After undergoing three fairly invasive surgeries and losing the only family he knew, Gamma refuses to let the dog days bring him down.

The 4-year-old Rottweiler-shepherd mix, a resident of the Clear Creek/Gilpin Animal Shelter, isn’t hung up on appearances, but he appears more than ready to find a new family.

Gamma underwent his third operation last week at Colorado State University, where veterinarians removed overactive glands that had produced a saliva pouch under Gamma’s chin. The pouch has greatly decreased in size since the surgery.

"Gamma would love to find an adopter that will look beyond appearances and love him for who he is," said Laurie Phenix, a volunteer at the shelter.

Shelter director Sue Peterson said the original owners gave the dog up after it growled and nipped at a small child in the family.

"We haven't seen any signs of aggression at the shelter, and he gets along with adults and other dogs," Peterson said.

She said the dog possibly became jealous of the new child and would do better in a home without small children.

The previous owners paid for the final surgery for Gamma, and the shelter hopes it will eliminate Gamma’s problem.

"People don't adopt because it’s a fear of the unknown," Peterson said. "But he is a really nice, healthy boy."

It’s possible that a future owner might have to have the pouch drained at some point, but Peterson said the dog's health is not at risk.

Gamma is one of 14 dogs living at the new shelter in Dumont. Charlie's Place will hold an adoption event Nov. 9 at Happy Tails in Idaho Springs.

"We still need to increase awareness," Peterson said. "People are still surprised we are here. We are not where I would like to be at this point."

The shelter is hoping to get a sign on I-70 directing people to the facility, which is set off the frontage road and shielded by trees. It would also like to do more outreach in Gilpin County and Evergreen. For now, Peterson would settle for a home for Gamma.

"He's exceptionally good-natured and happy," Peterson said. "To go through what he has gone through, to lose his family, a lot of dogs would be depressed, but not Gamma."

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For more information about adopting Gamma, contact Charlie’s Place from 1 to 5 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday at 303-679-477, or visit Gamma at Charlie's Place, 500 W. Dumont Road.