Earl is an entertainer ... and a baby seat. But most importantly, he is an incredible dog in need of a good home.

Because of his size and his age, Earl appeared likely to suffer the fate of too many dogs in our community, destined to become just another statistic. Brought as a stray to animal control and placed in a cage, he didn't have any family searching for him.

Fortunately, dogs like Earl now have something they've never had before: hope. The Companion Animal Resource and Adoption Center developed out of an overwhelming need to assist the unclaimed strays and make them available for permanent placement in loving homes.

Earl has been in foster care since early November, where he has learned several basic commands and also experiences the joys of human companionship. He has an incredible (if not exhausting) level of intelligence and memory. He plays well with the dog in his foster home but he does have a strong and determined desire to chase cats -- so a home without them would be ideal.

Visit Earl and the rest of our dogs available for adoption any Saturday from 12 to 3 p.m. at Petsmart, 5005 S. 74th St. For a full listing of all of our animals, please visit www.companionanimal.org or stop in the adoption center located in the upper level of Southridge Mall during open hours.