The plump dark bullet shooting after a ball in the shelter's dog park one recent weekday bears little resemblance to the starving canine found roaming the highway south of Madrid in March.

A soft sheen of black fur now covers the skin where ribs once protruded. A strong wind no longer threatens to topple over the once-tittering, malnourished dog.

Most people watching Kermit endlessly catch and retrieve a tennis ball would only wonder vaguely about the dog's coat — the fur on his head and shoulders remains long. A funny cut, one might ponder, while turning the conversation to the dog's energy and obsession with toys, especially balls.

Kermit's road to recovery has been steady, but his distinctly optimistic personality remains constant, said Bill Hutchison, the shelter's communications manager. The shelter's veterinarians have given the tenacious canine a clean bill of health, and his weight recently topped the scales at 62 pounds.

Not bad for a dog who weighed only 36 pounds when he was brought in by an animal-control officer. An Albuquerque police officer, Cory Snyder, was one of the first to alert officials about the neglected dog, found full of cactus quills March 17 on N.M. 14.

The community was quick to respond, raising hundreds of dollars for his medical and rehabilitation bills.

Kermit's tormented past will likely remain unknown. Hutchison said the shelter has not received any word from the public about his abuse, despite a $500 reward. Officials speculate the dog had access to water but had not eaten for weeks, possibly months. Intentional or not, Kermit suffered from the neglect.

The dog's future, however, will be carefully monitored. He's still building muscle mass, but is now up for adoption and is looking for the right fit.

Kathy Martinez, a shelter adoption counselor and animal behaviorist, fostered Kermit for three weeks. She said she was amazed by his transformation and remains astounded by his intelligence and disposition.

"The incredible thing with him is that he's so happy," Martinez, who continues to work with the dog, said. "It's like he knew he was there to get healthy and learn."

The dog settled quickly in with the family's other animals, Martinez said, including dogs, cats, horses and ducks. In a controlled environment, Kermit quickly integrated with the rest of the pack and began putting on weight.

"It's been interesting, especially because of his high energy," she said. "And — I love it in dogs — but he was trying to herd the grandkids. It's nothing against him. I had an Australian shepherd who did the same thing."

Kermit fits all the traits of his breed perfectly, Martinez said. Kermit's a Groenendael, one of four varieties of Belgian sheepdogs, and a breed well known for herding. The dogs have also been used as police and war dogs, in drug detection, on search-and-rescue teams, as guardians and family companions.

He's definitely the kind of dog that needs a job, Martinez said — on a ranch, perhaps, or on a team with a mission.

"He cannot sit in the backyard," Martinez said. "He needs to keep his mind going. With his play drive, his wanting to find things, he'd be perfect in search and rescue."

Kermit has his basic manners down, Martinez said, and only needed a quick refresher. The dog has likely had extensive past training.

"The knowledge that guy has in his head is amazing," she said. So is his obsession with round objects, including a full-size basketball he found in the family's tack room. Kermit quickly made a game of the ball, fetching it and retrieving it.

"He loves anything round," Martinez said. "Even a rock. He couldn't understand why he couldn't pick it up. It was too heavy."

His obsession with toys was a concern around the grandchildren, she said. While nothing untoward happened, it was obvious Kermit wanted their toys and didn't want to share. And while he did fine with her cat, he'd do better in a family without a feline.

The loyal dog is not overly affectionate, but remains personable. "He's very self-contained," Hutchison said. Unlike some animals who remain timid or frightened because of their past circumstances, Kermit's trauma appears to have had no lasting effect.

"Within days (of his rescue,) he was back on the job," Hutchison said, "ready to go. He's a super-smart teenager who has to be kept busy."

The adoption process is likely to be slow, Martinez said. While several people initially said they'd adopt Kermit, the energetic dog will require special attention. But Martinez is hopeful the perfect family is out there. It's something he deserves.

"It's been amazing to watch his transformation," Martinez said. "I've been fortunate to foster him, and it's just incredible to see."

Those interested in adopting Kermit can visit him at the shelter or call the adoption counselor at 983-4309, ext. 106.