Artie was found on the street, was adopted out twice from a rescue center, then returned to the rescue center twice because he "couldn't bond with the husband". He'd clearly been kicked around by a male early in his life, since most men terrified him. He spent his first two weeks with us hiding under the bed, then for two years he wouldn't come when my husband called him. Now, when it's cuddle-on-the-bed time, he runs right into my husband's arms. He was 17 lbs when we got him, now he's a healthy 23 lbs--but he thinks he's a big dog. For most of his years with us he has shown a mixture of bravado and fear: he went after an 80 lb hybrid coyote on our property and almost was killed--the vet based the coyote's size on the bite marks on Artie, who healed up nicely. Then one time my husband played some scary sounding music on the piano and Artie got so scared he peed. Artie is a smart, sweet, complicated dog, and we adore him. He has been with us for twelve years now and is happy and healthy. He smiles and does a little dance when it's walk or hike time, but he doesn't like having his picture taken, so he always looks very serious in photos. His best buddy Ruby, also found on the streets a few years after Artie, adores Artie too.

Susan
Nashville, TN