Elsworth beamed at the energetic dog, leaning over just enough to look him right in the eyes without toppling over from the weight on his back.  "Truly the miracles of life never cease.  It says a great deal about your character that you were able to take weakness and mold it into something as proud and able-bodied as he.  With that kind of dedication and heart, I am<em>certain</em>we'll succeed in turning back the dark tides that have swept over this poor place."