Mitch caught him and kissed Avery’s forehead. “Love you.”
Avery beamed back. “Love you too.”
“Good. Have fun.” Mitch ushered Avery toward Jace who immediately captured his hand.
“Come on, baby boy,” Jace encouraged.
“It’s okay?” Didn’t they have guests that they needed to worry about. Avery didn’t want to be a bad host.
“Yes, Clint knows where we’re going and Grant and Lance are breaking up the party so everyone goes home. You were very good tonight but you don’t need to be there as they leave.”
Avery didn’t want to admit how relieved he was. The party was super fun but he was tired. As Jace held his right hand, Avery returned his thumb to his mouth. Usually he’d ask for one of his binkies but he didn’t want to have to go back inside in case Jace didn’t bring it with him.
It was so nice out of the property of the camp.
When Avery had first started working there, everyone referred to the property as a training center. And that made sense since that was where the dogs worked toward their certifications, but that wasn’t all they were.
The Canine Companion Camp was so much more.
They accepted donated dogs and even purchased some from other programs like theirs. Except there no dog was turned away if they didn’t pass the program. Sometimes the canines didn’t have the motivation or will to be a service animal. So they got to be a companion. Not every veteran needed a dog that could alert or help with a disability. Sometimes the person just needed to meet their furry best friend.
In a little over three years the program had grown to be recognized around the country.
Pride filled Avery every morning that he pulled on the collared shirt with the paw logo. Sharing a walk with Jace around the massive property made Avery just as proud.
While his Daddy often dropped by and was a familiar face around, Jace was always focused on Avery. That Avery was happy and getting everything that he needed. Or when a dog left with their forever human Jace reminded Avery that the canine was completing their journey.
They didn’t often get to just stroll around the grounds like this.
The building except for the main office and kennels were spread out around the property. Clint had managed to buy more land that surrounded the camp to expand someday. He had big plans for the program.
Clint wanted a place where veterans could come and heal. Where the canines would never know loneliness. Clint often sat with Avery and talked about his grand plans because he knew that Avery would be with him every step of the way.
Jace started to lead Avery toward the kennels.
“I think the dogs are sleeping,” Avery told him. He was glad his furry friends had been able to join for the beginning of the party where they fetched balls and got lots of love and pats. Gio had taken them away hours ago so they could be settled in for the night.
“We’re not going inside,” Jace said.
That was fine with Avery. He’d spent a lot of time petting Gus and explaining that he would only be gone for a week and that Gus needed to be on his best behavior while Avery was out. He’d also once again told his grump that Gus needed to give Thomas a chance.
Hopefully by the time Avery returned, Gus had formed a bond with Thomas. Even if it was just the start of one.
The property was well lit by floodlights on the edges of buildings as well as standing lampposts that made walking around the paths easier. That was the reason that Avery easily spotted the dog sitting in front of the kennel building.
Avery gasped his thumb falling from his mouth. Gus shouldn’t be out.
“It’s fine,” Jace gave his hand a squeeze. “Clint is there.”
He had to squint but eventually Avery spotted his boss leaning against the side of the building.
“What’s going on?” Avery asked suspiciously.
Jace stopped walking before turning Avery to face him. “Remember that surprise?”
“Oh!” Avery had totally forgotten. He hadn’t even managed to call Mitch and ask for help figuring it out. There had just been so much work that needed to be done before Avery felt comfortable leaving for a week.
He knew that the camp would run without him but Avery still worried. There were applicants waiting for their paperwork to be processed. Dogs that were on a shortlist to be added to the pack. Avery didn’t want any human or dog to fall through the cracks when he was gone.
