, active shelter environment and he was anxious. With an uncertain mobility prognosis due to two untreated ACL injuries and knee braces, no one seemed to be willing to take a chance on big, broken ol’ Ole. But his Old Dog Haven forever mom-to-be just saw another old Labrador who needed help. Ole’s so glad she saw his true, shining self!

Once in his ODH Final Refuge home, Ole’s mom discovered that mobility was less of a problem for him than what was likely longtime separation anxiety (SA) and fear issues around other dogs. Ole can’t tell us which came first, the injuries or the anxiety, but his mom is happy to report that with consistent, positive distract-and-redirect training (and great vet care), Ole has progressed by leaps and bounds in the time he’s been in his forever home! He’s getting much better on walks with his fellow ODH senior brother, and his SA has diminished as he realizes he’s finally SAFE and he won’t ever be abandoned again.

Turns out, Ole is an absolute love of a dog who hasn’t met anyone he doesn’t like. He’s great with kids and cats and squirrels (cats! squirrels!), and is a boisterous, but good friend to his fellow ODH buddy, who is somewhat less interested in spooning than Ole is. Spooning is the best! Ole loves to snuggle and wiggle and stretch out his wake-up routine as long as possible with belly rubs and kisses on the nose, before he finally gets up and plops himself down in the kitchen to act as roadblock/stray food catcher. He knows he’s going to get fresh-cooked chicken and veg and medication for his arthritis and joints, so he can then get and about in the neighborhood–which he’s learning is a very good place.

And the beach! While his mom is careful to limit the activities that can stress his knees, she’s hopeful that his swimming skills will improve as he finds his confidence….after all, there’s nothing better than a Labrador in the water. Because of your support of Old Dog Haven, this salty old Viking gets to be the puppy he is in his golden years: very joyful, a bit naughty, and a complete delight to have around.

Update:  After a sudden illness, Ole’s mom had to say good bye to her very special boy.  He was quite a character and his Final Refuge Mom gave him the very best end of life a pup could have.  Ole, you will truly be missed and you were larger than life!