“I feel more hopeful now. I started doing yoga. I’d never done yoga before I did with it with Danika and the group. Now I think I’ll be doing it most days.”
“Good. I do stretches, but most of them are based on yoga. I like some yoga sessions I’ve done.”
“This instructor is hopeful and uplifting in their approach.”
“That’s good.”
That night she slept better than she had in a while. It was great being with Griz. It wasn’t just that she felt safer, she could tell he had a calming effect on her. The nextmorning they ate breakfast together, talking about yoga, exercise, and the woodworking studio she wanted to build.
The drive to Thario’s place was fast, and when she stepped out of the car, Frog ran over and greeted her like she was one of his friends. After giving Frog a good scratch and a kiss on the head, she moved to Thario’s porch.
“Hey, it’s good to see you,” Thario said. “Do you want a handshake or a hug?”
“You know what, you saved my life. How about a hug?”
He wrapped his arms around her, and she squeezed him back. When they separated, she felt tears fill her eyes.
“Really, you saved me. Thank you.”
He chuckled. “I would do it again in a heartbeat. I’m only sorry I wasn’t there the night before.”
Griz shook Thario’s hand. “Hey, man, it’s good to see you.”
“It’s good to see you, too. Come in, get comfortable.” Thario led them inside.
Elowen took a seat on the couch, and Frog came over. She talked to Frog, telling him she thought he was a good boy. His tail wagged furiously and then moved to Thario, then back to her.
“I think your dog is brilliant,” Elowen said.
Thario laughed. “He’s special but also a dufus at times.”
She scratched Frog behind the ears as she chuckled. “I want to get a dog. It would have to be one that would never attack guests but would alert me to strangers.”
Thario nodded. “I think you could find that if you got a German Shepard who was well trained. I know of a few people who raise Shepards, and I know a few trainers. I can contact them if you like and get a rundown of what is available.”
“Thank you. I just think having a dog that would tell me if I’m in danger without having to install twenty spotlights shining out into the forest so I can see into the deep woods would be best. Even with lights, there would be a limit to how far they would show what was out there.”
Both Thario and Griz chuckled. Thario scratched his chin, and his lips twisted to the side. “Putting in lights would ruin that place.”
“Totally.”
“A dog would be a good companion.” Frog got up and moved to Thario, putting his head on Thario’s lap. Thario scratched Frog’s head and sighed. “He’s getting older. He recovered from being shot, but I know he’s not going to live for another five to ten years. He’s probably got another good year, maybe two. I’ll need to get another dog.”
“That’s one of the reasons I currently don’t have a dog.”
Thario nodded. “But knowing Frog has made my life better. I went back and forth on the issue for a while. When he passes, I’ll be sad. I know I need to have another dog before then because I need that level of support.”
She understood. Thario needed Frog. She didn’t need a dog in the same way, but she would feel safer with a dog on her property.
“Thario, are you working on anything special?” Griz asked.
“It’s quiet right now. I’m going to San Francisco at the end of the month to speak at a conference.”
“That’s cool.”
Thario shrugged. “It might be. It’s a veterans group talking about the importance of having a support animal. So it’s something I’m intimately involved in, but sometimes I wonder if I’m qualified to speak at something like that.”
“Dude, you’re smart, and you don’t talk out of your ass. You don’t just say stuff to say it.”
