The sign on the kennel door says, "good boy," and I know why. Lavidicus is the new love of my life.

He is a blue-nose pit bull, 1 1/2-years-old, and is full of silly, puppy power. He came to the shelter as a stray and has no behavior problems.

If I had to describe him in two words, I'd say, "pure joy." He is food-motivated which means he is easy to train, and it took no effort in getting him to "sit" and "lay down." He also walked beside me on a leash--no tugging whatsoever. At one point, I lost track of him in the run, only to discover that he was following so close behind me, I hadn't seen him.

When I laid on the grass, he cuddled up beside me and enjoyed a long chest rub. He loves, loves, loves to play with toys and retrieved them for me. He often sought affection by laying his head in my lap or giving me a quick buss on the cheek.

With daily exercise, play and a healthy dose of affection, he'd be an amazing pet. If you have room in your heart and your home for Lavidicus, go to www.sddac.com. Click on "adoptions" and "north shelter;" or, visit him at County of San Diego Animal Services at 2481 Palomar Airport Road, Carlsbad.

His I.D. number is A13333145. His tag number is N679 and he's in Kennel N048. As of March 9, 2010, he is available for adoption.