One-year-old Kelpie Cross Odin was rescued by Dogs Trust as a six-month-old pup through the charity’s Chance of a Lifetime scheme (COAL). The scheme rescues dogs from council pounds in Northern Ireland, transferring them within the UK to one of the charity’s 21 rehoming centres for adoption.   

Odin was transferred to Scotland to Dogs Trust West Calder, where he was very lucky to be spotted by Dogs Trust Volunteer Coordinator Garry Lee. Garry already owned a rescue Kelpie Cross, 13-year-old Sonic, so as an experienced owner of the breed, he knew what was involved in caring for the excitable youngster.  

Garry, who lives in West Calder and has worked for Dogs Trust for 16 years, said: 

“Even at six-months old, Odin was a big dog, and I knew that he would be a handful for any potential adopter. I was worried he might be a difficult dog to rehome, so I decided to offer him a home. Even for someone with experience of the breed, he was a challenge for the first four months. He was very destructive in the house, and his house training took a long time. But as he neared his first birthday, he turned a corner, and he has become an amazing dog full of life and eager to please.  

“Last summer we went on holiday in the campervan to Orkney, and he loved every minute of it, from travelling on a ferry, to meeting new people and exploring Scotland. We have another holiday planned to the Islands of Lewis and Harris this year. 

“On his first trip on the train, he travelled to Edinburgh to the Postcode Lottery’s head office for an event. I was worried he might be stressed being in a busy city, but he took it all in his stride. He loved all the fuss and attention he received from all the staff in the office, and he made sure to say hello to everyone. He was a star. Sonic really enjoys Odin’s company, and he’s very much part of the family now.  We couldn’t imagine life without him.” 

Dogs Trust has been able to help dogs like Odin thanks to the generous support of Postcode Lottery players, who have raised over £30 million for the charity, helping care for over 125,000 dogs since funding began in 2014. 

The charity is celebrating reaching this milestone fundraising total after 12 years of support, which has helped provide essential daily care for dogs cared for at 21 rehoming centres across the UK. As well as helping dogs find a new home, funding from Postcode Lottery players has helped Dogs Trust’s dedicated teams including, training, behaviour and welfare specialists, fostering and volunteer co-ordinators, and many more, to help thousands of dogs find their forever homes.  

Susan Tonner, Centre Manager at Dogs Trust, said:

“We were delighted when Garry adopted Odin, as he couldn’t have found a more perfect home. It’s wonderful to hear how Odin is now living his very best life with Garry, living with his new brother Sonic and holidaying in a campervan in the Isles of Scotland. It’s thanks to support from Postcode Lottery players who have raised such an incredible amount over the years, that we are able to continue caring for dogs like Odin. We couldn’t achieve what we do without this support.” 

Laura Chow, Head of Charities at Postcode Lottery, said: 

“It’s amazing that players have raised over £30 million for Dogs Trust. This funding has transformed the lives of thousands of dogs just like Odin, who are now happy and safe in their forever homes thanks to the Dogs Trust team. Their incredible work continues to give pups in need a second chance at the love and care they deserve.” 

Dogs Trust currently has hundreds of dogs in its care, who are ready to meet someone like you.  Dogs Trust West Calder is open to the public five days a week, and you don’t need an appointment to visit, see dogs looking for homes, get advice or apply to adopt.