Not What I Had In Mind. ARF!

Meet a puppy. Eight weeks old, abandoned at a bus stop, taken to a veterinarian who passed it onto a pet foster parent who passed it onto a co-worker of Karen's.

I swear every vet in the county has our phone number on their "Suckers" speed-dial.

Breed: mutt, definitely some wire-haired terrier in the mix.

Weekend trial: passed.

We weren't looking for a puppy, especially so soon after losing our old cat Rose. Honestly, I was anticipating a nice stretch of poopless, peeless, barfless luxury. Then I looked into this face:

Danger: Do not stare directly into the puppy's eyes.

Cuteness aside, this may be the smartest, best-tempered dog I've ever encountered. She instinctively fetches and heels: drops the ball right at your feet and trots at your side, no training. Show her something two or three times and she gets it. Sociable but without psycho separation anxiety. I may not have sought a pup but after taking her for a test spin doubted I'd never find another like her, so we figured you've got to accept opportunities as they come.

Potential name: Riley.

I'll keep you posted.

Helping out at the office. In case I need some artwork chewed up or peed on.