Chapter Thirteen
“You sure you want to do this?” Honey asked Ira. She glanced around his big yard. It was an enormous, manicured space cleared from the forest outside of town. The yard was fenced in white rail fencing. Behind the house, out of sight, was a small barn and an equipment shed. Right now, both were empty. Ira had told Honey he wanted to get a couple horses of his own, plus a dirt bike, quad, and snowmobile. Clearly, he had big plans for his new home.
“Why wouldn’t I?” Ira asked, a puzzled frown lined his face.
“It’s just a big decision, taking responsibility for another life.”
Ira laughed aloud and nudged Honey with is shoulder. “It’s not a big deal. It’s a dog. Every farm needs a dog. I’m not a farm yet, I’ve got two barn cats coming from a neighbor. A momma and a kitten. It’ll be good for them all to arrive about the same time. That way, they’re all adapting at once. It can make the transition easier for some. The cats are already used to dogs, so I’ll just have to find a dog who doesn’t mind cats.”
She wasn’t sure his logic was one hundred percent right, but it was his place and if a dog was wanted, a dog they’d get. She loved critters of all types. She spent too much time on the computer to have a dog, and hadn’t yet bonded with a cat, leaving her pet free. For now.
“Okay then. I’m game to help you find a dog. What are we looking for?”
“Mid-sized dog who will be good with kids and cats. Not too small, but not a Great Dane either. It will be part guard dog to warn when predators are close, but will also be my companion.”
“Can a dog differentiate between coyotes and deer? Or will it be barking all the time? I know a lot of dogs in town bark at everything and everyone. There’s a Chihuahua on my walk home who barks itself hoarse when I go by. You think he’d adapt; I often visit his owners.” She shook her head. She loved dogs, but untrained yappers made her nuts, no matter what size.
“Training. It’s all about training. I spent some time with an elite canine unit when I served. You can train a dog to do anything. I intend to spend a lot of time with Fido. I’ve already checked and he’s welcome on the Bar 3. Working with well disciplined dogs is great training technique.”
“Nice. Shall we go?” She’d rather hang around with Ira, drinking iced tea and chatting, but she had to work later. For the first time she could recall, she wanted more to her life than work. She wanted, seriously desired, a man of her own, and Ira might just fit the bill.
Ira studied her for a moment; a half smile on his lips. “Honestly? I’d rather stay and chat with you, but Bow Wow Meow is only open three days a week for pickup. They’re short staffed and over populated right now.”
“I’ve heard they’re looking to find a new owner. The folks running it now are ready to retire.” It saddened her that Coyote Creek might lose its rescue agency unless someone else stepped up to the plate. She’d do it, but she already had two jobs.
“Closing the rescue agency would leave an extra burden on Riley, He takes in strays at his vet clinic all the time. I don’t know how he does it,” Ira stated, sounding disheartened. He stood and offered his hand. “Let’s do this. I’m excited to meet my new friend.”
She took his hand, loving how it was gentle, and calloused under hers. They walked hand in hand to his Jeep. He opened her door and held her hand while she climbed in. She didn’t need the assistance, but the gentlemanly gesture made her feel valuable and treasured. She liked it.
Bow Wow Meow, the animal shelter, sat ten miles south of town on a busy gravel road. Situated on a small acreage, it was run by Betty and Hans Neumeier, a couple in their late sixties. Hans had retired from being a hunting guide and sold his business to Garth Gunderson a decade ago after training Garth in the business. Once retired he helped Betty run the shelter their daughter had started before marrying and moving away.
“This place needs a bit of love,” Honey said as they parked in the empty lot in front of a triple garage which had been converted to kennel spaces and a storefront.
“It does indeed. I can’t believe they don’t charge an adoption fee. They just give the animals away.”
“And people aren’t generous enough to think of donating to help them make their expenses. Oh, it makes me mad,” Honey grumbled.
“You actually get mad? I didn’t know you had it in you.” Ira winked teasingly.
“Actually, a lot of things irk me. I’ve learned to help change them when I can and let them go when I can’t. I donate to Bow Wow Meow regularly. I even sew up the odd pet bed from old clothing. Nothing fancy, just durable for plenty of washes.”
She studied the house and the converted garage. Both needed a good coat of paint and some repair work. She wondered if the Neumeier’s planned to move away or just stop running the shelter. Fixing this place up would take a bit of work but it would be worth it. The yard itself was well manicured. A neat row of fruit trees marched along beside the well-mown grass. Flowering plants flowed out of the gardens and hanging pots. There was a small greenhouse in the distance, they must grow their own plants from seed.
She wandered toward the door into the shelter, enjoying the sun and the light breeze. Pines along the edge of the driveway lent their scent to the aura of peace surrounding the yard.
Inside, was chaos.
Cats meowed and dogs barked excitedly.
Every single cage was occupied, some by two and three animals. Bow Wow Meow was a no-kill shelter. Ira was right, the shelter was overloaded. Maybe she’d check out the cats while she was here. Just to ease to burden.
“Welcome, to Bow Wow Meow,” Betty greeted them as they entered.
“Hi, Betty.” Honey grinned. “This is my friend Ira. He’s looking for a dog and I’m going to check out the cats, if that’s okay.”
Ira gave her a funny look, as if her decision to adopt had startled him. She winked back, making him smile as if they shared a secret. To her heart, it felt like a special moment.
“Excellent. Are you looking for adults? They’re so much harder to rehome than youngsters. Everyone loves a puppy or a kitten.”
