Willow didn’t move.Rufus sat well out of reach, watching them.Measuring them with that too-human stare.She could practically see the gears turning in his head.And she was already starting to think he was more of a project than she was ready to take on.
Then he leveled that golden gaze on her, his eyes full of a quiet wisdom and wariness that made her throat tighten.This dog had seen things.Had never been treated the way he should have been.
A sharp pang sliced deep in her chest.She put a hand to her cheek, distressed by the thought of this older, dignified animal stuck in here at his age.
He had no applications.No one was willing to take on a dog his age, either because he was understandably a bit standoffish, or maybe because they were afraid of what the upcoming vet bills might cost.Both.
Rufus would keep being passed by.Might spend the rest of his days in here, locked in a four by six-foot kennel.
Noooo...
“Well, what do you think?”Mae asked.“Should we take him out for a walk and get him out of here for a bit at least?”
Willow didn’t respond, too busy thinking about her finances and lifestyle.About what sort of commitment she was prepared to make.
She had a good chunk of money saved up and more invested if she needed to dip into it at some point.She could afford any vet bills that came along, buy quality food and treats.
She worked from home now, so she would be around to spend lots of time with him.Who else would be able or willing to offer him that?
“No,” she finally answered, already too invested to walk away.This boy deserved a solid home and someone to love him.The time and patience to gain his trust and loyalty.A realchance.
So no.She would do far better than take him out for a walk.
Rufus watched the ladiesleave, stretching his neck out to sniff their fading scents some more.He waited, ears perked, until their footsteps faded down the hallway.
They were leaving.His tail drooped.
Old Lady he knew before he was put in here.She was nice to Rufus.Sometimes gave him treats.He liked her.But he didn’t know if he could trust the other one.Rufus didn’t know her.
The other dogs started barking.Rufus lay down, put his muzzle on his paws, and sighed.Boring in here.Noisy.
Rufus sad.
Lady voices came from down the hall.Then the other dogs started barking again.
Rufus lifted his head as the scents drifted toward him.Old Lady.New Lady.And the lady who had put him in here.
Old Lady stopped in front of his door.The lady who had put him in here opened it.
Rufus stood and backed away, ears flattened as New Lady came inside.She crouched down inside the cage and turned her body away at an angle.She stayed still and didn’t look at him, telling him she was probably not mean.
He waited, watching the other two ladies as they stood outside the cage.When they didn’t move, he inched toward New Lady, because she still hadn’t moved.She smelled...interesting.He stretched his neck out, putting his snoot close enough to get a good sniff.
When she remained still, Rufus circled her warily.Snuffling and wuffling at her clothes and hands.
She was relaxed.Rufus relaxed too.Her smell was nice.Like cookies from the bakery he used to walk past in town.And she did not move or try to touch or grab him.
Okay.She could pet Rufus.
He bumped her arm with his snoot.
She looked down at him.“Hi.”
Rufus looked at her too.Nudged the underside of her arm again.
Come on, pet me.What was she waiting for?He didn’t ask just anyone to touch him.Only nice people, and usually ladies were nicest.No lady had ever hurt Rufus.
“Can I pet you?”
