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 façade of the building was ninety percent glass. Decals stuck on the windows in the shapes of bones and dog pawssoftened 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—whichwaspiled high with files and dog hair—Bug came waddling over. He wasn’t fat, it’s just that when he wagged hisstumpy 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 dogfought 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?”
