Leo is my sister, Pam, and brother-in-law Tom’s puppy. (Image: Kathryn Reed)

I’m pretty sure there is no such thing as an ugly puppy.

More than once in the last week I was reminded of this fact.

First, it was meeting Leo, my sister Pam’s pup who had only been in their house for a week. I’m not sure I’ve ever met a calmer puppy.

It could be that my interactions with puppies in the last few years has only been at the Butte Humane Society. They aren’t getting the undivided attention that Leo is getting. So, their exuberance could be the result of not seeing people all the time.

This pup at the Butte Human Society looks so much like the puppy my niece adopted in Baja a few years ago. (Image: Kathryn Reed)

Leo is a sweet soul. He’s already a lover dog. And in a week has learned his name. That was impressive.

He is a welcome addition to our family. I look forward to seeing him next month to see his growth and how his personality has developed.

A couple days later I was walking dogs at the local humane society. While puppies are not always available, several are right now.

Unfortunately, the shelter puppies aren’t getting worked with regularly in terms of being told not to bite, chew, or jump. Yes, we walkers try to instill some good behavior. But a few times a day for a limited time isn’t the same as if they had a home.

Joe is a bundle energy waiting at Butte Humane Society for his forever home. (Image: Kathryn Reed)

So, if you are interested in a puppy, check out these dogs at the Butte Humane Society.

According to American Veterinary Medical Association, 42 percent of dog owners got their pets from a store, 38 percent went to an animal shelter or rescue center, and 23 percent bought the dog from a breeder. (I don’t know why those numbers don’t add up to 100.)

The American Pet Products Association says dogs are the most popular pet in the United States by a long shot—65.1 million households, compared to 46.5 million households with cats. Freshwater fish are a distant third for most common pet.