Have mercy on Mercy — a sweet female pocket bully with black fur who was abandoned on the side of the road.

Thankfully, she was rescued by the good volunteers at Norman’s Place in Lyndeborough, N.H. She was starved when she first arrived, but has now put on some much-needed weight.

Her ears are intact, and flop in a beguiling way and her face is very expressive. Bullies are known for their intelligence, and their loyalty to their owners.

Mercy isn’t a big dog, but she’s got a big heart for those who care for her.

Norman’s Place does superb work with abandoned animals. They are dedicated to saving the lives of strays, neglected and abandoned animals, animals from overcrowded shelters and animals at risk for euthanization.” Visit Normansplace.org or email [email protected] to request an application. Follow “Norman’s Place” on Facebook, and if you can’t adopt, share this story.

Sally Cragin writes about pet issues and is the director of Be PAWSitive Therapy Pets and Community Education. Text/Call for more information; reach out to shelters directly.