Shortie von Seelze is the most adorable 4-5 year-old Shepherd mix on the short side. Shortie told me she heard a rumor that the main reason she’s getting passed over is because she looks a bit… different with her short legs and long body. I said, “Girl, no! Everyone says you are just the cutest!" ” Her face? More expressive than every Pixar character put together? Her ears? Like the most perfect Koala to ever be born. Her fluffy coat? Makes every heiress in a Swiss Alps ski resort look like they’re wearing a middle school gym uniform. Her vibe? Just looking at her makes me smile. Speaking of the vibe, Shortie is a real girl’s girl (and may prefer women). She's gonna fit right in great at ladies’ brunch, ladies’ power walks (medium energy levels), and ladies’ sitting-in-sweatpants-and-watching-movies-night. A true lady, her manners are so good that we think she’s been secretly binging every episode of Downton Abbey. She takes treats gently, walks well on a leash, hangs out well on her own and already knows her “sit” command. We all aspire to be Shortie — socializing well even though she’s a bit of an introvert, calm under pressure, and oh-so-charming. If you don’t have a cat or small dog and you’re looking for a best friend, a reason to smile and, if the Barbie movie line “Every night is girl’s night” hit a cord with you — meet Shortie. Maybe the most dedicated love comes from a dog that other people pass over.  In the (slightly edited) words of Shania Twain — “Let’s go, girls (especially Shortie)!”

Rescued from the Kern County animal shelter.