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?
New Moon
Winter
Pupsitter 
Pupsitter