I met Lynn at the ATO Fraternity at DePauw University to take a photo of a group of boys making a donation to the shelter. She brought along a little brown whirlwind of a dog named Gentry, a beagle mix still living at the shelter.

In setting up the photo we began talking about Gentry. I mentioned that my family and I had begun to think about acquiring a new dog. Our Sheva died two years ago in July. We knew we could never replace her and didn't even consider it. But, we missed having a dog and our son was beginning to bug us daily about getting a new pet.

Lynn told me she had a wonderful dog I should look at. She had agreed to take the dog even though the shelter was closed because his owner, a young man had lost his job and been evicted from his apartment. He had contacted every agency around to try to find a place for this dog and was desperate to find someone to care for him.

Lynn is a softie--and she knew she couldn't turn this man and his dog down. Hence he was staying at the shelter while she looked for a foster parent or home for him.

"He even gets along with cats," she coyly said knowing that our nearly nine-year old cat Sunny rules the roost.

To close the deal, she asked me to bring the check from the boys to her at the shelter as she had her hands full with the little brown whirlwind. Of course, I agreed.

She knew she had me. I took one look at this big, lanky mutt with huge paws and eyes so sweet I knew he would provide all the sugar I ever needed.

He had just been fixed a day or two earlier, had his shots and was ready to go. Roadie went home with me that very day.

I was in a little trouble with my husband, as I stupidly didn't consult with him before I brought Roadie home. My son, of course, fell immediately in love.

My husband held out for a short while. Being polite to the dog but not making any movement toward forging a bond. We caught him once or twice petting Roadie and slipping him a piece of cheese.

I tried explaining how Lynn Bohmer had hustled me but he knew better.

"Yes, she was pretty clever but you are the one who fell in love with the dog at first sight," he said.

By Thanksgiving when the grandkids arrived (aged 6 and 3 and 3 months) Roadie was firmly entrenched. This big bundle of love is only about a year old and considers anything that moves a plaything.

We were concerned how Roadie would behave with the grandkids, especially Riley who is a tiny thing. Roadie could knock her over with a couple of tail wags. And, he chased anything that moved. Matt and Riley hit the house running and so did Roadie.

Next thing I knew Riley was in the kitchen saying, "Nana, your dog bit me." I turned to go to her and saw her standing in the doorway with a big grin on her face rubbing the neck of Roadie whose tail was wagging so fast there was a breeze.

Roadie has a "soft mouth" so his bites and nips are very gentle and my darling little granddaughter knew he was just playing.

Ever since that moment, Grampy has taken to petting Roadie right out in front of us. He's the one who bought Christmas presents for the dog and cat, brings home bags of doggie treats and even lets Roadie get up on the bed.

He even admitted last week how nice it is to be met at the door every time by the always joyful, black and white tail wagging bundle of happiness.

That Lynn Bohmer -- she's good.