Every pup is kind, but two-year-old, spayed Charlotte is especially kind. Every pup enjoys movement, outdoor smells, and companionship, but Charlotte appreciates those blessings more than most. Charlotte’s beloved person died. Just a pup, Charlotte made herself into a support animal, the friend her person needed. Charlotte ignored her own wants. Pups are like that.

However, Charlotte’s nobility and her future were ignored by her deceased person’s family. Charlotte’s “reward” was going to the shelter. There, people learned how special the golden-brown, masked pup is. She loves cats, dogs, and kids. And she smiles continuously if someone takes her for a walk.

Charlotte has shown every reason that she should be loved. She was unlucky that only one member of her former family ever recognized that.

Nugget must be the most adaptable cat in the shelter. It hasn’t been by choice. Nugget, a gorgeous, neutered, aristocratic, golden boy, was born indoors. He was handled early and learned to enjoy people. His people enjoyed Nugget, but not enough. When they moved, they left Nugget, sitting in the rain, by the curb, with other unwanted trash.

A neighbor saw the soaked, shivering kitten and took him in. Nugget nearly died, but, with help from the Friends of the Shelter, that family nursed him. Nugget joined the perpetually changing family. He adjusted to divorce, child custody changes, marriage, new children and new pets of every species.

When the family lost their home, Nugget would have adjusted again. However, the family’s landlord wouldn’t allow it.

There’s a song titled, “The Things I did for Love.” Mobley, a handsome, social with all species, Australian Cattle Dog/Blue Heeler, showed up in neighborhood where no one had ever seen him. The two-year-old boy had taken the risk of straying down Dry Ridge’s busiest main street to visit other dogs, probably females, probably as a hopeful gentleman caller.

Yet, Mobley forgets about looking for love when he’s with people. He knows commands; he reads a room, charming both people and other dogs; and he demonstrates that he has his breed’s mind-boggling intelligence. Mobley is happy simply being a human’s companion.

Now Mobley’s neutered, vaccinated and ready to be an even more perfect, brilliant best friend. And Mobley has a chance at a longer life.

Eight-month-old Pluto, like most beings who grow up in big families, gets along with everyone. He’s socially well-adjusted, not a hide-under-the-bed kitten. And, Pluto is used to waiting his turn, for food, for love. Still, Pluto must confess that, at times, he did long for a bit more attention, more time on a lap.

His family understood. They had too many cats. They knew Pluto, an exceptionally sweet and gentle boy, deserved to be noticed more, to be appreciated as the special kitten he was.

Now, Pluto has been vaccinated and neutered at the ideal time, the time of life when he’ll maintain his kitten charms forever. Pluto, who’s waiting in his ebony coat and white ascot, is ready to be the perfect lifelong companion.