Chapter 13 Caravans, Confessions, and Clarifications
Caravans, Confessions, and Clarifications
Evelyn
The first week in December was the only time Evelyn could carve out some space for a visit to Four Paws.
The night in the pub still played on a loop in Evelyn’s mind.
Normally, she would have made every excuse under the sun to stay in the office and get a little more work finished—Maggie could attest to that.
But when someone like Alyssa Fox invites you for a drink, there is no other answer than yes.
Knowing there would be other people there had been a tad disappointing.
Evelyn wanted to continue their chats. Getting to know Alyssa was Evelyn’s favourite thing to do now, apart from looking after Bug.
Ah, Bug, that little charmer!
Bug had a way to let Evelyn know it was time to take a break. People would think she was a sandwich short of a picnic if they heard her thoughts, but Evelyn was sure of it: Bug had special powers. He was the only creature that had got her to take a step back in months. Even Maggie had commented.
In just a few weeks, Evelyn had gone from workaholic, hell bent on spending every waking hour chained to her desk to something…
different. It was hard to put a finger on what exactly had changed, but one thing was for sure, Evelyn found herself taking more breaks—even if it was just to stare out of the window with her furry friend.
The pressure to be perfect and do everything herself had lessened.
That’s why Evelyn knew she had to make time for the tour around Four Paws. Like Bug, the sanctuary was special. Evelyn felt it in her bones. Plus, she would get a little one-on-one time with a certain raven-haired beauty.
A solid frost clung to the ground. Evelyn’s car tyres crunched loudly as she made her way down the winding gravel driveway to Four Paws. The clock read seven-thirty, which was a hideous time to be awake on a Saturday, but Alyssa had asked her to arrive early.
Pulling into the empty car park, Evelyn took a second to look at the centre.
The building looked brand new. A lot of money had been invested in it, that was for sure.
Evelyn got to wondering how Alyssa had secured the finances for such a place.
It was well known that animal rescue centres found it hard to survive. Usually because they relied on charity.
The facade of the building was ninety percent glass.
Decals stuck on the windows in the shapes of bones and dog paws softened the harshness of the glass and chrome.
Smoothing down her jumper, Evelyn headed for the entrance.
Her hand had just touched the handle when the door flew open and a thrilled looking Alyssa ushered her inside.
“Hey, how was the drive over?” Alyssa was dressed in her usual worn jeans and flannel shirt. Evelyn wondered if her entire wardrobe comprised jeans and shirts.
“Easy peasy. It’s been a while since I’ve left the city.”
“As soon as you’re out of the hustle and bustle, it’s quite a pleasant drive over, I think.
” Alyssa was walking as she spoke. Evelyn followed, trying to take everything in.
The reception was all clean lines and chrome.
On the lefthand side was another wall of glass.
Through it, Evelyn could see a playroom.
“That’s where we take the dogs to meet potential owners.” Alyssa remarked.
“It looks wonderful.” The room was set up with toys and beds. Hidey holes and adventure equipment.
“We try to cater for all our dogs. Some need to hide away for a little while before they are comfortable meeting people. That’s why we have the hidey holes.
Other dogs are full of energy and want to zoom around the adventure course.
It’s important the potential owners get to see the dog’s actual personality. ”
“It’s brilliant, Alyssa.”
“Want to feed some puppies?” Alyssa grinned, her eyes sparkling.
“Are you joking? Of course I want to feed some puppies…but first can I say hello to Bug?” Evelyn had missed the little guy. It had been just over twelve hours since she’d seen him, but already she could feel his absence.
Alyssa chuckled. “He’s waiting for you in my office.”
Sure enough, as soon as Evelyn walked into Alyssa’s office—which was piled high with files and dog hair—Bug came waddling over. He wasn’t fat, it’s just that when he wagged his stumpy tail, his whole body moved with it. He looked as if he was doing some strange version of the twist.
“Hey, little man,” Evelyn crooned as she got to her knees. “Missed you, buddy,” she whispered into his ear. Bug dropped his head and rammed it into Evelyn’s stomach, trying to get as close as possible to her.
A good ten minutes went by of Bug demanding Evelyn’s attention. It was only when Alyssa laughed and tugged on his collar the moment was broken.
“He’d have you doing that all day. Come on, we have jobs to do. You can come too, Bug.”
