I must admit, other than tending to their needs when on the job, I often give new dogs merely a fleeting glance. No excuses other than that I simply do not have room in my head nor in my heart to absorb them all personally.

On April 11 we received a young stray of indeterminate breed who was loaded with Demodex mange. It was a busy morning (we were packed with dogs) and she was in the upper isolation area.

As I went down to feed the dogs below, she was cowering in the corner all confused and afraid. I went to put some food in her dish and told her Id be back later, as she was in the area of my duties that day.

When I finally got back to her cage I noticed she had eaten her food and done her duty, which pleased me. I grabbed a leash to put her into a holding area as I cleaned her cage. When I slipped the leash on her she pulled back reluctantly.

Shes a sweet girl, Lennie, but she doesnt like the leash, Lani said from the examining room.

I have to clean her cage, Lani, I replied as I coaxed her into a holding cage.

After cleaning and setting her up with a clean blanket, fresh water, toys and treats, I went to retrieve her. Again she cowered in the corner.

Okay, girl, I said as I put the leash in my pocket. I reached over to pick her up and she just nestled lovingly in my arms. On the way back she licked my hand a few times.

Thank you, girl, I said I told you it would be all right.

I put her back in her cage and went on to other duties, putting her out of my mind, or so I thought. For the rest of the day and that evening I couldnt get her out of my head or my heart, the two places I was trying to avoid.

The next day I was off but I went to the F.H.S. anyway just to see what she was all about. Her name was Jewel, found in the Lake Lanier area, approximately one to two years old with Demodex mange and hook and whip worms.

I curiously checked her breed and saw black and white Potterdale Terrier and Pointer mix. I began laughing.

Who gave her this breed description? I asked.

Angie sheepishly replied, I did.

Its fun trying to figure it out sometimes, isnt it?

I looked in the book, she again replied, and its the closest I could come up with and the black and white spotted legs suggested Pointer.

An Italian kiss for you, I said, gently pinching her cheek. I then went out to spend some time with Jewel.

No walks today, sweetheart, I said as I went in and sat down in her cage. She slowly worked her way to me and nestled in my lap. All that had to be done for Jewel was being done, I just wanted her to know that she was loved.

She is now inside and pretty much ready to be adopted. Slowly but surely her outer beauty is beginning to match her inner beauty. Now when I greet her she trots up to her cage gate with her tail up and wagging. Ill hand her a treat and simply say, I love you, girl.

I love you too, Uncle Lennie, she replies.

Maybe now that Ive told her tale shell move out of my head and heart. Dont bet on it!

Thanks for listening.