Hi, Tracie. I spoke to you on the air today from Atlanta, GA. My dog Smokey was adopted from a no-kill shelter in the Atlanta area, called PAWS of Atlanta, where I am now a volunteer. Someone found her abandoned on Interstate 20, along with another, much younger dog, about a year and a half ago. It appeared that Smokey was watching over the younger dog (Smokey was about two years old at the time). The person that found them already had two dogs, so he found a no-kill shelter and brought them there. The younger one was adopted fairly quickly, but Smokey had really bad mange and very little hair left. They kept her at PAWS for ten months, and cured the mange. I went there about eight months ago looking for a beagle, and walked out with Smokey on the end of my leash. She is the best dog I've ever owned, perfectly trained, and everyone loves her. How lucky is that, for both of us? Please share this with your readers.

From: Bob, in Atlanta, GA

Dear Bob,

What I hope people take away from your phone call to DOG TALK, and your email, is that shelters are full of beautiful, loving, well-behaved dogs who can easily put any expensively-purchased puppy to shame in those areas. I salute all the volunteers, doctors, and vet techs (you included!) who work every day of the year to buy time for wonderful pooches like Smokey, in hopes they get a second chance. Thanks to you all, from the bottom of my heart

Tracie Hotchner