I came for the spotted one." That’s what I told the volunteer at the front desk. I had seen Luna on the website—a gorgeous Merle Pittie puppy with one blue eye. She had 15 applications. Everyone wanted her. She was 'Instagrammable.' But when I got to Kennel 42, Luna wasn’t at the front of the cage wagging her tail. She was in the back corner, cowering behind a wall of black fur. That wall was Eclipse, her brother. The volunteer sighed. "Nobody looks at him," she said. "Black Dog Syndrome is real. People scroll right past him to get to her. We’re going to have to separate them tomorrow because Luna has a home lined up, and Eclipse... well, he doesn't." I watched Eclipse lick the tears off Luna’s face. He was literally shielding her from the world, taking the brave stance so she didn't have to. He was her protector, and we were about to rip her away from the only safety she’d ever known. I looked at the volunteer. "Tear up the other applications." "Excuse me?" "I’m not taking Luna," I said, grabbing the double leash. "I’m taking the team." They celebrated their 1st birthday on my couch yesterday. Eclipse is still the big spoon. #animals #animallover #kindness #bonding #doglover #dog