Austin is a two-year-old pit mix, around 35 pounds, and he is thrilled to be alive. He shut down in the crowded shelter where he landed as a staff favorite. Two days in San Francisco and he's a different dog: nose to the ground, tail going, ready to investigate everything.

Exuberant doesn't quite cover it. Austin is a lot of love packed into a medium-sized body, and his enthusiasm runs ahead of his manners. He's working on leash skills, took to the crate quickly, and is figuring out housetraining. He's both food motivated and love motivated, which makes training a pleasure. With strangers, he takes a minute to warm up and then he's all in. Cats and kids are unknown so far.

Because his excitement can be a lot, he'll do best with dog friends who have patience while he learns to read the room. He's also a full-on laptop, so anyone who wants a 35-pound dog draped across them is in luck.

Austin isn't a first-time-dog kind of dog. Between his energy and the training he still needs, he'll thrive with an experienced handler who can teach him to settle. In the meantime, he's enjoying the heck out of life and would love someone to enjoy it with him.