Total pages in book: 29
Estimated words: 26941 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 135(@200wpm)___ 108(@250wpm)___ 90(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 26941 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 135(@200wpm)___ 108(@250wpm)___ 90(@300wpm)
As we walk past the runs, rooms, and cages, a knot forms in my stomach at the number of unwanted dogs. “I wish I could take them all,” I say over the noise.
Tara puts her hand on my shoulder. “I know how you feel. Every time I come in to do a check on a new or sick animal, I want to bring them all home. But for now, Dakota is enough.”
“I still need to meet her,” I say, determined to be part of everything in her life.
“We’ll do that. Now look around and see who draws you.” She speaks into my ear, and my body reacts to her nearness and warm breath.
Reaching over, I slide my hand into hers. “Let’s walk.”
We pass large breeds, small and medium breeds, exuberant dogs, and dogs who hang back, watching warily. I stride up and down the aisle, taking in one side of the cages and then the other.
I pause by a solitary black and white dog with silky fur and big puppy eyes. With a black head and a white stripe along the nose and a white body, the dog is … special. Our gazes meet and hold.
“That’s a pointer/border collie mix,” Norah says, coming up behind us. “He’s a large breed. Currently weighs fifty-five pounds, and his name is Walter.”
As she explains, Walter and I experience some kind of serious bonding moment. This dog speaks to me without words.
“He’s an owner surrender,” Norah goes on. “The family had to move away and into a small apartment. Walter has a lot of energy, and they couldn’t meet his needs.”
I stare at the dog. “Can you open the gate?”
As Norah lets him into the run, she says, “I should warn you, he’s a”—the dog immediately begins to rub up against my jeans—“clinger,” she says, laughing.
I kneel down, and Walter leans farther into me, rubbing his head into my stomach. In that instant, I know in my heart this is my dog. The only problem is, much like his previous owners, I won’t be around to give the dog the attention and exercise he undoubtedly needs for his energy level. Though he seems mellow now, I have no doubt Norah knows what she’s talking about.
Though I intend to buy a big house, what will happen when I’m away on tour, like Tara had asked? When she laid it out for me in the parking lot, I didn’t want to admit she had a point. But faced with the dog I want with every fiber of my being, I can’t be selfish.
I rise slowly and turn to Tara.
“What’s wrong?” she asks before I can speak. “Is he not the right dog?” Concern wrinkles the corners of her eyes.
I glance down at Walter, who is still rubbing against me like a cat, claiming me in every way. “No, he’s perfect.” And I have a goddamned lump in my throat.
I swallow hard. “I can’t take him. You were right. I’m not in any position to bring a dog home. I was listening to Norah talk about his previous family and all they couldn’t give him, and it made me realize I’m no better. I might have the space for him, but it’s not fair to bring him home and pawn him off on Cassidy or Sasha. He’s had enough upheaval in his short life.”
Tara glances at Norah, then hooks her arm into mine and leads me out of the dog pen, down the hall, and out into the main room. “I’m sorry,” she murmurs.
I shake my head. “You tried to tell me.” It hurts like hell to walk away from Walter. I want to pull the dog into my arms and give him the home he deserves.
“Let’s get out of here.” I glance at Norah. “Sorry to have wasted your time.”
She treats me to an understanding smile. “I’d prefer you realize now rather than later and have him go through yet another home before being returned here.”
“Thanks, Norah. I’ll see you on my regular day.” Tara waves, and we walk out into the muggy air.
We stop by the car, and she taps my arm. “I’m sorry,” she says again.
I don’t have any words for what I’m feeling.
“Do you want to come back to my place and meet Dakota? Or is it the wrong time?” she asks.
I might be in a shit mood, but I won’t turn down spending time with Tara or meeting her dog. My get a pet plan might have imploded, but my win over Tara agenda hasn’t changed.
* * *
Tara
I sense Axel’s mood and remain quiet on the drive to my house. Despite knowing he’s done the right thing, my heart hurts because he so obviously bonded with Walter. Axel parks in my driveway, and I slip my hand into his as we walk to my front door.