By Kailani Clarke
Elm Staff Writer
In Norse mythology, Thor is the commander of thunder, archetype of strength, and sacred protector of all mankind. His legendary endeavors have weathered centuries. There comes a time in one’s life when his wisdom would be welcome. And while it is inconvenient at best to summon a deity into your life, the inverse of “god” is, of course, “dog.”
A good dog is as steadfast as an oak, and wields the power of the heavens to protect those they love. Thor, this week’s Pet of the Week, is such a canine divine.
Thor is a stunningly handsome Retriever mix who has held court at the Animal Care Shelter for Kent County since the end of February, when he was found as a stray. This length of time is baffling to the staff, because Thor, to put it simply, is effervescent.
Not only is he a fantastic office dog (the kennels are stressful for him, so he has been warming the floor in Volunteer, Education, and Outreach Manager JP Hooker’s workspace), he is housebroken, crate-trained, and knows several commands. He is extremely smart and highly treat-motivated. This offers him great potential for agility work or other specialized training.
Thor adores fetch, and like the hammer of his namesake, will always return to drop a slobbery tennis ball at your feet and beg for another throw.
He hearkens to the old god with his royal air and elegant build. His fur is a rich gold, his eyes gentle, and he sports the adorable quirk of double dewclaws on his back paws.
Despite his regality, Thor is a big teddy bear. He will greet anyone with enthusiastic kisses, and may even throw his paws over your shoulders and hug you while doing so. His “joi de vivre” is infinite.
He relishes everything from car rides to swimming in the play yard’s kiddie pool. And at the end of it all, he is content to curl up quietly with his favorite toy or cuddle somewhere soft.
Yet somehow, he still seeks Asgard. Thor would find his ideal home with an active family with older children. He would do well solo or with other dogs, given proper introductions. All he wishes is to bound through life at his family’s side, braving sea and sky and seeking their shared destiny. Their story, yet unwritten, is bound to become legend too.
If you are interested in adopting Thor, you can fill out an adoption application online or in person at the Animal Care Shelter of Kent County at 10720 Augustine Herman Highway, Chestertown, MD, or call at 410-778-3648.