Page 30 of Love's Bloom
Taking a deep breath, Misty walked slowly by the cages, looking at each dog. Their hopeful expressions or looks of resignation touched her. She passed several large dogs who would, no doubt, be suitable.
Then, her glance met the brown eyes belonging to asmall, curly-haired, tan dog whose pointed nose looked as if she had a bit of Dachshund in her, along with a curly-haired breed, maybe a Poodle. The dog wagged its tail, and Misty couldn’t help smiling. “How about this one?”
Gage frowned. “She’s sweet, but I’m not sure what kind of guard dog she’d make. She likes everyone.”
“I’d like the chance to play with her. What is her name?” asked Misty.
“Sugar,” said Gage. He indicated a big chocolate lab. “Now, Duke here would be a better choice.”
“No,” insisted Misty. “I want to see Sugar.”
Gage opened the cage, and Sugar immediately went into Misty’s arms and kissed her cheeks. Giggling, Misty stroked her head and then took a deep, long look into the dog’s round, brown eyes.
“Will you protect me, Sugar?” she said softly, and Sugar barked and looked around, alert.
“Tell me about her,” Misty said to Gage.
“She’s about four years old, was the only dog of a woman who had to move into an assisted living facility, and she’s a trained therapy dog. We just got her, so she hasn’t been listed for adoption. That’s why she’s still here. She’s a great dog, but I thought you needed one that was bigger, more likely to defend you,” said Gage.
“She’s very alert. She can let me know if something is wrong,” said Misty. “I’m much more comfortable with her.” She got to her feet and said, “Come.”
Sugar followed her around the room.
Misty knelt, and Sugar went right up to her and kissed her cheek.
“She’s perfect,” said Misty, standing. “I want her.”
“Okay, we’ll discuss your home and surroundings, and then we’ll fill out the paperwork. I have her medical records. You can see she’s in excellent health. She’s trim and has had all her shots.”
Gage put a leash on Sugar and handed it to Misty.
On the way out of the room, Misty kept her eyes on the floor. She couldn’t bear to see the dogs left behind.
Gage handed her some paperwork, and they went over it together. “If you don’t think it will work outfor any reason, you have three days to change your mind. You understand that could be traumatic for the dog, but we want to be sure the placement is satisfactory for you both.”
Misty completed the paperwork, paid the fees, and then turned to David. “Isn’t she wonderful?”
David grinned. “It’s a love match all right.”
Misty laughed and picked up Sugar, who fit comfortably into her arms. “Good girl, Sugar. We’re going home.”
CHAPTER TEN
David dropped Misty and Sugar off at her cabin and helped her carry in the dog bed, toys, and food the previous owner had given the Animal Rescue Center for Sugar. There wasn’t a doubt in Misty’s mind that the dog was well-loved. As soon as things got calmer, she intended to take Sugar to see her former owner. It was the least she could do. She’d learned Sugar’s former owner, a woman named Cassandra Overton, lived at The Woodlands.
Misty allowed Sugar to sniff all around the cabin. When she was through, Misty opened the sliding glass door and took her out onto the deck.
“I know the woods are exciting, but you must stay with me for now. We’ll walk together later,” said Misty.
Sugar looked up at her and wagged her tail.
Misty leaned over and rubbed her ears. “You really are a sweet dog.”
Inside, Misty took off the dog’s leash, carried the dog’s bed to a corner of the kitchen, and set it down. It would allow Sugar to sleep in the sunshine sometimes, and from there, Sugar would have a view of both the front door and the sliding glass door.
Sugar went over to it, sniffed it, and turned in circles three times before lying down in it.
“Good girl,” said Misty. “This is your new home.”
