He grinned.“I have something for you.”
“For me?”
“Yup.Mike called me, and we found the perfect foster dog for you.Come see.”
He opened the back door of his truck.
Hazel peered inside and clasped her hands together in delight.“Oh, she’s darling.”
“She’s a six-month-old dapple dachshund who needs a home.Unfortunately, her family couldn’t take care of her, and did very little training.But she’s bright and eager to please and, like any dachshund, is full of affection.Mike thought you’d be good for her.”
Hazel covered her face and let her tears come.She couldn’t think of anything sweeter or a better way for Mike to show his love.
“Wha … what’s her name?”Hazel finally asked shakily.
“Her name is Dottie.She’s a beautiful dog.All she needs is a loving home.”
Hazel reached for the pup and laughed when the dog covered her cheeks with kisses.
Her tail was wagging so fast that Hazel almost dropped her, but then the dog snuggled up against her, winning Hazel’s heart forever.
Hugging her tightly, Hazel said, “She’s adorable.But I’ll need to buy her a blanket and a bed and food and everything.”
“I’ve made a list of what you need,” said Gage.“I’ve checked her over and made sure she has all her shots.So, you should be set to go.The pet store outside of town will have everything you want.And you can call me with any questions you might have.”
“What about a leash?”she asked.
“I’ve got a standard one here for you to match her collar.But you’ll want to buy her a harness and a leash with a retractable line.Also, I’ve put a pamphlet in the bag for you to read.”
“Thank you, thank you,” said Hazel, her eyes glistening.It seems she was to foster and adopt after all.
CHAPTER THIRTY-ONE
Left alone with the dog, Hazel placed Dottie on the grass and watched as she playfully ran around sniffing the ground.She called the Center and told them she’d be late coming in.Before she could call Mike, he called her.
“Did you get the delivery?”Mike asked.
“Oh, yes!Thank you!She’s the best gift ever.I’ll send you some pictures of her.Right now, she’s sniffing the grass on the front lawn.I’m about to take her out back to the fenced-in area.She’s tiny and very smart.”
“Are you keeping the name Dottie?”Mike asked.
“It’s perfect with her coat of fur.And that face … so cute!I will take her to the pet store with me, and then she can sleep in my office.Gage said she needs training.So, I’ll get some puppy pads for emergencies.”
“It sounds like you have things under control.Dottie will love being at my house with a big yard to play in.”
“I’m warning you that she’s going to be a very spoiled puppy.Right now, she is staring at me and …”
“Woof!”
“… barking at me to do something.I’m not sure what, but I’ll figure it out.Thank you so-o-o much.I can’t think of a more meaningful gift.The timing is perfect, and I love the idea of adopting a pet.”
“I know you pretty well and thought this might help you get past the disappointment of not fostering Jed,” said Mike, his voice tender.
“Thanks again.Oops!I’d better go.Dottie is running toward the road.”Hazel ended the call and sprinted after the dog.Dottie might have short legs, but she could move fast.
###
Later, loading up her car with store items, it felt like Christmas for a certain pup.She’d bought everything Gage suggested on the list.She hooked up the dog’s car seat and strapped Dottie in it so she could see out the window.The back was loaded with not one but two beds, bowls, toys, a harness and a leash, a small crate, and a teddy bear that had a mechanical heartbeat for nighttime comfort.
