Slurpee

Was almost sold as a puppy, but kept at the last minute - against better judgment (through no fault of his own; overcrowding problems) - but with the caveat that he must work hard to earn that right to stay. He jumped at the opportunity with shining eyes, wagging tail, and a wide grin, revealing his true tenacity of purpose.

Though perhaps it's a little unhealthy how much his self-worth is dependent on being useful...and he's aware of that.

He hated his crush on Reacher when he was young because he saw it as a distraction, but realized that was silly when she started helping him with his training. After all, who knows more about the importance of hard studying than the great Tally's daughter?