This photo, taken by Maria in the parking lot of a Burger King outside of Brattleboro, Vt., was the first picture of Bud taken after he got off of that giant tractor trailer truck, loaded with rescue dogs from the deep south.

We brought a crate to put Bud in for the 90 minute drive, but I decided to put him in my lap where he sat without moving for the entire journey. I had the sense we did some bonding on that drive, he just lay his head down and looked out the window, he never moved.

I remember turning to Maria and saying, “this is a dog with a broke spirit. I hope we can bring him back.” Bud’s head looked enormous on top of his very thin body. He had just finished months of heartworm and other treatments. He was just a wreck.

Bud had been in that truck for more than 24 hours, and I can only imagine how draining that journey must have been for a dog. All of the other dogs came bounding off the truck, tails wagging, eager and happy to meet their new people.

Bud had to be dragged down the ramp by leash, he was shaking all over and wouldn’t look directly at us. I picked him up and carried him to the car – he was still shaking, he seemed to accept what was happening to him but expecting nothing good from it.

My heart sinks looking at this photo, there was no spark in his eyes, just a weary resignation, a kind of surrender to life. I wondered if we hadn’t gotten in over our heads. Could we really bring this dog to life?

I had really never known or had a dog who seemed so spent, so broken. The border collies are all so spirited and enthusiastic. How would this little guy far on the farm?

Over the next weeks and months, I was able to piece together more of what had happened to him. He had been abandoned in a small metal pen out of doors in the South Arkansas woods, his pen was exposed to the sun and the weather, his penmates died of exposure.

Worried neighbors called Friends Of Homeless Animals and they came and bought Bud for $150. Under the loving care of Carol Johnson, an angel, he needed and received months of treatment for heartworm, exposure and malnutrition. His care cost more than $1,000 I was happy to pay.

I came across the photo of Bud on his arrival last night and I knew I had to write about it.

Bud was the saddest dog I have ever known when I met him that day.  He seemed to have given up. It is a great joy to see this feisty and spirited creature take command of our farm, he clearly sees it as his now. His spirit has come back, and then some.

When I saw the picture I picked him and held him for a while. Long journey, Bud, welcome  home. Bud is as happy as a dog can be here, we call him the Little King.

I think I need to look at this photo every time I yell at him for chasing chickens or eating poop.