“Smile, Rocco,” they tell me. “It’s not that serious!”  And they’re probably right. I mean, I’m an eight-month-old puppy! Everything in my life should be frivolous and fun, right? Life should be all toys and cuddles and walks and naps and no worries at all.  It is serious, though. I mean… this is my whole life we’re talking about! My all-day-every-day! So I have to make it count.  I’ve got kind of a poet’s soul to begin with. Oh, don’t get me wrong- I’m still plenty puppyish! I do love toys and have plenty of energy. I’m very sweet and good with other dogs. When I’m comfortable with someone, I’m wonderfully cuddly and a total love. And I’m learning new things about the world every day!  I’m a sensitive soul, though, and I need a little work on building confidence. It sometimes takes me a few minutes to trust brand-new people and I’m not always comfortable in really noisy or chaotic settings. I’ve grown up with a boisterous dog brother who has tended to kind of take charge and overshadow me, so I haven’t really had a chance to come into my own and blossom as my own dog.  That’s why this is so serious. Right now, I’m a shelter dog. And I know that’s not REALLY “who I am.” That’s why I need a family of my own: someone to help me bloom and grow, to love me and let me love them, and to teach me all the wonderful things in life! It’s a big thing to ask for, but I know my person or people are out there.  My name is Rocco, I’m eight months old, and I’m neutered, up to date on shots, and fully vetted.