Beneath that was what was called a carousel, of passport-sized photos of dogs of various shapes, sizes, breeds and ages.
Kate scrolled along the photos and tears welled up in her eyes. All the dogs were gorgeous in their own way and it broke her heart to think of them all waiting for new homes. At least they had a sanctuary taking care of them until they each had their big adoption day.
How would she decide? This might be harder than she thought. She’d have to discuss it with Raff and seek his advice. Perhaps there was some sort of vetting process that matched a dog to a prospective owner. Or perhaps it was a matter of meeting a dog and seeing if both the person and the dog had a connection.
She clicked on the ‘about us’ tab at the top and was taken to a page with a photo of an elderly couple flanked by several other people, and beside that was another photo. This one was of a young, gangly boy with glasses, and the happiest smile possible, sitting in a flower-filled garden, with his arms wrapped around a beautiful, golden brown, springer spaniel.
Kate sucked in a breath. This was Raff and Hope. She studied that photo for some time, unable to take her eyes from it.
When she eventually did, she read the brief introduction to the owners and the team who worked at the Oxford rescue centre – none of which included anything about Raff. She scrolled all the way down but nope. He wasn’t there.
Scrolling back to the top she read that the owners, Emma and Matt Gale were in their early seventies and were both retired teachers. They had loved teaching, but for many years they had harboured a dream of opening a rescue centre for dogs.
They said, ‘The dream had taken root after our adopted son, Raff, had brought home a puppy he had rescued from a couple of unpleasant people. Not everyone treats animals as they should be treated. The puppy – and Raff – taught us that there was nothing as important as a safe and loving home, both for animals and for people.
That puppy was called Hope. And in a world of change and worry, stress, fear and doubt, we all need Hope.
We achieved our dream with our son’s help, and five years ago we opened Rafferty and Hope’s Rescue Centre for Dogs. It’s named after our son and Hope because this wouldn’t have happened if it hadn’t been for them.
If you can give hope to an animal in need of a secure and caring home, please get in touch, or come and have a chat and meet the dogs in our care.’
From that Kate deduced that Emma and Matt Gale were people whom she and her family would like very much.
Ten
Kate had read and reread everything on the Rafferty and Hope’s Rescue Centre for Dogs website several times and only finally closed the page when she received a video call from Beth.
‘Happy Valentine’s Day, Mum!’ Beth exclaimed, waving frantically. ‘What’s the weather like there? Are you and Rufus and Granny Viv having fun?’
‘Happy Valentine’s Day to you too, darling. And to Avery. Sunny and cold here. And yes. We’re all having a whale of a time. Look.’ She turned her phone so that Beth could see Granny Viv, fast asleep in her chair, and Rufus who had once again stretched out so that his tummy was roasting in front of the fire.
‘Aww! How sweet. I hope you won’t be bored.’
Kate laughed. ‘So far this has been anything but boring. Seriously. I’m having a lovely time. I’ll tell you all about it when you get home. I mean get back from Meribel. But what about you? It looks as if there’s a lot of snow around you, but it’s sunny there too.’
‘That sounds intriguing. Anything you can tell me now? And yes, there’s an abundance of snow. Some people are sayingthere’s too much. And the sunshine is glorious. I still find it odd though that people are sunbathing in the snow.’
‘Nothing I can tell you right now but if there is you’ll be the first to know. You’re clearly enjoying yourself.’
‘Oh, Mum, I love it here. It’s so beautiful. And so peaceful even though there’re more people here than there are on a Saturday afternoon in central London. And the air is so fresh and bracing. Avery’s home is a little away from the main centre so that’s even more idyllic. You really must come and see this place, Mum. I know you’ll understand why I adore it so much. And as for skiing, well, that’s been a surprise. You’ll recall the first time I tried it a few weeks ago I thought I’d never get the hang of it. The second time was better. But today it just clicked. I get it. I’m not saying I’m any good yet and I’m still on the blue slopes, but I can feel my confidence growing. Avery says I’m a natural. Oh, and you’ll never guess what he did today for Valentine’s Day. As if paying for everything wasn’t enough. He brought me breakfast in bed and I woke up to find I was surrounded by so many red roses that if I suffered from allergies, I’d be dead.’ She laughed ecstatically. ‘On top of that, he bought me this beautiful necklace. Look.’ She held the camera closer to the gold necklace she was wearing. It had two entwined hearts embedded with diamonds. ‘And … he bought me my own ski boots, top of the range skis, and took me shopping for more ski clothing. Plus, tonight we’re having dinner at one of the most exclusive restaurants in Meribel. You can’t get a table unless you book months in advance, but Avery got one, of course. Although he did say that he booked it last week. I still can’t believe this is real, half the time. How did I get so lucky?’
Kate waited a beat to check Beth had finished before she responded. ‘You deserve it all, sweetheart. And so much more. Granny Viv and I went out for fish and chips and sticky toffeepudding. So you’re not the only one making the most of your life.’
Beth laughed. ‘I wish you could meet someone as wonderful as Avery, Mum. You deserve it too.’
Kate was tempted to tell her daughter about Raff. But what was there to tell? They were just friends and he was going to help her find a rescue dog.
‘If it’s meant to be, it will be,’ said Kate. ‘Go and have more fun. And say hello to Avery for me. Where is he, by the way? And what is that din in the background?’
‘He’s just gone to get another present he’s bought for me. And that’s a helicopter landing right by … Oh good God! I … I think this is him. I … I think we’re going for a ride in a helicopter, Mum! I can’t believe it!’
Neither could Kate, but as Beth turned the camera, she could see it with her own eyes. And yes, that was Avery striding towards Beth with his hands stretched out to her.
‘Go, darling, and have a wonderful time. I want photos, please. I love you, sweetheart. Good bye.’
‘Love you too, Mum. Bye.’ Beth rang off with a squeal of delight.
Kate sat and stared at her screensaver for a few moments and then, as if to rub it in, Rose video called her.
