Chapter Thirteen #2
It was so weird using each other’s real names, but I was ready to take Sancho home. “Can we take Sancho home today.”
“You can,” Jan smiled. “I just need a few minutes to get his paperwork together.”
“Let’s do some Sancho shopping in the shelter store. That way the money goes directly to them and all the lives they save.” Daddy was so smart and always wanting to help others in need.
“I’ll be right back to take you to your new home with us, Sancho.
Would you like that? I can promise you’ll have lots of toys.
” Sancho licked my nose and I giggled. “I love you too, Sancho.” I hated handing him back to Jan, but I knew in a few minutes he’d be in my arms forever.
With one last kiss to his head, Daddy and walked over to the shelter store.
“Oh my gosh, it’s huge.” This was like doggie and kitty paradise. They literally had everything.
“A lot of this merchandise is donated, or clearance buy outs from stores that have closed. I not only donate time, but money as well. This is a cause so near and dear to my heart, and I truly believe in their mission and the fact they’re a no-kill shelter.”
Hearing that pretty much sold me on them too. “Do you think if I worked here, they’d let me play with the animals and work in the store too?”
“I bet they would,” a girl about my age said. She was wearing the same t-shirt about the shelter as Jan was and her name tag said Michelle.
“Hello Michelle, this is my partner Jamie and we just adopted Sancho.”
“Squee!” she cheered. I loved her energy. “We are looking for help, and if your versatile, they will move you where they need you, Jamie. And we always, always, always get to play with the animals.”
And she said things in threes.
“Daddy, I want to be her friend.” I may’ve said it a little loud because Michelle hugged me a little too tight.
“Me too!” She squealed. “Here’s a basket, have fun shopping and we can exchange numbers when you check out.” She skipped off toward the front of the store, singing to herself.
“I think Michelle would be a great friend for you. Now, let’s shop for our new furry friend.”
One filled shopping cart later and Sancho had two beds, because one wasn’t enough.
A new rainbow collar and matching leash.
The rainbow after all is gender neutral.
Balls and tuggies and stuffies and all kinds of toys.
Food, dishes, treats and even a silly sweater for winter we couldn’t pass up.
I was so excited to get it home and set up.
Daddy and I loaded it into the SUV and went back inside to get Sancho. “Daddy, I think I made my decision.”
“On what, my love?”
“I think I want to work here and make all the sad animals happy during their stay.”
“We’d love to have you onboard.” Jan went around the counter then handed me a clipboard and pen. “Why don’t you fill out the application and then we can chat for a few minutes. I’m sure Dr. Tim doesn’t mind playing with Sancho for a bit.”
Daddy smiled wide. “I don’t mind that at all. Hey little guy, forgive me for neutering you, but we promise to make you happy.” Everyone around us laughed at my silly daddy.
“I’ll be right back Sancho,” I gave him a quick kiss and daddy got one too, then I followed Jan into an office.
“Sorry for the mess, but there are always animals to play with. This will be a bit informal, just getting a bit of background about you.”
I told her how I’d only had the one job and had been there for years until the store recently closed. That I loved animals, and hoped to someday have more, and even a shelter of our own with lots of land.
“You are the perfect partner for Dr. Tim, and we’d love to have you onboard. The pay isn’t much, minimum wage, but given we’re solely funded by donations.”
“That’s okay as long as I get to play with our guests.”
“I love that, our guests. I may use that in our next email marketing blast. I can schedule you for the same hours Dr. Tim is here if that will work?”
“That works perfectly, and when he’s at the vet clinic, I can work too whenever you need me.”
“I’ll keep that in mind. Let’s start you on Wednesday at noon when Dr. Tim comes in to do his thing.”
“Thank you, so much. This has been the most perfect day of my life.” Well, one of. Each day with Daddy grew more and more perfect.
Daddy and I said goodbye to everyone with one last big one to all the kitties. Sancho happily trotted along beside us but was too small to jump into the big SUV. I picked him up and tucked him into his special seatbelt Daddy bought in the shop, then we were on the road headed to Sancho’s new home.
“Daddy, I don’t think I want to marry you at Disneyland,” I said after we’d tucked into bed. Sancho laid between us, of course.
“Oh yeah, why is that?”
“I want the beach and the sand and no shoes and the sunset.”
“Sounds wonderful, my love. But shouldn’t daddy ask you first before we make plans?”
“You will and someday soon.”
“Snarky boy,” Daddy leaned across Sancho and kissed me.
“Nope, I’m daddy’s shiny star.”