Kermit, the black Belgian shepherd found emaciated in March outside of Madrid, not only has a new shiny coat to be proud of — he also has a new home.

Dennis Jack and his wife, Anne Klosterman, adopted the dog Tuesday afternoon. The couple, who live on an expansive ranch outside of Ribera, said they've been following the dog's plight since he was rescued by an Albuquerque police officer and brought to the Santa Fe Animal Shelter & Humane Society.

Tuesday was the first time they actually met the dog, Jack said. After a happy encounter with the couple's other two dogs, Gunner, an English springer spaniel, and Blondie, a "New Mexico brown dog," they decided Kermit would make a good addition to their family.

"He's a survivor," Jack said.

The retired Chicago police officer said he's used to dogs with lots of energy. Klosterman is a pharmacist who works at the Smith's grocery store on Cerrillos Road.

Kermit weighed just 36 pounds — half the recommended weight — when he was taken to the shelter March 17 by an animal-control officer. Cory Snyder, an Albuquerque police officer, was one of the first to alert officials about the neglected dog.

Kermit's road to recovery was slow, but eventually he gained weight and was given a clean bill of health. It's still not known who was responsible for Kermit's neglected condition; officials speculate he had access to water but had not eaten for weeks.

Kathy Martinez, a shelter adoption counselor and animal behaviorist, fostered Kermit, working on his basic manners. The high-energy dog craves attention and exercise, and Martinez said she realized not everyone could handle the breed, a Groenendael, one of four varieties of Belgian sheepdogs.

When she spoke to Klosterman on Monday, however, Martinez said she had a feeling the long wait had paid off. At the meet-and-greet, Martinez said she was concerned about introducing Kermit to another male dog, but there weren't any issues.

"They played fetch, and the dogs took turns playing ball," Martinez said. "When they left, Kermit jumped in the back seat of their truck like he belonged there. He didn't even give me a second look. I said, 'Kermit, I love you. Goodbye.' "

Kermit's rescue resounded with the community, and many backed up their support with donations — some $2,780 — to help offset medical and rehabilitation costs.

Shelter workers were also pulling for Kermit, said Mary Martin, executive director.

On Tuesday, there was plenty of weeping, she said — tears of joy.

Jack said he was a bit taken aback by the emotion.

"They're all pretty happy," he said. "We're just going to take him home and let him play."