An Oregon dog had 200-plus reasons to take it easy this week. Instead, he’s back to work.

Odin, the sympathy-inducing K-9 from the Coos County Sheriff’s Office, returned to patrol duties Wednesday after a weekend run-in with a porcupine placed the pooch in the national limelight.

Odin had been searching for a suspect Saturday when he encountered the porcupine. The German Shepherd took more than 200 quills to the head and body, including several inside his mouth and two more near his left eye.

The K-9 spent several hours under sedation at an animal hospital. But, by Wednesday, he was deemed ready to return.

“Back at work tonight!” the dog’s Facebook page read. “Thanks everyone for the thoughts and prayers! Let’s get back to keeping our community safe! ❤️Odin”

An accompanying photo showed Odin lying on the ground, tongue out, in front of his patrol vehicle.

He appeared ready to spend his night working like a dog.

Odin the K-9 returned to work April 24, 2019, four days after a porcupine incident pierced the pooch with more than 200 quills.

-- Brad Schmidt

bschmidt@oregonian.com

503-294-7628

@_brad_schmidt