Page 102 of Guitars and Cages

“We always had dogs around when I was growing up, too.”

“I’ll never forget the time they surprised a skunk. Oh lord, the smell of wet dog, tomato juice, and skunk lingered in the mud room for days. I thought I’d never be able to air it all the way out of there.”

I laughed at that, remembering my brother Chase’s encounter with the skunk that had decided to make its home at his favorite fishing spot. He must have gotten sprayed three times before he decided to find another place to fish.

I helped her put the energetic dog back in his cage, and then pulled the wagon to the next set of cages in the row.

“So were you thinking about taking one of these little guys home with you?” she asked as she worked.

I petted the mixed breed in the cage while she fed her.

“I’d like to, but I can’t right now. I think I’d better get a job first, and try and make sure my whole living situation is gonna work out.”

“What happened to your bartending job?”

I hung my head because it was a bit of a sore subject. “It kinda fell through. I had a falling out with the owner.”

“I’m sorry. Job hunting is never any fun.”

“Yeah—hey, are there any openings here?”

She laughed. “It’s all volunteer work here, I’m afraid.”

The bulldog in the next cage cowered in the back and snarled as we went to open the door. I knelt and looked at him, talking to him as Anne took care of his food and water. I was just talking bullshit, low and gentle, and he stopped his growling and inched forward a bit. I let him come at his own pace, not reaching to pet him, just talking and watchin’ him, until he’d crossed the cage and was nosing at my hand. I opened it up, let him sniff, and then gently slid my fingers along his jaw, rubbing his fur until I could reach his ears.

“I was right, you do have an amazing way with critters, Asher. That old boy hasn’t let any of us pet him since he’s been here.”

“My old man used to give me all the skittish horses and dogs to work with. I guess they like me is all.”

She got quiet, so I rubbed the bulldog’s ears a bit more before I closed his cage, reluctant to leave him; poor guy, he actually whined when I walked away. I wished I had a place to keep him, I always did love bulldogs. We took care of a few more cages before she paused.

“You know, I just remembered something.”

“What?”

“Well, it was a conversation over lunch earlier in the week. A friend of my husband was over at the house, and he was complaining about how difficult it was to find competent stable help at the livery he runs. It’s in the suburbs, about twenty minutes outside the city, but if you’d be willing to drive it, I could recommend you to him.”

“He has horses?” I asked, like an idiot. That wasn’t the question I’d meant to ask, but it slipped out that way.

She laughed, though, and didn’t look at me like I was stupid. “Yes, he does. They give riding lessons out there, train people and their horses for jumping competitions. They board horses there, too, and do some breeding, mostly of jumpers.”

“I’ve never worked with a jumper. I’ve seen them, though, once or twice. Mostly I’ve worked with rodeo horses.”

“Then you’re likely better qualified than anyone else he’s had applying this year.”

I grinned. “What the hell. Sure, okay, how do I apply?”

She looked at me with a twinkle in her eyes. “Let’s finish this row, and then we can go up to the office and I’ll give him a call. I’m not about to give up good help halfway through the job.”

I laughed at that and kept pulling the wagon for her, petting the dogs in each cage whenever they would come to me. Most did; one or two were leery. I wished I had time to spend with them all, but I wasn’t in any position to volunteer my time unless I wanted to have to fight the next time I needed any money. When we were done with the row she led me back to the office, and I sat staring out the window while she made her call. I listened as Anne told her friend all about me and Ghost and the way the animals at the shelter had been responding to me. By the time she was done, I was feeling a bit embarrassed about all the praise she’d heaped on me.

She turned to me, clearly pleased with herself. “Well, that went well, I think. He’d like to meet you; he’s actually in the city today, so if you can get yourself over to the food court next to the courthouse at two, he’ll be waiting. His name is Travis Grayson, and he never goes anywhere without wearing his black Stetson, so you shouldn’t miss him.”

“Oh...okay,” I said, looking down at my clothes. I hadn’t gotten them too messy playing with the dogs. I checked my watch; it was almost one. “I guess I’d better go.”

“Yup, don’t be late, best to make a good impression right off the bat. Thanks for helping today, Asher. You come back and visit me, you hear? Maybe even take one of these guys home with you next time.”

“I’d like that. It sucks to see them all in cages, but it’s better than seeing them hurt and alone on the streets.”