When Olivia Boblet began volunteering at the SPCA of Southwest Michigan, she never expected that one dog would capture her heart the instant they met.
His name was Otis, a sweet pup with the most soulful, irresistible eyes. He radiated warmth but carried a story that touched Olivia deeply. His family had been forced to surrender him after a house fire left them relocating to a home where they couldn’t keep him.
During his first few days at the shelter, Otis spent much of his time whining in his kennel. He missed his people and couldn’t understand why they were no longer there.
Helping Otis Transform
Determined to lift his spirits, Olivia and the rest of the shelter team gave Otis as much love and attention as they could. Slowly, he began to brighten up, and daily walks quickly became the highlight of his day.
Whenever Olivia approached his kennel, he would greet her with a wide smile and sparkling eyes.
Outside, he seemed like a completely different dog. Otis loved nothing more than racing around the play yards, bursting with energy and joy. Going back inside, however, was never his favorite part.
“He just wanted to stay out and play and enjoy what a normal dog enjoys. Seeing him get the zoomies and just de-stress and let it all out and be so happy was, I don’t know, it just made me happy because I knew that I was making him happy by going there and taking him outside,” Olivia told GeoBeats Animals.
Olivia grew deeply attached to him. Even at home, she couldn’t stop thinking about him, and the thought of him alone in his kennel often brought her to tears.
Knowing that he was in a caring shelter helped ease her mind, but she longed for him to find his forever family. When a family finally came to meet him, she was torn—happy for the possibility of his adoption but sad at the thought of saying goodbye.
Unfortunately, the adoption fell through, and Olivia was there to comfort him. She took him out for another walk, reminding him he wasn’t alone.
Every Day Was An Adventure
Olivia’s own family, as well as her boyfriend’s family, had all heard about Otis and how much she loved him. They came to meet him, too, and Otis basked in all the affection she showered on him.
Their time together was filled with happy memories, but one moment stood out to Olivia the most.
“I’ll never forget, two months into knowing him I took him outside and it was like after a rainy day. So the play yards were kind of muddy. And he got the zoomies and he accidentally ran into me and swept me off my feet. I landed straight on my back and I was so embarrassed. I got up, I’m like looking around making sure nobody saw it, but he was just so happy,” she recalled.
Olivia dreamed of adopting him herself, but her living situation at the time didn’t allow it. She hoped that by the time she moved in June 2023, he might still be waiting.
Otis Goes To A Forever Family
In May 2023, Otis met a wonderful family who instantly fell for his charm and bright smile. They knew he was the one and decided to adopt him.
Before leaving, he said his farewells to the shelter staff and to Olivia—the volunteer who had brought so much happiness into his days.
Although she wished she could have been the one to give him a forever home, Olivia was overjoyed to see him so loved. Now, Otis spends his days snuggled in his cozy bed, getting goodnight kisses from his parents and two human sisters who adore him.
His new mom shares updates with Olivia, and every photo and message fills her heart. Seeing Otis thriving with his family is the happy ending she always wanted for him.