Paco Finds a Friend.

One of the things I feel very strongly about is the adoption of animals from animal shelters. There's no sugar coating the fact that there are millions of dogs and cats in America's shelters that need homes. Paco, the dog in this picture, is one of those dogs. Sure, he's got a bit of an attitude problem, and at times, can be quite the handful, but he finally found an owner that loves him for who he is. You see, Paco was abandoned, and subsequently returned to the shelter four times before he found his permanent home at the age of 6. There were those that brought him home, and then quickly brought him back because of his finicky attitude. Then he met the owner that changed his life. Sure, it took almost a year, but now - he finally trusts someone and loves them enough to be held, to be loved, and to know that he is safe in her arms. I snapped this candid shot when I was least expecting to take a photo, but I think that love and respect between owner and pet was captured.