“you don't want this dog. he's hyperactive and aggressive.”

The grumpy old lady manning the counter at the shelter was referring to the Dachshund cross my mother and I saw a couple of weeks earlier.

The funny looking dog sat quiet and forlorn in the back of his enclosure, which seemed cavernous for him. The other dogs were barking and jumping about in their kennels, vying for attention from the prospective owners visiting the shelter. The funny looking dog stood up on his hind legs and peered into the neighbouring kennel to see what all the fuss was about.

My mom and I had our hearts set on him. The SPCA divulged that he had been found on the roadside and no-one had claimed him. I spoke to another volunteer, a 16 year old secondary school student (I wasn't too impressed with the first lady). She shared that the funny looking dog was quite the sweetheart, just that he was probably still a little young and needed someone who could spend time with him to correct his destructive behaviour and help him expend his excess energy. Their dog behaviour expert interviewed me and I shared that I was finishing up my final year in university, was spending a fair bit of time at home and spent my free time engaged in outdoor activities. He ascertained that the dog and I were a good fit. The shelter had christened him 'Ruff'. My mother insisted we keep the name.

We brought Mr Ruff home that Chinese New Year seven years ago. We have weathered nibbled up table legs, scratched up carpets and a completely decimated Spider-Man action figure (a treasured childhood relic). We've also gone through a masters degree in architecture together, with him staying up with me on many late nights. There were countless trips to the dog park, beach and assorted bars. Mr Ruff's met all my relatives, friends and a couple of girlfriends. If it wasn't for him I wouldn't have met my wife (at the aforementioned dog park). And now he's got a beagle step-brother whom we're pretty sure he loves, in spite of how much he bullies the poor guy.

I can safely say at this point that he's given me a whole lot more than I could ever give him.

A problematic dog with a bum leg (probably due to an accident when coming out the womb, a vet surmised). Mr Ruff reminds me that the most beautiful of us can be a little broken but they're worth loving all the same.

It may not be easy (he still nips at people's feet and is about 65% toilet trained at best) but I'm glad my mom and I decided to adopt this funny looking dog.

Mr Ruff when we first met him. He was probably just over a year old.

Christmas Ruff and his unrequited love Miko.

Naptime Ruff. One of his favourite activities. Gotta be careful not to move my feet though😅

Mr Ruff and his brother Buddy.

Me & Mr Ruff. Both of us with a bit of grey now.