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Everything gleamed in this place.Like Arthur wanted the animals to have the very best.

Together we turned to find Neil crouching easily, and playingshake a pawwith Wally.

Who appeared reticent.

Arthur leaned toward me.“He knows how…but he’s waiting for a, you know…”

I remembered.

Wally knew all kinds of tricks—but would only trot them out if he was being rewarded with food.His previous owner had trained him well.But had rewarded everything with food.And had left his food bowl out all day.Some dogs could handle grazing.Wally was not that dog.He hoovered up every scrap of food he came across.Which was why his weight was so high and his health precarious.

Dr.Blair worried about a myriad of ailments.

I’d diligently read up about each and noted the signs to look out for.I also had regular appointments set up with Dr.Blair to monitor Wally’s health.

Arthur had told me the visits were part of the adoption program and I wouldn’t be charged for them.

I didn’t believe him.I also wasn’t in a position to pay for the visits myself—yet—so I’d take the kindness offered by whoever was doing it.

Neil rose gracefully and handed the leash back to Arthur, then met my gaze.“I’m so happy Wally’s got a new home.He’s a favorite of mine.Of everyone’s.Anyway, I need to head to the back.I hope to see you around.Oh, where do you live?”

My cheeks heated at the thought of myout-of-my-budget, favor-I-can’t-repaytemporary residence.“Riverside.”

“Oh great.I make my way over that way sometimes.And I’m sure you’ll walk the boardwalk.Wally would love that.All the other dogs and kids.You know he’s great with kids, right?”

“Uh, yes.”

“Well, nice to meet you.”

Arthur gestured.“Apologies.Neil, this is Phillip.”

Neil held out his hand.

After a fraction of a second, I took it.And offered the best smile I could.

“Your hair is so like my boyfriend Sawyer’s.”Neil grinned, released my hand, nodded, and headed into the back.

Of course he has a boyfriend.The cute man struck me as kind as well.Much like Arthur.And everyone else I’d encountered in town.Well, the half dozen, anyway.

Arthur handed me Wally’s leash.“It’s okay to ask questions.No one expects you to know everything right away.”

“I’ve made an appointment with Jordan.The trainer?He’s coming over Thursday night.”

“That’s great.He’s the best.You’ll do great with him.”

I glanced down at Wally.“Are you ready to go?”

Wally grinned up at me.

“Uh.”I gazed around.“I just have to call a cab.”And panic set in as I realized I would have to cut back on something in order to pay for that.

“No need.”Arthur pulled his keys out of his pocket.“I’ll get Neil to watch the front, and I’ll drive you both home.Riverside, you said?That’s not far.”

Close enough to walk.For someone who was vaguely in shape.

June was pretty brutal in Southern California.The sun was strong again today, and Gaynor Beach was enjoying nice, high temperatures.Despite living in LA for six years, the searing heat was something I had yet to acclimate to.All that a/c had spoiled me.

Plus, even if I managed to make it back in one piece, Wally would likely not survive the trip.Arthur and the other volunteers had been walking him a bit more each day, but between his weight issues and the fact he’d never been on a real walk, he was still struggling.