Bud is a happy ending.

We figure Bud suffered enough in his two years of abandonment out in the cold and heat in Southern Arkansas. Bud’s pen mates – there was no roof – all died of exposure or starvation. Neighbors called Friends Of Homeless Animals (FOHA) and the rescue group bought him for $150.

It cost another $1,000 to get Bud well, he suffered from exposure, malnutrition, heartworm and skin infections. His fur was almost gray when he came, and he was terrified of any sudden movement.

More than a year later, Bud is a happy, spirited and comfortable dog, healthy and feisty and much loved. He loves to doze by the fire (above photo) and at night, he can usually be found curled up next to Maria on a couch.

He loves the wood stove, but he also finds a spot on the carpet when the sun comes through the window and shines on it.

He has a riotous new pal and playmate in Zinnia, who adores him, the two wrestle often and play tug-of-war. More and more, Zinnia is winning, she is four or five times Bud’s size, but Bud never quits or backs down.

He is a character, loyal, affectionate and fearless. We make it a point to see that he is never hot or cold.