"Hi! My name is Delbert. I've been waiting to be adopted for over a month. I'm trying to stay strong, but I am starting to feel a little blue.

"We had a litter of puppies here at the shelter the other weekend and they were all adopted ... I guess no one wants an old guy like me. I'm kind of offended. I am only 7, and I'm still very spry. I love going for brisk walks and playing fetch. Giving me belly rubs is a sure way to win me over!

Click to enlarge video

"Everyone at the shelter says that I am gentle and well-mannered. One of the girls took me for a car ride last week and she was impressed with how well-behaved I was. I sat calmly in the back seat and looked out the window, until she offered me treats. They were tasty, so I had to give her some kisses to show my appreciation.

"When you come to visit me at the league, I will probably bark at you through my kennel door. Just to let you know, I don't really bark that much. I am simply taking advantage of the opportunity to state my case and try to convince you to adopt me. Please overlook that and ask to visit with me in a get-acquainted room; I'm only barking because I am asking you in doggy speak to please take me home!"

Delbert, a vizsla/Labrador retriever mix, is available for adoption at the Humane League of Lancaster County, 2195 Lincoln Highway East. Available animals can also be viewed at www.humaneleague.com. Shelter hours are noon-6 p.m. Monday; noon-7 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday; noon-5 p.m. Friday; and 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. The shelter is closed Wednesday. Call the league at 393-6551.

From Feb. 24 to March 2, the league received 45 dogs and 89 cats. Twenty-seven dogs and 39 cats were adopted; 11 stray dogs were reclaimed by their owners. Seventeen dogs and 12 cats were transferred to other rescue organizations. Sondheim, last week's featured feline, was adopted.