“People are loving the two of you. The pictures posted by the photographers and the ones here to adopt have gone viral,” Jonathan said.
“Good. Hopefully it brings awareness to this shelter and other one.” The goal is to help this place but also the one on the other side of the city.
Jonathon crossed his arms. “I’ll be the first to admit I didn’t like this plan, but you’ve done a good job, Mateo.”
I glanced over at him, with comically wide eyes. “Was that a compliment?” I’d been with Jonathon from the moment I signed with the Titans, and I could count on one hand how many compliments he gave me over the years.
“Don’t let it get to your head.”
“Me? Never.”
Jonathon just rolled his eyes at my response. “Go and talk to people. There’s still a long line of people that are waiting to meet you and see the animals.”
“Jonathon,” I said his name before he could walk off. “By the end of the day, donate five hundred thousand to both shelters and make it anonymous.”
“Mateo,” he started, but I shook my head.
“Just get it done, please.” I didn’t give him a chance to argue, just clapped his shoulder and walked off. There were more animals that needed me.
“I wantto be a football player just like you!” A young boy named Austin declared, a Titan jersey drowning his small frame.
Squatting down to his level, I gave him a smile of my own. “I bet you will. Make sure you eat your vegetables so you can be as strong as I am.”
“Even broccoli?” The kid scrunched his nose up in disgust.
I laughed. “Even broccoli.”
Behind him, his mom let out a chuckle at his groan.
“Make sure you take care of this little guy,” I added on, nodding toward the cat they just adopted. It was in its carrier by his feet. They picked out an older cat that had been at the shelter for over ten months.
“I will! I promise!” He puffed out his chest, like it was his new mission to take care of it.
“Good boy.” I ruffled his hair, making his grin almost split his face. “Listen to your mom and be good.”
With a promise to do just that, his mom reached downand grabbed the cat carrier, the two turning to leave the shelter. I returned the wave the kid gave me over his shoulder.
My cheeks ached from smiling as I pushed to my feet. For a second, I just stood there, taking it all in.
The room that had been packed only hours ago was now quiet. The three sections were empty, even the cat room sat empty. It felt almost unreal. Three hours straight of people coming and going—families, couples, kids—until one by one, all the animals found homes.
Wendy had already closed things up, finishing the last of the paperwork out in the reception area. Most of the team had left, after I thanked them endlessly for spending their day off helping.
My gaze drifted toward the back of the room, suddenly spotting a dark shape in the far corner. I weaved around the chain-linked fences, eyes glued to the dog as if to make sure I wasn’t seeing things.
The lone pup was curled in a ball and asleep in a back corner. Hearing my footsteps, he lifted his head and stared at me with big brown eyes. He had long floppy ears and a gorgeous deep brown coat. Definitely a hound of some sort.
“Hey, little guy,” I spoke softly. He wasn’t little by any means, but sitting back here alone, he somehow seemed small.
He didn’t move as I slowly lowered myself down onto the concrete floor, those eyes following my every movement. I sat directly in front of him so he knew I wasn’t about to harm him.
My heart squeezed painfully in my chest as I looked him over. He was too skinny, too sad. I wasn’t sure how long he’d been here or what brought him to the shelter, but it was clear he was neglected.
I cautiously put my hand out, slowly moving it closer so I didn’t spook him. A wet nose met my knuckles, sniffling me.
“It’s okay. I won’t hurt you, I promise,” I whispered. I held my breath as he sniffled my hand and then slowly stood up. I sat perfectly still, not moving a muscle as the pup came closer, nose running along the entire length of my arm and up to my face.
His wet nose dragged across my neck, over my chin, and up to my mouth as he planted himself right in front of me, paws near my crossed legs. I barely had time to react before his tongue darted out, licking a messy line from my mouth to my forehead.
