One of the best dogs I ever had was “sold” to us by an observant worker at the shelter where we adopted her. He had taken a liking to her and had observed her, and he was ready with a great commentary on all her good points: Good around children, quiet, affectionate, housebroken, didn’t seem to shed much. He was a motivated “salesman” since it happened to be her last day of life. We adopted her on his recommendation and enjoyed all those great qualities and more for fourteen wonderful years.

I’d have to say you can learn a lot about any dog’s personality from the people who’ve been caring for him or her at a shelter or rescue home–just as we did with Molly.