🐾 O is for “Odin”

✨ A special series highlighting Cotl’s namesake pets ✨

Cotl (pronounced “coddle”) is an acronym for the names of four pets–Charlie, Odin, Thor, and Loki–who supported our founder, Sean, during the most significant stages of his life.

Sean’s relationship with these pets taught him that pets are more than just something we own. They’re family members with their own wants and needs. In this series, we share the story of each of them.

Though he’s been an animal lover since childhood, Sean never felt a close, personal connection with any of the cats his family had. (He much preferred his beloved goats!)

Because of that, he wasn’t expecting much when Odin came into his life as a young adult.

Turns out, he just needed the right cat to bond with…

And that he was actually a cat person all along.

Odin came with expectations

“He immediately was this huge cuddle bug. He was a very calm, relaxed cat, but he was also super affectionate.”

When Sean’s former partner decided he’d like to have a cat, they both had very different expectations.

As a child, his partner had a Siamese mix and enjoyed the bond he felt with a cat breed that’s typically more attentive to humans.

He wanted to experience that connection in his life again.

Sean, on the other hand, never deeply bonded with a cat before, so he let his partner choose which cat they'd welcome into their home.

After finding a Siamese mix at a local shelter, they both made the trip to meet him.

“He was one of those cats where you’d hold him and you’d forget he even had any bones because he’d just become a big puddle.”

Without hesitation, they took their new cat home and gave him a name that perfectly suited his large stature: Odin.

The cat that changed everything

“It's just the kind of cat he was. He wanted to be present and there with you.”

It didn’t take long for Sean to realize Odin was unlike any cat he had ever interacted with before.

Their bond grew naturally, and Sean found himself looking forward to the quiet moments they’d spend in each other’s presence.

“Every morning, he’d be curled up against me or behind my knees. That’s how I’d wake up.”

Those quiet moments actually did more for Sean than he realized at the time.

During law school, he faced many challenges. Throughout the demands of late night study sessions, a heavy work load, and personal and relationship tension, Sean discovered that Odin was the grounding companion he needed.

“Sometimes, I’d be lying on the floor, my mind racing with endless thoughts… And next thing I realized, Odin would be there, laying on my chest. I’m not sure if he was trying to comfort me or if he just enjoyed being close to me, but he would be there for me no matter what.”

With his chin resting on Sean’s chest or arm, the gentle pressure of his warm body helped Sean stay present.

It was like a little reminder that, "hey, everything’s okay right now."

The things that made Odin special

“He became this very comforting presence for me in a way I had never actually experienced before.”

Odin interacted with Sean in ways no other pet had, proving he really could have a bond with a cat.
Cuddling and being held became one of Odin’s favorite pastimes–It meant endless affection from his favorite human.

“The main thing I remember about him is how I’d cradle him like a baby. I would go to pet him and he’d wrap his little paws around my arm, latching on like he was hugging it. He was literally a big ol’ floppy teddy bear.

I think he’d be happy doing that for hours, just walking around being carried like a baby.”

But Odin had an adventurous, playful side too.

Charlie and Koko (Cotl’s “C” namesake and her sister) were two Australian Shepherds who would play like crazy when they were together.

Odin would put himself right into the mix, no fear or worries… Just completely comfortable around the rowdy dogs.

“One time, Charlie was running around the house with this stick and a piece had broken off. Odin went over and was sniffing it, watching Charlie… It was almost like he wanted to play fetch himself.”

And eventually, he did.

After getting a ball with a jingle bell inside, Sean discovered that if he threw it, Odin would actually bring it back.

Those moments of interacting together would only help their connection grow.

Wise beyond his years

“My life at that point felt so uncertain in many ways. But he was just so calming and grounding. He gave me exactly what I needed at that moment…

Things I didn’t even know I needed.”

While many cats run around like crazy (3am zoomies, anyone?), Odin had a more stoic presence.

Sure, he’d be playful and curious, but his demeanor was more chill and attentive than most cats. His comforting presence helped Sean through some of his most difficult moments.

Odin almost seemed wise beyond his years… A young cat providing stability and comfort for his human.

And it was for this very reason that unexpectedly losing him was so devastating.

A tragic and unexpected loss

“I think grief is a very powerful signal of the depth of our connection. The more deeply we experience grief, it shows how truly special and deep the connection was, and can be. Otherwise, we wouldn’t be so sad about it.”

Unfortunately, the special connection between Sean and Odin came to an end far too soon after a devastating encounter with a predatory dog.

Sean lost Odin suddenly, unexpectedly, and tragically one day, after only one and a half years of having him in his life.

The experience was traumatic, having a profound effect on Sean for quite some time after.

“At that time, I was not settled as a person. I was struggling a lot, trying to figure out who I was, going through existential crises.

I think losing him was what made me realize how important and special it is to have loving connection when we're struggling, healing, and growing.”

Though the situation is something he’d never want to experience again, it taught him a lot about grief.

“Sometimes when I talk to people about losing a pet, they almost feel silly or judgmental toward themselves for feeling sad about losing them. I try to give people permission to freely grieve the loss of a pet. The connection we have is very real, and it's immensely painful when they’re gone.”

Becoming one of Cotl’s namesakes

“I feel like cats and I just get each other, and Odin is the reason for that.”

Odin awoke something special inside of Sean.

Since Odin, Sean's welcomed three cats into his home and his heart. His life wouldn’t be complete without them and the unique connection he feels with each of them.

“I very much identify as a cat person now. I just can't imagine my life without a cat, and that’s because of him.”

Even though Odin is gone, his memory continues to live in Sean’s mind.

And though they may be “just” memories, they still bring him back to that state of being: the calm and peace he felt when Odin was by his side.

“I can imagine feeling unsettled and then I see him just sitting there, with his head resting. That peace is something that's stuck with me.”

Ensuring their care, no matter what

When we feel so connected to our pets, it’s hard to imagine what would happen if we were gone.

Would they continue to get the care they need and deserve?

Putting a Cotl plan in place ensures your pet is taken care of, just the way they’re used to, no matter what happens to you.