Pandora arrived as a gentle giant and has actually gotten smaller here at the shelter.

This 6-year-old spayed female Akita came to us in September weighing a chunky 120 pounds and has slimmed down nicely since then. Today she's 90 pounds and looks beautiful with her bright eyes, thick black coat and curled tail.

If she's less than a giant now, she's still gentle. Pandora was surrendered by a family that was afraid she was too much dog for their toddler, but they said she got along wonderfully with men, women and

kids past the crawling stage.

They also said she has lived with another dog, and seems to get on well with dogs in general. (Here at the shelter she seems good with cats too.)

She's housebroken, plays gently with balls or tug-of-war toys and readily stays in a fenced yard. Best of all, she enjoys being petted, brushed and hugged.

If you're looking for a dog who will keep you company on a walk, then keep you warm on a winter night, Pandora could be your girl. And, like all our dogs and cats over the age of 5, she's available at half the normal adoption fee.

Come meet Pandora today between noon and 3 p.m. at The Base Camp, 5 West Broadway. Many other adoptable dogs and cats are waiting for you at the Lewis and Clark Humane Society, 2112 East Custer Ave. The shelter's telephone number is 442-1660.