FARMINGTON – Tonka is this week’s feature creature at the Franklin County Animal Shelter. The dog came to the shelter as a stray, and when he first arrived he seemed much like an orphaned child.

He was confused, didn’t understand what he did wrong to deserve this, was afraid of the world, full of doubt and he had lack of trust. But in a couple of weeks the handsome dog blossomed. He now is full of himself and with just one quick visit will love you forever.

He loves to be cuddled and cradled, which may be a challenge due to the fact that he weighs about 60 pounds. He does well with other dogs and with cats, but he tends to be a little shy around them first.

Even though he is a sweetheart, staff said he hasn’t been adopted yet because he tends to be frightened at first meetings.

New dogs at the shelter include a black lab male from Jay and a black lab female from Wilton.

The shelter is always looking for donations of bleach, paper towels, cat food, dog food, and litter. For more information, call 778-2638.