An unbearable existence
When volunteer investigators from the 30 Millions d’Amis Foundation arrived at a property in Pas-de-Calais, northern France, they discovered a heartbreaking scene. Two dogs, Odin and Tonnerre, were living a miserable existence. They had been separated by their owner, who claimed they did not get along.
Their reality was appalling. Odin, an eight-year-old American Staffordshire Terrier, was constantly tied up outside with no proper shelter to protect him from the weather. Meanwhile, Tonnerre, a young eighteen-month-old Husky, was shut away inside, completely deprived of daylight. “They were living in their own waste” and did not even have any water, reported one volunteer.
A tense but decisive rescue
With the support of the police, the charity's team began talks to free the two animals. The situation was tense, as their owner refused to cooperate. “He accused us of theft and threatened us,” explained one of the investigators.
Showing great determination, the volunteers finally secured the official surrender of both dogs. It was an immense relief for Odin and Tonnerre, who followed their rescuers without hesitation. “They were just so happy to get out of there,” said one of those involved in the rescue. A new chapter was about to begin for them.
Two destinies, the same hope
Once safe, the young and energetic Tonnerre was lucky enough to be adopted quickly by a loving family. It was a happy ending that made everyone's hard work worthwhile.
For Odin, the journey is a little longer. He arrived very underweight and weak, requiring extensive veterinary care. Now completely transformed, he has put on weight and regained his confidence. The shelter describes him as “an absolute sweetheart with people!”
This gentle giant is now waiting for a family who can offer him a peaceful retirement, preferably as the only dog. His future owner will need to hold a keeping permit—a simple formality to change the life of this big-hearted dog.