Sometimes when you work with animals, you see the worst in humans. And sometimes, you see the very best. I was at the vet picking up a prescription for Dakota when I saw both.

An older-looking dachshund was wandering around the lobby while I waited for my prescription. Her ribs were very prominent, her skin gathered in folds around her ankles and her fur was either completely missing or sparse in areas.

But her tail wagged freely and she greeted me. Most of her attention was focused on a couple holding a bag of treats. The vet tech came out and was explaining to the couple that the dachshund had advanced diabetes and would need much monitoring and medication. That at this dog's age of ten, if the owners properly fed her, watched her weight and gave her insulin shots twice a day, the dog could live for quite a few more years.

Silently, I cursed the owners. How long did they wait to bring this poor dog to the vet? It had evidently suffered for a long time.

I watched the dog wander around for a bit then slowly realized what I was witnessing. The couple that I assumed was the dog's owner was actually considering adopting this dog.

This dog-- that was ten-years-old and looked as if it were wearing a suit too big for its tiny body. This dog that evidently had many litters in the (hopefully) distant past. This dog that was missing much of its fur. This dog that had diabetes and would need insulin shots twice a day. This dog that had been abandoned by its previous owner and left to die.

This dog was being given a second chance. My silent cursing changed to pleading. Internally urging the couple to take the dog home so it could live out its golden years in loving bliss and healthiness.

As I paid for my prescription, the couple filled out the adoption papers. Before I left, I knelt to congratulate the tiny dog on her new home. She wagged her tail and looked me in the eye. She didn't doubt herself one bit. Her immense spirit outshone her ragged appearance. She just needed to wait until someone recognized it.