Chapter 7 #3
There were a few large dogs, though most of them seemed to be medium-sized.
Some barked furiously as she approached, others leapt onto the metal mesh, desperate to be noticed.
As she moved down the row of cages, she saw black dogs and brown ones, white-and-tan and multicolored.
Most had short hair and short snouts, though she noticed one or two with long fur.
Releasing her hand, Parker stopped in front of more than one cage, visiting with its occupant. While he was having a conversation with a huge black dog, she spotted something in the corner of the kennel at the very end of the row.
She hurried down to get a better look. Inside, she saw a small dog cowering in the corner.
She couldn’t tell if it was a male or a female.
Its long white fur looked dirty, tangled and matted.
When she approached, it didn’t get up to greet her or even acknowledge her presence in any way.
Head down, the poor animal appeared defeated, without hope.
Something about that reminded Genna of the way she’d felt after her divorce.
Telling herself that this small creature was the opposite of what she needed and that she’d decided she wouldn’t be adopting a dog today, she turned away. Further down the aisle, Parker had stopped to converse with a shaggy brown dog of unknown age.
Just then, the shelter worker appeared. “Find anything you like?” she asked, smiling. “We have something for everyone.”
Once again, Genna glanced back at the forlorn little dog. Almost as if the words were being pulled out of her, she heard herself asking “What about that one? What’s his or her story?”
“That’s June Bug,” the woman answered, her smile widening. “She’s a staff favorite. We all love her. She’s a poodle/sheltie mix, spayed, and around five years old. Her owner died and the family didn’t want her, so they brought her here.”
Hearing her name, the little dog lifted her head. Her sad eyes momentarily brightened.
“Most people come in here wanting a large dog,” the worker continued. “It being Alaska and all that. Sadly, she’s become used to being overlooked.”
“That’s a shame.” Still, Genna hesitated. She, too, had thought she preferred a big dog. Mainly for protection. Yet somehow she felt an overwhelming need to help this girl.
“Would you like to meet her?”
Genna nodded, at first still a little unsure, and then absolutely certain. “I would,” she replied. “Please.”
Down at the end of the aisle, Parker continued his dialogue with one of the other dogs. If he had any idea what Genna was considering, he gave no sign. Either that, or she figured he was giving her space.
The worker unlocked the kennel. Though June Bug raised her head, she didn’t move from her spot in the corner.
“You can go on in,” the woman said, waving her hand. “Spend some time with her, get to know each other. Just go ahead and call me if you need me.”
With that, the worker moved off.
Slowly, Genna opened the door to the kennel. Though June Bug stayed in her spot, she kept her stare fixed on Genna.
About a foot away, Genna stopped and dropped down to her haunches. “Hey there, pretty girl. How’d you like to get busted out of here today?”
Gaze locked on Genna, June Bug wagged her tail.
“But you’re going to have to get up first,” Genna continued, keeping her voice soft. “Will you please come over here and let me pet you.”
To her disbelief, the little dog got to her feet and hesitantly came over. She sniffed Genna, her tail still wagging.
Deciding to take a chance, Genna gently picked June Bug up, holding her close while crooning to her. “It’s going to be all right, I promise.”
June Bug tilted her head and then, as if she understood Genna’s words, she licked her on the cheek.
That sealed the deal. “You’re my dog now,” Genna said. Still holding the little dog, Genna got to her feet and stepped out of the kennel.
“What do you have there?” Parker asked, still hanging out with the dog at the end of the row. “Is that a puppy?”
He sounded so horrified she had to laugh. “No, she’s around five years old. Her owner died and the family didn’t want her. Isn’t she precious?”
“She is,” he admitted, moving closer so he could get a better look. “But I thought you were wanting a dog for protection.”
“I was.” Trying not to be defensive, she gazed down at June Bug. “But this one needs me. And I need her.”
Studying her face, Parker nodded. “You fell in love.”
Surprised, she held his gaze. Instead of condemnation or mockery, she saw only understanding. “I fell in love,” she repeated.
“Then she’s coming home with us,” he said. “Let’s go fill out the paperwork. What’s her name?”
He chuckled when she told him. “That suits her.”
At the front desk, the shelter worker beamed when she realized Genna intended to adopt little June Bug. Once Genna signed the forms and paid the fee, she received some papers showing June Bug’s vaccination history.
“Do you have dog food and treats? A collar and leash?” the worker asked. “We sell all of that here to make things easier.”
Since Genna had never owned a dog before, she asked for recommendations. Once all the necessities had been purchased, she put June Bug’s new collar on her before carrying her out to her car. Parker trailed behind, carrying the shopping bags.
“Are you going to let her walk?” he asked once they reached the parking lot. “Maybe she needs to go before she gets in the car.”
“Good point.” Walking to a grassy area at the edge of the pavement, she clipped the brand-new leash to June Bug’s collar and gently set her down. “Go potty,” she said.
Tail wagging, the little dog pranced over and took care of her business. When she was done, Genna praised her and picked her up again. “Would you mind driving?” she asked Parker. “That way I can hold her.”
“Sure.” He smiled and held out his hand for the keys. “Let’s take her home.”