Pets Today

"Humans love mystery," Luna countered, licking a paw. "You look like a caffeinated wind-up toy. Try sitting still. Look soulful."

When the woman walked away to find a volunteer, Barnaby looked at Luna. "I did it. I stayed still." "Humans love mystery," Luna countered, licking a paw

The lights in the "Second Chances" shelter usually flickered out at 6:00 PM, leaving the dogs to the rhythmic sound of their own breathing and the distant hum of the city. Look soulful

The next day, a woman with tired eyes and a stained sweatshirt walked in. She didn't head for the puppies or the designer breeds. She walked slowly, her hands tucked into her pockets. The next day, a woman with tired eyes

She reached out a hand. Barnaby didn't bark. He didn't jump. He simply leaned his weight against the chain-link fence, letting the warmth of her fingers press against his forehead.

"You did alright, kid," Luna said, closing her eyes for a nap. "But don't get used to it. Once you get home, I expect you to bark at the mailman at least twice a day. Keep the brand alive."

Barnaby felt the urge to spin. His tail began a frantic thwack-thwack against the plastic floor. But he remembered Luna. He sat. He tilted his head. He tried to look "soulful," even though his ear kept twitching.