Spock, who’s a nearly grown, ten-month-old, 28-pound, neutered, Husky-small hound mix, knew nothing about the world, about people, about dogs of all shapes and sizes, about leashes. He knew his humans, Mama and 11 littermates. Spock thought that was surely the world. So, Spock believed that he understood life.

Suddenly, when his people decided to get rid of every puppy, Spock’s world changed. At first, the shelter overwhelmed him. Spock was overwhelmed with pain, too. He had a huge chemical burn on his back, probably because someone didn’t know how dangerous over-the-counter flea products can be.

Spock healed, watched and learned. Then he practiced. Now Spock bravely meets people and walks on a leash, sort of. Now Spock needs to learn about love at home.