Loci has an affinity for cats and likes to snuggle up with humans at night.

I won the “Favorite Dog at the Shelter” award this week. There wasn’t a ceremony and I didn’t get a gold medal, but still, it’s nice to be appreciated. Especially when my life is so chaotic right now.

But I’m the kind of girl who likes to look on the bright side, so I think everything is going to turn out just fine.

My name is Loci, and I’m a 10-year-old American Staffordshire Terrier. In other words, a pit bull.

Now, before you groan and toss the newspaper aside, please take a moment to understand that I was raised with a loving family and two little children from the time I was a small puppy. I’m a super-friendly dog who gives kisses and loves people. The worst thing I’ve ever done is remove the squeaky part from a rubber bone.

It’s not my fault I’m here at the shelter. There was a bad breakup, and one thing led to another, meaning my owner couldn’t keep me in his new apartment. I came here with two cat buddies who have been adopted. My best friend was my former housemate, a Chihuahua, and I sure miss the little guy.

I realize that being 10 years old might be an issue, but I’m energetic and healthy. I love to go for walks and I’m really great at tug-of-war. I miss the sound of the vacuum cleaner, too. A noise-making appliance like that is the best toy in the world.

My manners are excellent and will impress you, as I don’t jump on people, I’m housebroken (I will stare at you and then go to the door, which should be clear, right?), I behave well in the car and I’m a very patient girl at the vet’s office. I also love baths, preferably scented. My previous owner was a veterinary technician, so I have been given lots of good care.

Nobody’s perfect, of course, so I will confess to sneaking up on my human’s bed at night, despite having a bed of my own on the floor. I’m a snuggler and I can’t help myself.

I lived with five cats, so I know how to get along with the felines of the world. When I play with them for too long, they swat me, but otherwise we manage quite nicely.

Everyone here at the shelter tells me how wonderful I am, but I’ve been here for almost three months and no one has fallen in love with me enough to give me a new home. I don’t like to brag, but I really am a happy-go-lucky girl who doesn’t act her age (does anyone?).

If you can appreciate a good attitude, please come to the Animal Rescue League of Southern Rhode Island, located at 506B Curtis Corner Road 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.

CONGRATULATIONS, Abby, on your new home! While at the vet’s office having her stitches repaired, our sweet black Lab met a lady in the waiting room. And guess what? It was love at first sight.

A big thank-you goes to all of you who helped make Abby’s happy ending possible.

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