If patience is a virtue then 3-year-old Cheeto is a shiny chocolate saint; he recently visited Petco where he disported himself with aplomb; the crowd adored him, and he was just as smitten with them. How this graceful Labrador/American Staffordshire prince turned into a “stray” is a mystery; he welcomes a good romp with his dog playgroup,

Her name’s the Italian word for “beautiful” and lap-sized Chihuahua mix Bella lives up to it and more; one look and you’ll see that her face is exquisitely sensitive, and unlike many of her breed, she’s as calm as a cameo. Her owner gave her up because of financial troubles, but 2-year-old Bella’s rich in social graces;

She was found walking down a road with a shock collar embedded in her neck, but you wouldn’t know it now; our ladylike Beagle Shona’s so well healed she’ll show you her playful side, and she’s the epitome of civilized — perfectly housetrained, quiet and tranquilly affectionate, she’ll lie at your feet lovingly, and shadow you into the next room,

He’ll fetch and return a hundred times, and if his furrowed brow looks worried it’s only because he’s afraid you’ll ask him to share his squeaky toy — it’s the only thing this 7-month-old Jack Russell/Shar-pei mix won’t give; his boyish heart and playful devotion are yours for the asking. Arnie’s the darling of the play yard —

She showcases the spectrum of the Calico rainbow with stunning elegance, but it’s her shyly sweetly nature that’s most amazing; her heart covers every hue of loving tenderness, and her warm slender body can envelope you in serene affection just by holding her. Array was found stray, a small but full grown one-year-old with manners as pristine as her clear,

She’s a pint-sized gift wrapped in tiger-and-white velvet, and she’ll cradle you in a luscious purr that’s bigger than both of you put together. At one year old Vivi’s an ever-pouring fountain of pure contentment — adoring you is what she was born for, and her miniature form makes her ginormous warmth that much more touching.

His name is Canyon and the depth of his Dachshund appeal defies description — the gleam of his black and brown coat is rivaled only by the playful gleam in his eye, and when he runs to you his jubilant spirit reaches you even before his beautifully-built young body. Canyon was turned in by his owner;

She’s named for the goddess of wisdom, courage and inspiration, but our petite retriever/mix Athena embodies these traits easily and blows right by — she’s more a super-charged playmate than a regal entity, and the reality of her down-home affection is so much warmer than any myth. Athena was found stray but she’s already been spayed;

She rolls on her back submissively at first, but then the real Sasha shines through — 30 lbs. of brindle Shepherd/mix beauty, gentle, well-formed, intelligent and loving, ready to run gleefully with her dog playmates, then land tenderly in your arms. Sasha was found stray in Greenwood, a naturally civilized year and a half year old living on the streets,

Take her down from her window seat and she’ll reward you with a wealth of affection, but Molly’s a Tortoise-Shell cat after all, said to bring good luck and even some financial good fortune — look into her gorgeous tri-color face and you’ll see she’s a bonus calico, too, long-haired and stunning. At 4 years old Molly’s just a little slip of a thing underneath her opulent orange and black coat;