It seems that four months is the magic number at the PLF House, as Otis has officially found his way out of my life and into someone else’s… forever!
To be honest, I’ve had a lot of wonderful inquiries about Otis over the last four months, but none of them were the right fit. For many, there were obvious reasons why it wouldn’t work out, but for others it just wasn’t a good match. I knew Otis wouldn’t attach to anyone new right away, especially during a brief adoption visit, but the way he was so closed down around potential adopters started getting me worried. Until we met R.
R emailed me one day after seeing Otis on the MCHS website, and even though he was a bit different from the exact mold I had dreamed up for Otis initially, I had a good feeling about him and his situation so I put him through the tests. You fosters know what I’m talking about – the rigorous discussions where you try to talk potential adopters out of your dog, and if they’re still interested then you know you’ve got a good one! R wasn’t put off by any of Otie’s “quirks” so we set up a met and greet.
That meeting is what sold me on this pair. Otis loved R. It was the most affection I’ve seen Otis display towards any new stranger, ever. I was relieved that I wasn’t the only one who felt good vibes from the visit when I later found an excited email from R in my inbox about moving forward with the adoption process. The following days consisted of a long, serious talk between R and one of our adoption counselors about how to make Otie the happiest dog he can be for the rest of his life, another visit between Otis and R that went beautifully, and a few dozen more emails answering questions and brainstorming ideas on how to ease the transition. We wanted to make sure we had as many bases covered as possible.
Finally, all the paperwork was signed and Otie was officially R’s. R came to pick Otis up from work and that’s when all the goodbye butterflies set in. I couldn’t believe he was actually leaving – after so many failed adoptions and failed applications, Otis had finally found the perfect home? That was a tough one to swallow. But R is going to already seems to love him just as much as I do, plus it helps that he works from home (jackpot!!) and has a huge yard for Otis to run around in. It was tough to watch Otie walk out to R’s car that day, but I knew there was nothing but a happy life waiting for him.
R has been very kind in sending me frequent updates which have put my worries at ease. It seems that while the transition was understandably a little difficult for Otis, he is finally settling into his new life (insert BIG sigh of relief here). I am sure he will be attached to R’s hip in no time, if he isn’t already!
It’s been a long road for this one, but Honey Bunches of Otis is finally home.


Hooray! Great news! You always know it’s ‘meant to be’ when a normally closed off dog responds to a potential adopter right away :)
Oh, that is such happy news!!! I am so, so happy for Otis and for R. I hope Otis has a great life in his forever home. I also hope we get some updates once in a while. :)
Tears of happiness for Otis! I have grown quite attached to the little fella and will sure miss the daily blogs about him, but this is what fostering is about and I am so happy he now has his forever home. Looking forward to your next foster!
i second this completely!
Happy tears for Otis today! I have grown such an attachment to him over the last few months reading your awesome blog! So glad Otis has found his forever home with R! It’s a good day.
A lump in my throat for what has been and what will come for Otis. God Bless you and your loving heart. So thankful Otis has found his furever home. Can’t wait to see what’s next in store for you….
I will miss posts about this big guy…..please encourage R to keep you/us updated on his adjustment. They both look so happy in your pictures. Having just adopted my forever baby in May I am so excited for them to experience all the wonderful firsts and to develope a close relationship just like the I have with my girlfriend.
And of course I want to thank you for your generosity of time and especially heartfelt love for these blockheaded dogs that we all love so ferociously. After the devastaing news from Miami last night and the stalemate in Annapolis I have been feeling quite down…..your post lifted my spirits and proves that our fight will continue.
Thank you.
Aaaahhhhh! I’m so happy for Otis! And you! And R! Well done. I found myself crying at the image of watching you watch Otis go out to the car. That would kill me. In fact, I’m going to start fostering my first dog in a couple weeks and I’m anticipating that very moment. But what a service you’re doing for animal kind. Keep it up and THANK YOU!
So Happy to hear Otis was adopted, what a great story. Thanks for sharing his adventures with us.
