Squirrel earned his name by being the cat room’s acrobat and entertainer. The six-month-old, neutered kitten, wearing a dazzling silver coat, races across the room, climbing the cat trees just as fast as any squirrel could climb a spruce tree. One key difference is this little Squirrel really wants an audience. He’s performing to get a human friend’s attention.

Another difference is that, when this feline Squirrel wears out, he doesn’t want a hole to hide in. He desperately wants a lap. Unlike any of his namesakes, Squirrel is a cuddler. He’s seeking affection, not food.

It’s a shame to have this little fellow’s most formative months spent without an owner. With the right person, Squirrel would be encouraged to continue cuddling and entertaining forever.

Aideen was obviously a house pup. The spayed 18-month-old has the perfect manners that everyone who longs for an easy-to-live-with companion wants. She’s housebroken, walks beautifully on a leash, is fastidiously tidy, calm and very quiet. Aideen’s quiet, self-contained nature is worth mentioning because the beautiful, shiny-like-a-new-copper-penny pup looks as if she has some Coonhound relatives.

Because they’ve been bred and trained to loudly lead their owners, sometimes people forget what loyal, loving and easy-going dogs hounds are. Anyone who’s read the book or watched the movie “Where the Red Fern Grows” knows what these amazing pets really are like.

Someone who is touched by Aideen’s soulful, intelligent eyes could look for the book. Or they could come personally experience this wonderful companion’s unforgettable adoration.