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“Oh my god! That’s so unfair.”

“I got home, and I was feeling pretty shitty about it, but then I had this

idea!” Taylor’s voice rose as excitement kicked back in. “I did a search

online for over an hour for any programs that have to do with animals and

animal therapy, but the only thing I could find around us or even close, was

the usual. Summer camps for kids outside the city, and some links for real

therapy dog training and programs. Other than that, it was just the usual list

of groomers, dog parks, and other pet stores.”

“Ummmm, alright…”

“So, I was petting Peppy and I felt so much better. I thought why not

have a place where people could go to interact with animals if they don’t

have a pet? People who are stressed, or unhappy, or people who just want to

unwind. There could be programs. Yoga and stuff too, but like, with the

dogs. There’d be a big space outside for walking, and maybe a huge area

inside for cuddling. People could bring their laptops or whatever and just

chill with a dog or a cat. Shelter pets! Or rescues! Pets waiting to be

adopted! The shelters are so overcrowded. I think it would really work!”

“Wow— umm— yeah. That’s— just— wow.” Adriana stammered, but

it wasn’t a bad wow. It wasn’t the way people said it when they didn’t

believe in an idea and were seriously skeptical. “You mean you’re actually

thinking of starting a business?” she clarified.

“Yes! There’s nothing here! It would be one of a kind. I just know it

would work. I just— I’m not sure— I mean, I have no idea how to get

building or get funding. Do people just put together a proposal and walk

into a bank?”

“I’m not sure,” Adriana admitted.

There was a spark of hope in her tone and Taylor braced herself

against her excitement. Excitement could be dangerous, and Taylor was

already feeling way too much of it. She didn’t need another massive