Two years ago, after saying goodbye to their calico cat, Kiki, a dear companion for nine years that became plagued by seizures caused by a cyst on her brain, Maggie and Brett Borunda decided that one day they would welcome another animal into their lives.

In the wake of their loss, they knew two things: their next family member would be a dog, and his name would be Scruffy.

After attempts to adopt a Terrier mix they saw profiled on National Geographic's show, Dog Town, were not meant to be due to the dog's persistent medical condition, and the sanctuary's desire to care for him there, Maggie and Brett's urge to find another dog in need only intensified.

Spring of 2009 arrived in the Borunda household with destiny's promise looking back at them from the internet site,www.petfinder.com. An adorable but sad-eyed light brown Terrier mix, already named Scruffy, was the manifestation of the much hoped-for "imaginary" Scruffy they had been searching for. Janice, the woman who had been caring for Scruffy, informed the Borundas that their chosen dog was still available and staying at PCDR. The live and in-person Scruffy matched the expectations of his cyber image. Once the adoption was approved, Scruffy stayed at PCDR for a few weeks until Maggie and Brett found a dwelling that welcomed dogs. Unlike many people who get rid of an animal when they move into a "no pets allowed" apartment building, despite that animal's often longstanding place in the family, the Borundas transferred their life from Westwood to Marina del Rey to accommodate Scruffy; they found a lovely townhouse amidst grassy paths near the water.

Scruffy wasted no time maneuvering a place in the hearts of not only Maggie and Brett, but the neighborhood at large. His popularity is due, in part, to the impressive series of long walks he gets throughout his day, with ample opportunities to see and be seen. He keeps mentally and socially sharp meeting a variety of dogs on these walks, and looks forward to visits with his canine pals Cliffie, a Jack Russell terrier, and Mia, a white Matisse. He's happy just to be near Maggie and Brett when they work from home. Scruffy had a couple of accidents in the house when he first joined the Borunda family, and forgot the no barking rule while in his crate, but Brett says they practiced techniques learned from David and the issues were resolved quickly. Hand feeding Scruffy was part of the transitional plan while he learned some commands, but now he enjoys two cooked meals everyday with lots of motivational treats thrown in.

Scruffy is well-adjusted and smart. In addition to the discipline he has shown as a well-trained dog, he can also entertain by shaking hands or giving a "high ten." Not a fan of water, either in the bathtub or even at the Huntington dog beach he has been privileged to visit, Scruffy will romp on the sand amidst those he loves, happily surrounded by the smells of other canine companions.

Scruffy has provided Maggie and Brett with a calming influence they care for together; a dependent that gives them a perspective on what they value the most.