Page 8 of A Furry Thing Called Love
I look at Linda in a new light after that question.Because what the fuck?She’s a professional, and no, she doesn’t train service dogs, but surely she would have some sense of logic when it comes to a working animal.One that is medically needed.
It might have been an innocent question to try to help Millie, but it leaves a bad taste in my mouth for the rest of the session.
I pay her the money for the session, and hope my smile comes off as genuine.
“Same time next week?”
I try not to grimace as I say, “I’ll have to let you know.My work schedule is a bit busy this time of year.”
“Sure, no problem.If you could let me know no later than Friday?So I don’t hold a spot that won’t be used… And here’s a flyer about our group sessions, so we can start socializing Millie with other dogs.”
I take the sheet of paper she hands me.“Thank you, and I’ll let you know about next week.Do you need a deposit?”
“Oh!Yes, thanks for reminding me.My boss would have killed me if I had forgotten—again.”
I laugh with her, though I don’t feel any merit.I wonder how many people have managed to get around not paying the deposit for the class and not showing up.I wish I could feel bad about it, but well…
“Thank you, have a good day!”
I give her one last smile.“You too.”
Getting the dogs back in the car, I sit heavily in the driver’s seat and take a deep breath.Looking first at Eli, and then Millie, I ask, “I think we deserve Starbucks, what about you?”
Eli woofs and Millie barks in agreement.
Laughing, I start the car and search for the nearest drive-thru on the GPS.We’ve all earned a treat after that.
And…tonight I’ll do another Google search for a dog trainer.It’s okay this one didn’t work out, options are perfectly fine.
I refuse to admit there’s only one acceptable choice.I won’t put myself, the dogs, or Jordan through that pain…
Chapter6
Jordan
Indieand I enter Safe Haven Animal Rescue—Gaynor Beach’s only animal shelter.The marble flooring and crystal light fixtures, as well as the beautiful façade and stunning architecture, might seem a little too bougie for an animal rescue, but it amuses me.This place was sorely needed, and given all the hard work put in by the owner, Arthur, his staff, and the slew of volunteers, I’ve been more than excited to see the progress as it’s been built from the ground up.
I’m happy I’ve been able to play my part as well—volunteering in my, albeit limited, free time, and also donating when I could.I wish I could have done more, but getting my business set up to accommodate the growth had to take precedence.Especially since Arthur lets me advertise my services here.That means making sure I’m prepared for all the first time pet owners who are looking for someone to help with their new family members.
“Hey, Jordan.”Arthur smiles briefly when he sees me.“Hi, Indie.”The grin that the shelter owner gives my dog could power a city.
Arthur and I have known each other a while now.He helped me get my name out there by sending clients my way, and I'll always appreciate his support.But nothing gets the quiet man going quite like animals.It's endearing, and one hundred percent relatable.
I'm not quite as shy and quiet as Arthur, or my cousin, Luka, but I definitely appreciate the company of animals over people.So, I never take it offensively when Indie gets more attention than I do.
Indie immediately goes up to Arthur, not even bothering to check with me.It should be frustrating, as that goes against her training, but if there’s anyone I can trust carte blanche with my animals, it's Arthur.
“Just came to drop off some flyers for the new puppy class starting in a few weeks.”
Arthur doesn't look up from showering Indie with attention.“Sounds good.I know there are a few people who are looking forward to that, so I hope they sign up.”
“Me too.I've been working on a class for two-year and older dogs as well, so expect me to be dropping more flyers off once I have the details worked out.”
Arthur straightens, laughing when Indie huffs her protest at no longer being his sole focus.
“That'll be good.Some people don't think about how important it is to train an older dog as well, believing that nonsense about how you can't teach an old dog new tricks.”
I scoff.“They just don't have me to help them.”
