Kai is a beautiful, brilliant boy, and the shelter staff is amazed that no one seems to notice that. This well-behaved fellow, with alert, perceptive eyes, one glacier blue, one soulful brown, has been in the shelter longer than any other animal. Yet, puzzlingly, no visitor has even asked to meet the friendly Australian Shepherd – black Labrador one on one.

The volunteers and staff, who’ve not only met but know Kai, adore the three-year-old, housebroken, neutered pup. They love that he remembers them, no matter how long they’ve been away; that he smiles and wags all over to greet them; that he joyfully waits for his walk.

Kai’s waited patiently for any chance to feel joy. Admirably, he never seems to resent so much waiting.