When our daughters were per-kindergarten, my wife and I decided to get them a dog as it would help teach responsibility and patience. They were attracted to a pic of a Dalmation at the local animal shelter. We arrived at the shelter to learn that they had received the dog from a man stating that the shelter would accept the dog or he would shoot it.
Buster always walked crooked as if he was out of alignment. He had scars all over his puppy body, and one ear that was shredded.
He was an exceptionally Ugly Dog.
I've had Setters, Labs and mutts, but never one as intelligent, gentle, and dedicated.
Buster died 11 years later.
I hope that I am as good a man as he was a dog.