Bo was found as a stray, protecting and helping to feed another stray, a small white puppy we named Tessie who we assume had been recently orphaned. He was a surrogate mother to Tess, though he was not much more than a puppy himself at the time. Bo would go around and beg for food, which he would then bring back for Tessie. But most of the people he would beg for food from kicked and otherwise abused him. The volunteers that found them tried to leave food and water out for them but those would always get knocked over by passersby. By the time the volunteers had managed to find a place they could take the 2 strays to, Bo had been so starved and beaten that he could no longer move. There was gum in his hair and an open stab wound. Even as frightened and in as much pain as he had to have been, Bo's highest priority was that Tessie was taken care of too. When he was taken in for medical treatment, he cried until Tess was found and reunited with him.

Tessie has since been adopted, and Bo is in our foster care until he finds his own forever home. He is every bit as sweet, loving, and just plain delightful as I knew he would be when I first heard his story, and I feel very fortunate that we have had this opportunity to get to know such an amazing dog.

We're not exactly sure what breed Bo is, but the majority of opinions we've received, including from the people at our local animal hospital, have been brindle australian shepherd/airedale terrier mix. He's more part sheep, mostly teddy bear to me. His coat is extremely curly and he's an interesting brindle color. His tail is a little nub that lightly shakes back and forth. His ears are a bit lopsided, his paws point outward, and the pigmentation at the bottom of his eyes are different colors. Plus he runs funny. It all makes for the most interesting-looking (and to me, most adorable) dog around. He is approx 1.5 years old and weighs only 45 lbs, a small body for such a big heart.

Bo is a goofy, yet endearing dog, both in looks and in personality. Funny little sounds come out of him when he's playing and sleeping, and it's always a sight when I find him sleeping upside down with his paws sticking up in the air. He's just the kind of dog that you love to watch and hug because everything about him, the way he moves, the expression on his face, the honking-grunting noises he makes, down to his curly hair, makes you want to smile. He's a happy boy, and while I'm certain he hasn't forgotten his past, it hasn't chipped away at his spirit.

Bo is a very pliable dog--not stubborn at all, and his temperament is very even. He may instinctively jump a little at new sights and sounds but he gets over it almost immediately. He's eager to please which makes training easier. Bo is crate-trained, but he occassionally barks when left alone. A firm "no" will get him to quiet down. He sleeps in his crate in our bedroom at night and has never made a peep. Bo is good on leash and though not solid yet, has learned "sit," "down," and "over" surprisingly quickly. Bo is also house-trained but may need a refresher course in his new environment. He should also be watched in the beginning to make sure he doesn't mark as he gets used to all the new scents. Bo also rides well in a car.

Bo is very good-natured and loves to cuddle. He gives soft licks and takes treats out of my hand with gentleness. He allowed me to give him a bath without struggling at all, and he doesn't mind letting me play dress-up with him. He was a total sweetie during his vet visits, always tolerant and winning several hearts. At his previous foster home, he slept in bed with a 10-year old boy every night who reported that sometimes Bo would wake him up in the middle of the night by nibbling on his toes. Bo also likes to receive pets from the neighborhood school boys when they see him in the front yard with me. Bo loves to play with other dogs. It might take him a couple of days to warm up to them, but warm up he does! I don't know that he is ready for an entire dog-park full of dogs, but he is certainly dog-friendly.

Bo is a very sweet and lovable dog, but that doesn't mean he's perfect and won't need some training. Because Bo is still so young, boundaries will need to be reinforced with him so that he understands what is acceptable behavior and what isn't.

Bo is so far adjusting very well to life without his old companion. I think that as he becomes more comfortable in his new environment, his buoyant and playful nature will become more pronounced. He's still very young so it's imperative that he continues to receive the proper amount of discipline so that he understands what is expected of him. We ask that Bo be an indoor dog because he is very social and bonds quickly.

Bo has incurred over $700 in medical expenses alone and is worth every penny and more. If you would like to make a tax-deductible contribution to help pay for these costs, please send to: GEPDA, 1629 Montrose Way, San Jose, CA 95124. Please note "Bo Fund" with your payment. No amount is too small, and every penny goes a long way for a very good cause.

Bo has a tremendous amount of affection and devotion to offer. It is difficult for me to imagine him spending all those months caring for another, because Bo himself has such a vulnerability about him and is quite child-like. That he was willing and able to do that speaks volumes about his heart and his courage. Despite such a harsh beginning in life, he has retained his gentleness, good nature, and willingness to trust. We hope to find someone that will protect him, nurture him, and treat him with the kindness he deserves as well as someone who understands the importance of continued socialization, proper training, and good old-fashion exercise. He would do quite well in a household with or without other dogs. He has known a lot of love here with us and the only way we could bear parting with him is by knowing that he'll be equally loved in his forever home.

Life thus far has been an incredible and not always happy journey for Bo. He served as a guardian angel to another, now we hope to find one for him. Bo is a playful, huggable, incredibly endearing dog. Brighten up his life with your love and he will undoubtedly blind you with his.