Page 35 of Colton On Guard
“Did you check online to see what kind of dogs they have available?” Parker asked once they’d pulled up to the building and parked.
“I meant to, but with everything that happened, I forgot,” she admitted. “Since I’m not ready to adopt today, I guess that doesn’t matter. We’ll just go inside and take a look around.”
“Okay, but before we do, what kind of dog are you looking for?”
She shrugged. “I don’t know. Something big and intimidating, but secretly gentle and kind. In my situation, I need the kind of dog that would make an intruder think twice before breaking in to my house.”
“That makes sense.” He got out of the car. “Let’s go see what they have.”
The busy shelter worker hurried up front when they entered. “Are you looking for a lost pet?” she asked, tucking a wayward strand of gray hair behind her ear. “If so, I’m going to need you to fill out some paperwork.”
Genna found her voice. “No. Actually, we came to take a look at the dogs available for adoption.”
This made the woman beam. “Perfect. Just go through that door. All the dogs in those kennels are available. Just holler if you need any help.” That said, she hurried off.
“Let’s do this.” Parker held out his hand. Without thinking, Genna took it. Together they went through the door.
They stepped onto a concrete walkway dividing two long rows of metal kennels. Immediately, all the dogs started barking. There was a smell that no amount of cleaning could erase, which made Genna sigh. Most of the cages were occupied, and dogs of all sizes, breeds and colors had rushed to the front, begging for attention.
Still clutching Parker’s hand, she stood frozen, unable to make herself move forward.
“Are you all right?” he asked, looking down at her.
“I think so.” Wide-eyed, she took a deep breath. “I don’t know what’s wrong with me.”
“It’s okay to feel bad for the dogs,” he said, his voice gentle. “And just because you don’t plan on adopting one today, doesn’t mean you can’t visit with them while you’re here. I’m sure they enjoy the attention.”
Though she nodded, she still couldn’t make her feet move. Only Parker’s gentle tug on her hand had her taking steps forward.
There were a few large dogs, though most of them seemed to be medium-sized. Some barked furiously as she approached, others leapt onto the metal mesh, desperate to be noticed. As she moved down the row of cages, she saw black dogs and brown ones, white-and-tan and multicolored. Most had short hair and short snouts, though she noticed one or two with long fur.
Releasing her hand, Parker stopped in front of more than one cage, visiting with its occupant. While he was having a conversation with a huge black dog, she spotted something in the corner of the kennel at the very end of the row.
She hurried down to get a better look. Inside, she saw a small dog cowering in the corner. She couldn’t tell if it was a male or a female. Its long white fur looked dirty, tangled andmatted. When she approached, it didn’t get up to greet her or even acknowledge her presence in any way. Head down, the poor animal appeared defeated, without hope. Something about that reminded Genna of the way she’d felt after her divorce.
Telling herself that this small creature was the opposite of what she needed and that she’d decided she wouldn’t be adopting a dog today, she turned away. Further down the aisle, Parker had stopped to converse with a shaggy brown dog of unknown age.
Just then, the shelter worker appeared. “Find anything you like?” she asked, smiling. “We have something for everyone.”
Once again, Genna glanced back at the forlorn little dog. Almost as if the words were being pulled out of her, she heard herself asking “What about that one? What’s his or her story?”
“That’s June Bug,” the woman answered, her smile widening. “She’s a staff favorite. We all love her. She’s a poodle/sheltie mix, spayed, and around five years old. Her owner died and the family didn’t want her, so they brought her here.”
Hearing her name, the little dog lifted her head. Her sad eyes momentarily brightened.
“Most people come in here wanting a large dog,” the worker continued. “It being Alaska and all that. Sadly, she’s become used to being overlooked.”
“That’s a shame.” Still, Genna hesitated. She, too, had thought she preferred a big dog. Mainly for protection. Yet somehow she felt an overwhelming need to help this girl.
“Would you like to meet her?”
Genna nodded, at first still a little unsure, and then absolutely certain. “I would,” she replied. “Please.”
Down at the end of the aisle, Parker continued his dialogue with one of the other dogs. If he had any idea what Genna was considering, he gave no sign. Either that, or she figured he was giving her space.
The worker unlocked the kennel. Though June Bug raised her head, she didn’t move from her spot in the corner.
“You can go on in,” the woman said, waving her hand. “Spend some time with her, get to know each other. Just go ahead and call me if you need me.”