When I first saw Sol, our groomer Karlee was using a device that looked like a plastic spoon with a "V" cut into the bowl, to remove what looked like hundreds of ticks from his hide. He lay placidly on the grooming table, staring into space. Someone had found him on a beach and brought him to us. Turns out he had a raging case of tick fever, and more than once in the ensuing weeks we thought we'd lost him.
Sol's all better now, except for a limp in one hind leg that started when he went out for a walk. Every time I visit him, he immediately rolls onto his back, stretches out and invites me to give him a good rub. His fur is long and silky rather than wooly, his tail feathery, and his face shows some shepherd characteristics, though he's not very big at six months old. A couple of days ago Ian, a 13-year-old who lives nearby, came in and took a shine to Sol, and I was so happy to see that particular dog get some special attention. But Ian can't take Sol home, and will have to settle for walking him around the neighborhood.
We're thinking Sol would be happiest in a home with a fenced yard where he can play (but then, what dog wouldn't?) He's amiable and docile with all other dogs, with adults and children, and when barkfests start up he's never the instigator.
I used to always prefer the smaller breeds, the kind you can scoop up and hold in your lap. But Sol is one of the rescue dogs who has changed my attitude. With the right training and attention he could be a terrific best friend.