Age: 16

Character: Monkey’s been in the shelter so long he forgot to hope. Sometimes, when he sees new people, he wags his tail as if half-heartedly, as if only his tail still remembers a time when he asked people for at least a little affection. He’s a resigned old man, but that’s exactly why we think an adoption would make him reach Nirvana.

The right owner: Someone who understands that it’s a big deal to make a poor soul reach Nirvana.