Picture a dog on a couch. Picture of contentment, right? Now picture the couch in the yard of a house, and the dog chained to it as his family packs up and leaves him behind.

Neighbors were concerned about the dog on the couch. He had no food, no water, no shelter from the cold and the rain ... and--no matter how long he waited--nobody coming home to him. He was filthy and starving, confused and scared and utterly alone.

What struck us most about Hemingway's predicament was not the heartlessness of the family who left him behind, but this sweet dog's instant willingness to trust and love again. Proving (yet again!) that old adage: To err is human, to forgive, canine.

We named him Hemingway because we wish him a much more beautiful and poetic road ahead. He's a happy guy who loves people and playtime. He gets along great with other dogs. He can climb fences, so will do best with a privacy fence, dedicated walkers, or a family that will supervise his outings. He's young (estimated birthdate March 2008), healthy and very, very sweet natured.

This dog has so much love to give-he just needs a lucky family to give it to. Could it be you?  Stop by to meet Hemingway during STAF adoptions on Thursday's from 6:00-8:00pm or Saturday's from 1:00-4:00pm.