• Leah Needs a Home

Meet Leah. This beagle mix is no spring chicken and she comes with—as they say in the singles ads—"a few extra pounds," but she's a sweet, friendly dog who deserves a loving home.

Lucky Dog Animal Rescue thinks Leah is between 8 and 10 years old, and suspects she was used as a breeder in a puppy mill. I volunteered as a handler at today's Lucky Dog event and felt lucky (so to speak) to care for her.

When people approached, Leah wagged her tail and arched forward, eager to be petted. When I stroked her, she practically melted into my hand. She especially liked children. Though stout, she trotted all around PetSmart, her nose twitching. (I brought a chair because one of my knees is bothering me, but I barely had a chance to sit!)

I was impressed with her temperament. She pretty much ignored other dogs sniffing her and yawned when one of the large males attempted to mount her. And she never made a sound.

I was disappointed that gentle Leah didn't find her "fur-ever" home, although 20—yes, 20!!!—dogs were adopted today. If you live in the D.C. area and are "kind of–not sure–maybe" thinking about getting a dog, go online to see photos and profiles of available Lucky Dog dogs (and cats).

P.S.: Two Leahs are online: "my" Leah and Leah the Lab.