After many years of living without a dog, my husband told me he really wanted one. I said "yes" but with some restrictions. The dog would have to come from our local, no-kill shelter. The shelter has only one paid employee and depends on volunteers for walking the dogs and everything else. I also said I did not want a puppy nor a big dog. I wanted a calm dog. I thought it would take my husband a long time to find such a dog. He found one very quickly. After seeing my husband hold that dog in a sitting position, I stroked the side of his head and said, "Will you be a good dog for us?" I immediately felt his longing for us to take him home. We named him "Simon." Actually, that was the name I selected. Simon was approximately 3 years, weighed 18 pounds, and we were told he was a mix of Basenji and Fox Terrier. He was ill when we brought him home and a trip to the vet's made him well. He eventually weighed 22 pounds and that was just right for him. He was the most wonderful dog! Simon was so loving. A friend of ours who never allows pets in her home asked one Christmas if we brought Simon would he bother her Christmas tree and all of the antique toys under it. I told her he would not. Simon was a hit with everyone that Christmas and all other visits. We always said the Basenji part made him smart and the Fox Terrier, sweet, cute, and loving. We always had Simon's rug and water bowl and many "Itty Bitty" treats. I gave those to a woman who had dogs of her own and she surprised all of us by putting one in her mouth and kneeling to Simon's level and he took it from her, very gently. Simon just loved everyone so much. We were fortunate to have Simon for 10 years, 4 months, and 13 days. I miss him every day, but am older now and we want to travel until we cannot. Best of luck to all who help these dogs who long for a good home. With all good wishes, @joybringer1