Chapter 8 Storm #2
“Enzo, I’ll talk to Dani but how about the day after next?
I’d like to get us a dog as soon as possible, not only because of what’s going on but also for a pet.
Oh shit, didn’t ask, can Bowie be a pet too or is he trained to always be on duty?
Because if that’s the case then maybe he won’t fit with us as neither of us are huge party people, more like couch potatoes.
Bowie, hey, boy, you want to sit on the couch with us and eat popcorn?
I think you’ll do, right, handsome boy?”
Everyone laughs even Benji, who hasn’t let go of me or walked around to say hi.
Enzo and Paisley tell me to take as much time as I need as they both head off to do whatever they do, which I know is probably overwhelming on a slow day.
Not only is Paisley a small and large animal veterinarian, but she also makes farm calls for the larger animals the local farmers or ranchers can’t handle on their own or bring to her.
She also has a building full of rescues or whatever that she tries to find homes for, not to mention the new folks who come out to the sanctuary, who all work with the animals as part of their therapy and healing.
Thinking about that, I turn, making Benji drop his hands from my arms, and look up at him.
Those smoky, dark inky eyes get me every time.
Shaking my head before I make a fool of myself, I ask the question that’s been on my mind.
“Benji, if you are part of the therapy here at the sanctuary, what animal has been assigned to you to work with?”
He continues to stare at me like he didn’t even hear my question.
Enough of this shit. I reach down and clip on the leash Enzo gave me, which is the American flag, to the harness thingy Bowie is wearing.
As soon as it clicks, he’s up on his feet at my side.
Well, look at that. I softly say, “Walk,” and as I take a step, he’s right next to me doing the same.
I take him around the buildings and through some tall grass before I tell him to sit and stay.
Knowing Benji has been following me the entire time like a lost puppy, I finally look his way.
When he catches my eyes he softly speaks.
“Dottie, I do take care of the animals here, just not one specifically. I’m in charge of some of the horses and donkeys, along with Sive.
She’s kind of in charge of our unit here as she’s worked with both horses and donkeys before, but there’s—I think—five or six of us who handle the stable and the animals that are in there.
I’m still in a probation period so I do what I’m told.
Best way to just blend into the woodwork. ”
Watching and listening to him, it’s beyond apparent he’s been put through the wringer, for sure.
I want to ask so badly but won’t because it’s up to him to give me his story, not for me to pressure him into it.
Bowie is sitting patiently at my side, eyes entirely on me, though it’s pretty noisy out here.
I’m half in love already and, knowing Dani like I do, when she comes to meet him she’ll take not only him but another dog and a few cats if I’d let her.
And I don’t care because I also love animals, just now might not be the best time to bring all those fur babies into our home with what we do.
Sometimes one or both of us are gone with the club, so who’s going to take care of them?
Gotta think about all that kind of stuff when bringing a new fur baby home.
Seeing both Enzo and Paisley, I’m surprised by the container that she’s carrying. They both stop right in front of me with smiles on their faces. Then when they start to talk, you could totally say they shocked the shit out of me when Paisley tells me what has her so happy.
“While you were running Bowie through the different commands, I called Dani and shared our camera with her. She said to bring him home. Well, she actually said to bring three dogs and seven cats’ home and maybe a donkey or two, but I think a good idea is to start by bringing Bowie home and see how it goes.
He has a few friends, so if later on you both want more pets we can talk about it at that time.
We aren’t that far apart and, worst-case scenario, you can call anyone who works here.
The list of phone numbers is in this container, along with a food and water bowl, and a half of bag of the food we feed him here.
There are some toys, a bed, and a thinner bed for outside when he’s lying in the sun.
Just a few things to get you girls started.
I’ve also included the folder I give to each new pet owner so you and Dani can look through it.
Now let me love on this boy before he leaves to go to his forever home. ”
I watch and even though I can see Paisley is happy he’s found a home, there are still tears running down her cheeks as she kisses on Bowie while rubbing him down. I do the only thing I can to put her at ease.
“Paisley, you’re always welcome to visit or just stop by and check on him. Promise we won’t let you down, swear to Christ.”
She smiles at me mouthing “Thank you” through her tears. All I can do. Then after saying my goodbyes and throwing all the stuff, along with our newest family member in my vehicle, I head home to maybe bring a real smile to my twin’s face. Who can resist a dog, for Christ’s sake, right?