I looked in the mirror again this morning and there I was, still a pit-bull puppy.

Every night when I curl up in my bed, I wish that I was a different breed, like a flashy spotted Dalmatian or a flat-nosed Pekingese or even one of those odd-looking hairless Chinese crested dogs that looks like a cartoon character.

But every morning I’m still a pit bull, and that is why I have been here at the shelter since January.

Oh, I don’t blame people for being afraid. We pits get a lot of bad press, but I’m only 10 months old and not exactly responsible for other dogs’ bad behavior. I’m here at the shelter because my previous owners weren’t allowed to have dogs in their apartment.

My name is Hazel, but I’m not a girl. I don’t know why I have a girl’s name, so feel free to call me something a bit more manly. I may be neutered, but that doesn’t mean I can’t be called Hank or Harold or Handsome.

The truth is, I’m a happy-go-lucky guy who is pretty darn smart. Right now I’m learning a game called “Find the keys.” I can learn lots of things, because I’m very food-motivated and extremely happy to have jobs to do.

Whoever adopts me must like to teach dogs how to do things like play “hide and seek” and tricks like turning the lights off and on. I’m responsive to clicker training and think it’s great fun to please humans. I would love to be trained to do something important that would let me prance around in a vest and show off a little. My new owners will receive a gift certificate for an eight-week training course at Betty’s TLC Training, so they can become as smart as I am!

I love to play, like going for rides in the car and enjoy having my ears rubbed. I’m pretty rough on my toys, but remember I’m still a puppy! I like children, but I tend to get excited and jump on them.

I am an active guy who needs to keep busy, so don’t expect me to be a couch potato and lounge around watching television. I need a lot of exercise, because I confess that like any smart kid, I can be naughty if I’m bored.

So why don’t you come to the shelter and meet me? We can play a few rounds of “fetch,” and you can see how charming and funny I am. I’m no Labrador retreiver, but to make you happy I’ll wear a bandana and pretend to hunt pheasants.

I’m at the Animal Rescue League of Southern Rhode Island, located at 506B Curtis Corner Rd. in South Kingstown, or call (401) 783-7606. We’re open Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Thursdays from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

ANNOUNCING: Our annual totally fabulous “Ulti-Mutt Tea and Dog Fashion Show” is coming up May 3, so reserve your tickets now by calling (401) 792-2233. The event always sells out early, so be sure to call soon.

We desperately need an American Girl doll for a very special fundraising raffle basket, so if you have a gently used doll sitting in the closet, would you consider donating her to a good cause? We have a generous offer of doll clothes!

Kristine Rolofson is a volunteer with the Animal Rescue League of Southern Rhode Island and Small Paws 4 You. She is the author of more than 40 novels.