Twelve-week-old Atlas arrived after his Great Pyrenees mama spent time with an uninvited gentleman caller. No one knows the visitor’s breed, but his puppy is adorable, wearing a pirate’s patch on his white face and floppy ears that give Atlas a forlorn look. Maybe his dad contributed to Atlas’s sweet personality, too.

Of course, right now, having just arrived at the shelter, Atlas also looks and feels frightened. Everything that he knew about the world has changed. Mama, who he thought would always be there, has vanished. So have his people, his bed, his toys. And sounds from other unhappy dogs are all around.

But Atlas is a puppy. He’s meant to love a person. He’ll forget his losses and fears if someone comes soon.