This handsome, medium-sized, red-furred charmer is Bill Nye. He came to the Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter as an owner surrender when his person could no longer provide for him. Bill is one of those dogs whose breed makeup we can only guess about -- beagle, terrier, dachshund? No matter his breed, he is 100 percent cute and 150 percent charming!

While he was at the shelter he was reserved -- willing to say hi but without the bouncy enthusiasm we might expect for a 3-year-old mix of his sort. It was decided that a foster home was the right next step for him so he could relax and show us who he really was.

Bill's foster says, "When he first came into our home he was a little shy, but with each day that has passed he warmed up to us more and more, flipping onto his back asking for belly rubs and just loving attention, enjoying laying as close to me as he possibly can. He is independent yet loving, and so calm inside the house. His favorite thing to do is to 'work' his blanket up over his head and all the way down to his tail, covering himself from head to toe then drifting off to sleep.

"Bill loves his walks. That's when you see his energy and how inquisitive he is. To say he is a quick learner is an understatement. He is just so smart. He came into our home already knowing sit, look and shake, putting his right paw up for a gentle shake whenever I ask. He also does this cute little 'play bow'.

"He

seems to have a soft spot for children. He's never nervous when we're out on the town; unexpected noises don't seem to faze him. Really, you couldn't ask for more in canine companion: sweet, funny, smart, confident, loving and cute! His face reminds us of a wise, little old man."

Check out his photo album on the shelter's Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/scanimalshelter.

If you are looking for a lost pet or are interested in adopting, becoming a volunteer or fostering, visit the shelter or go online to www.scanimalshelter.org.

The Santa Cruz shelter, 2200 Seventh Ave., is open noon to 7 p.m. Tuesday-Friday and noon to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. The Watsonville shelter, 580 Airport Blvd., is open 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday and closed noon to 1 p.m. for lunch. Call 454-7303, ext. 0, for more information.