Evelyn smiled sheepishly. She’d forgotten about everything as she massaged Bug’s fur. It was just as therapeutic for her as it was for him. Getting to her feet, Evelyn shot a wink down at her favourite pooch and followed Alyssa into another room. This one had several crates with heat lamps in them.
“This is where we bring dogs that need some TLC. Right now, it’s just the pups. Thankfully, all our other residents are fighting fit.”
Evelyn moved quietly to the crate at the back of the room. Bending down slightly, she gazed at the mountain of fur wiggling and squeaking.
“There are seven of them,” Alyssa whispered.
“It’s hard to see them, they’re so tightly packed together.” Evelyn looked closer and could see tiny pink paws and little blue eyes.
“Let’s get them fed.”
Evelyn didn’t move. She waited for Alyssa to return with seven bottles of milk.
“Watch what I do and then give it a go.” Alyssa opened the crate and untangled one of the puppies.
Evelyn gasped at how small and adorable the puppy was.
All brown, with a smushed face, its eyes shining bright.
She had to laugh when the little dog fought for all it was worth to get to the bottle Alyssa was dangling close to its mouth.
“He’s hungry,” Evelyn chuckled quietly.
“This one always is. She’s going to be a tank.” Alyssa laughed, finally letting the dog suckle.
Evelyn watched carefully until she was sure she knew what to do. Together, they fed each puppy until they were full to bursting.
“I’m going to stimulate them so they poop. Normally the mother would do it, but…”
Evelyn nodded, understanding the seven dogs were orphans.
Evelyn regarded Alyssa with wonder. She was so fluid in her motions, so knowledgeable and sure of herself.
Every dog in the centre was loved and adored.
That was plain to see. For Alyssa this wasn’t a job, it was a lifestyle, a passion, and Evelyn admired her for it.
“What’s next, boss?”
“Let me give you the grand tour.” Alyssa beamed.
Evelyn’s favourite part of the tour had to be the kennels.
It was obnoxiously loud, but so full of life.
The dogs at Four Paws were happy and excitable.
Taking the entire pack out to the playing field was certainly an experience.
Together, Alyssa and Evelyn took turns running with a football, throwing tennis balls, and playing tug.
Once the fun was over, Evelyn happily helped feed and water all the dogs.
It was hard work, and Evelyn wondered how much time—if any—Alyssa got to herself.
Back in Alyssa’s office, they sat with a fresh coffee and a box of donuts.
Bug dutifully guarded them with his life.
Evelyn had to laugh. He was staring at the box so hard, as though he expected to move the donuts into his mouth by sheer will… or the force, one or the other.
“This is a really impressive set-up, Alyssa. I can honestly say I’ve never seen a rescue centre so well equipped or managed.”
“Thank you. This place is my life. All I ever wanted to do was help and work with dogs.”
“Can I ask how this place is funded? Is that too personal?”
There was no way the sanctuary was funded on charity alone. Everything in the place was new and top of the line.
“It’s fine. I won the Euro lottery when I was twenty-one.”
Evelyn almost choked on the sip of coffee she’d just taken.
Alyssa laughed. “That’s usually the response I get.”
“Wow, I mean, that’s awesome. Lucky you.”
“Yeah, I won more money that I could ever spend and I’m not about personal materialism. My parents are new age hippies. I was practically brought up in a campervan.”
“I can see that,” Evelyn smiled.
“We had a house. It was only small. But my parents wanted me to experience things. They didn’t want me to spend my time in front of a TV.
We were always travelling around; even if it was just day trips, we were always visiting somewhere.
I learned all I needed to be happy was my family and my pets. ”
“That’s beautiful.”
“It was different. I didn’t have loads of friends, but I didn’t mind. Anyway, when I won the lottery I knew straight away what I wanted to do, so I sunk my winnings into this place, and I’ve never looked back.”
“I’m so impressed with you right now, Alyssa Fox.”
Could this woman be any more perfect?
“Thanks. What about you? What’s your story? I feel like I know you, but not the deep stuff.”
Evelyn blew out a breath. “It’s not exciting, really.
Mum and dad started Crawford’s when I was small.
I remember the first shop they opened. It was like a wonderland for me.
I loved helping them out and learning about animals.
I grew up in the business, so it was a foregone conclusion where I would work.
Even though dad is the face of the company, it was really my mum who was the driving force. ”