The beautiful Dalmatian I was fortunate to find by the side of the road bounded out of my car and into our front door as if he had lived there all along.

My four young sons stood in awe as their new best friend licked and pounced upon them.

The youngest boy, Scottie was a little afraid and stood in the background and let his brothers get showered with dog slobber.

“It’s ok Scottie, he doesn’t bite, you can come over and pet him,” I said reassuringly.

Scottie stepped closer, with trepidation. The Dalmatian stood still and inspected him.

It was a staring contest. Who would blink first was a mystery.

Together my son and our dog ran to each other. It was a joy to behold watching my shy son and this abandoned dog become instant pals.

“Can we name him?,” my eldest asked.

“Of course,” I said.

They suggested names like Leonardo, Frosty and Captain Hook.

Scottie was kneeling in front of our precious new family member and said, “Dobie.”

We all looked at the pair of them, I smiled and said, “Come here Dobie.”