Oh my goodness! I didn’t think I’d get this upset but it is in a good way and sad way! I am so happy for Otis and R! I wish those two the best! I am going to miss Otis so much so I cannot imagine how “difficult” this is for you Juliana. I am just sitting here with tear’s streaming down my face..tear’s of joy plus I am kinda sad too. Does that make sense?? I just loved Otis and I know he will be great with R. Thank you and God bless you for all you did for Otis. You are an angel! I hope we get update’s too from R…it would be great to see Otis in his new home and to see what he is up to! Have a great day everyone! xoxo
This fills my heart with so much love! I am so happy for Otis! I hope R will continue to let us in on Otis’ journey! He is such a special dog! Great job foster momma!
That it awesome! I’m so happy to hear that Otis has found his forever home. I loved reading about Otis & I hope that you’ll be able to keep us updated on his new life with R. Congrats to R & Otis…it looks like they will be the best of friends. :)
Way to go Mr Otis. I will miss seeing you. I know you will have a great life.
I am proud of you J. Big Bruno
Hooooooooooooooooray!!!!!!!!!! Looks like Otis and his new dad are a great fit! Congrats to Otis (and YOU)!
How is it possible to become attached to a dog i’ve never met? I am so happy for all of you. Juliana, you did an amazing job making Otis into a well known pup, in addition to getting him ready for his forever home. Congratulations on this bitter sweet ending. Keep us posted!
Oh, yeah!!!!! It’s all about the right fit.
Oh my gosh Juliana I am so so happy for Otis. It sounds like he really did hit the jackpot as you say. Huge yard and his new dad works from home?! What more could a dog ask for?! I’m gushing to myself as I read this. You should be so, so proud of yourself.
Congrats to all three of you. Good job preparing Otie so well for his forever home, and for waiting for his true dad to be found. Can’t wait to meet the next one. Hopefully as the weather cools off, another pitttie trails will be in the cards. So we can see the newest adoptabull
YAY!!! Tears of joy!!! :-)
well its nice to here that Otis is with his new dad and i hope they have a long life togather i have a red nose pit myself i take my dog out and walk her play with her and the balls she also loves to swim kept them happy and there the best treat them like there your own kids and u have a happy dog
Yay for Ot!!!!! <3 that big guy and I am sooooooo excited for you, R, and of course OTIE!!!!
Awesome, this is such great news! I’m so happy for Otis and R, I’m sure they will have some great adventures together. And, yeah for you too, you did a wonderful job with him!
You did it to me again! It’s crazy because I love following your journey with your foster babies and when I opened up my inbox and read the title for today’s blog I was both happy and teary-eyed before reading the blog. You’re amazing with these dogs and with letting people see all that they are worth especially in times when they can’t do it for themselves. I’m so happy for Otis just as I was for Baxter and YOU are a true inspiration!
That second picture! They look like they belong together.
Welcome home, Otis!!
“missionpawsible” wrote exactly what I was thinking :) Thank you for being so self-less in your love for these wonderful dogs! Big hug!!
Although I’m relatively new to your blog, I have tears of happiness for Otis and you! From what I’ve read you have given Otis so much love and learning opportunities that I was wondering why someone wasn’t scooping him up! But good things come to those who wait. Congrats on making a massive difference in multiple lives!
Everyone has already said it all. Happy tears here for HBO. He was one of the lucky ones to have landed in your arms. I think you’re amazing.
Congrats! Sounds like you found him a great home. I will miss seeing his cute face evry morning, but job well done!
This is wonderful!! Congratulations to Otis’ new best friend! What happy news. I am sure it’s going to be awfully quiet around there with him gone but it’s great to know you found him such a perfect fit.
Congratulations, again! *happy dance*
YAY OTIS!!!!!!! This is such great news! I wish him the best in his new forever life!
-Corbin
Hooray! Though I am going to miss seeing his cute little squishy face! I hope we get updates on him like we do on Baxter.
I’m so happy!
Yea! I hope both new “Dad” and Otis find much joy in their new journey together as a family-
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Woo hoo! Congratulations to Otis! You did so much to help him get there!
I’m glad I got to meet R a couple times during the process. He seems like such a great guy and I think Otis really got just as lucky as R did! I love these win-win situations!
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