We went to the local SPCA where there were several dogs up for adoption. The others were barking for attention but when we got to Brinx's cage he just looked over his shoulder sadly. He'd been there nine months; he obviously had no expectations anymore. I knelt down and called his name and he got up, picked up his tennis ball and tried to push it through cage bars. My heart melted. That was the beginning. And he has been with us for four wonderful years.