Chapter 17
When Hannah returned from her morning walk the next day, she was surprised to see Spencer and Joy in the driveway next to Spencer’s car. Joy smiled when she saw her and waved for Hannah to come say hello.
Hannah couldn’t help noticing that Joy had that look on her face as Hannah drew near and Hannah wondered what she was up to. She didn’t have to wait long.
“Hannah, I’ve double-booked myself, it seems. I totally forgot that I told Spencer I’d go with him to the animal shelter to help him pick out a dog or two. One of my oldest friends is in town and I’m off to meet her for brunch. If you’re not busy, why don’t you go along with him and offer a second opinion?”
Hannah was about to say she’d love to, but Spencer spoke first. “I’m sure she is busy, Gram. I can go by myself, it’s fine.”
“I actually don’t have anything I have to do right now. I’d be happy to go.”
Joy looked delighted to hear it. “Splendid! Spencer, I can’t get out until you move your car, so off you go!”
Hannah climbed into the passenger side of Spencer’s car and he pulled out of the driveway and headed toward the animal shelter.
“Is this something you’ve been thinking about for a while?” she asked.
“Yeah. I lost my last dog, Bixby, six months ago and I adopted him from the same shelter. I thought I would have him longer, but he got sick and was only eight when he died. It kind of hit me hard and I wasn’t ready until recently.” He smiled. “I mentioned it to my grandmother and she got all excited.”
“Will you get the same kind of dog? What was Bixby?”
“He was a golden retriever. I don’t know. I’m open.”
When they got to the shelter, they met with Ellie, a shelter volunteer, and Spencer gave her a history of his experience owning a dog. She explained that they do a reference check and contact his vet. Because he adopted his last dog from the same shelter, she said that process should go quickly. Once he gave her all the required information, Ellie brought them out back to meet the dogs.
“Since you mentioned that you might want to adopt two, I’d like to show you Lady and Tramp first.”
He smiled at their names. “That’s creative.”
“Their names fit. They’re both very sweet dogs, but Tramp is older, almost nine, and it’s hard to find someone that wants to adopt two dogs, especially when one is a senior.”
“What is their history?” Spencer asked as Ellie stopped in front of a larger cage that held two dogs. Tramp was a big golden retriever with wise, sad eyes. He was sprawled on the floor with his head resting on his paws. Lying next to him was a smaller, more delicate-looking dog. Ellie explained that Lady was a husky and collie mix. She had long, beautiful fur and she was snuggled up next to Tramp.
“Their owner passed recently. He was an older gentleman, in his mid-nineties, and he lived alone. His children lived out of state and couldn’t take the dogs so they brought them to us. Their father’s wish was that the dogs would stay together as they are a tightly bonded pair. We promised to do our best, but it has been almost six months now. So, we may have to consider adopting them out separately at some point.”
“Can I meet them?” Spencer asked.
“Of course.” Ellie opened their cages and Spencer crouched down onto his knees. He waited for the dogs to come to him. Lady came first. She tentatively took a few steps forward, sniffing the air as she walked. She stopped when she reached him and lifted her head as if asking for Spencer to pat her. He complied and scratched her gently behind her ears.
Tramp watched this closely before getting to his feet and ambling over. He sat next to Lady and regarded Spencer quite seriously for a long moment. Spencer continued petting Lady. Tramp took a step closer and butted his head against Spencer’s hand.
Spencer laughed and met Tramp’s gaze as he petted the older dog and Hannah noticed a look flash across his face.
“How much does Tramp weigh?” Spencer asked. Hannah stepped forward and patted him gently, too. He was such a big boy. Lady rushed over and demanded attention, too. Hannah laughed and petted her as well.
“We just weighed him the other day. He’s a hundred and ten pounds and he’s in good health. They both are, and are up to date on all of their shots.”
Spencer stayed with the dogs for a few more minutes and sat right on the floor, continuing to pet both of them and talk to them softly. Both dogs seemed to take to him instantly.
“They really seem to like you,” Ellie said. “Tramp has been a little more reserved with most people that have visited.”
Spencer looked at Hannah. “What do you think?”
“They’re both adorable.”
Spencer got to his feet and Ellie led the dogs back into their cage and closed the door. She turned to continue their walk to view the other dogs.
“I’ll take them,” Spencer said.
Ellie turned back. “Don’t you want to see the other dogs?”
He shook his head. “No, I’ve seen all I need to see. I want these two.”
Ellie’s eyes grew damp. “If you’re sure, that’s just wonderful news.”
“I’m sure.”
“All right, then. I’ll get started on your background check. As soon as I speak to your reference, I’ll be in touch to schedule a time for you to take them home.”
On the ride home, Hannah was amused at the change in Spencer’s personality. She’d never seen him so relaxed and happy. He was excited to get Lady and Tramp home soon.
“As soon as I drop you off, I’m heading into Hyannis to pick up everything I’ll need for them: dog beds, food, toys.”
“You don’t want to wait to make sure they approve you?” Hannah teased him.
He laughed. “I am not worried about that.” He turned into Aunt Maddie’s driveway and dropped her at the front door. “I’ll be back later to head to the Chatham Bars Inn. Thanks for coming along with me today.”
“I’m glad I went. They’re really sweet dogs, Spencer. See you later.”