Odette was always going to make sure she stayed. From Grace and Leo’s first litter, I had not planned on keeping any pups, unless there was a boy who reminded me of Leo. I would stay open and see how the pups developed. Though, when that night came, and Grace went into labour, it was the start of our next era. Odette was the first pup born, of our first litter and my heart felt full in a way I didn’t know existed. The world around us disappeared. It was a magical moment. Then came Teddy and instantly I felt connected to these two pups. Grace had 9 beautiful, healthy pups in a smooth labour, and I fell in love with all of them, of course, but somehow I felt something special toward these first two. After a busy night, I looked at a tired but content mum with her beautiful babies and said…we might need to keep two…

Grace was a perfect mum, and after some recovery and sleep all around, I came to my senses and said, no, two pups is a silly idea. I will see how the litter grows and if I find the right fit, we may choose to keep one puppy. Because Teddy looked like an image of his dad from day 1, I had my eye on him. As the weeks passed, I was sure it would be him I kept. The pups were all healthy, happy and hilarious, I loved them all.

At around 5 weeks old, Odette’s personality really started standing out to me. The little wild child she was. So much sass and attitude with her siblings, a boldness to her, and also this tenderness that melted like butter when she was in your arms. I couldn’t get her off my mind. Meanwhile her brother Teddy, was steady, easy going and calm, just like his dad. It was impossible to choose who would be a better fit for our family. The weeks passed, and I couldn’t make a decision before 8 weeks. I decided I’d need more time to see how they mature to make such an important decision. A few more months, obviously stronger connections developed, but it broke my heart to think of losing either of them. They were two completely different dogs and I loved them both. We had the space, being on a property and always having extra malinois puppies or guest dogs coming and going. I worked with dogs all day and ran my business from home. Teddy and Odette were already coming everywhere with me, Leo and Grace. They already fit in, like they had always been there. Why couldn’t I make it work? I knew all the reasons why I shouldn’t keep two puppies, and kept trying to talk myself out of it, but deep down, all I could come back to, was, it just felt right. And it was. I look back at all we went through during those years, and am so grateful that I trusted my gut and kept my girl Odette around. She has been a light in the darkness, my healing, sweet, opinionated, loving, tender little badass. And although she has many similarities to her mum Grace, she exudes this ‘all knowing’, like her dad, Leo.

Odette is basically the boss around here. Small but mighty, she has a hold of everyone she meets. She believes she knows best, will terrorise her brother when they’re sprinting around, has the devil in her eye when she’s up to no good, has an intense focus when herding, is very calculated in her training and is the biggest cuddle bug on the planet. She likes food, toy, training and has a strong work ethic for the ball.

One of Odette’s nick names is Milkin’ Fine, because she will milk anyone she loves for cuddles and affection. It’s gentle and subtle, but she will insert herself into your lap when you’re not looking and peer deep into your soul until you give her pets and adoration. She acts innocent but knows exactly what she’s doing.

Odette was always meant to stay.