Page 1 of Yorkie to My Heart (Friends of Gaynor Beach Animal Rescue #6)

Phillip

I glanced around the Safe Haven Animal Rescue lobby in awe.

The stunning architecture and beautiful facade seemed impractical for a shelter, but also appropriate.

Animals deserved the very best, and this place clearly gave them a lovely temporary home.

I hadn’t noticed them when I first walked in, but now I took in marble floors and crystal light fixtures.

And yet, the space was made welcoming by rubber mats and wall posters and a corner with racks full of toys and beds.

Arthur, the man in charge, also had a welcoming quality to him. With his soft voice and calm demeanor, despite his size, he exuded kindness. His gentle handling of the animals as he’d introduced me to all the dogs in need of a forever home had also connoted a deep love of animals.

Much as I had. But had never been able to show before.

I lost all interest in marble and glass as Arthur emerged from the back area with Wally.

Wally was the cutest dog I’d ever met. His resemblance to me made him all the more likeable. Rotund. Rubenesque. Curvy. Gentle ways of saying fat. Really fat.

“Come on, Wally. You remember Phillip.” Arthur coaxed the dog toward me.

I knelt as best I could, struggling to stay balanced.

“It’s okay.” Arthur started to move toward me. “You don’t?—”

I waved him off. “I do.” I held out my hand to Wally.

The Yorkie slowly advanced toward me. Once he sniffed my fingers, though, he launched himself at me.

“He remembers me.” I wasn’t certain why that surprised me, but it did.

“Of course he does.” Arthur offered a genuine smile, the light in the lobby illuminating his sparkling blue eyes. “You’ve been here twice and spent considerable time with him. He’s a clever boy, and you’ll need to watch him carefully. He’s a little escape artist.”

I eyed the little tan-and-black dog, meeting his curious gaze and laughing at his cocked head. “You’re going to be a good boy and do what I say, right?”

As if understanding, Wally licked my hand.

“He’s also a charmer.” Arthur eyed me. “He’s going to try to convince you that he’s starving. To be clear—he’s not. If you feed him exactly the amount of food that Dr. Louisa prescribed, he’ll slowly lose weight. Well, along with the exercise regime.”

Arthur had told me Wally arrived unneutered, with terrible teeth, a few mats, and zero vaccinations.

Dr. Louisa at the Gaynor Beach Animal Clinic was apparently the shelter’s vet, and from the paperwork Arthur had shown me, she’d given Wally a lot of care before they decided the little dog was available for rescue.

Rescue.

I wasn’t certain I was capable of rescuing him. I certainly hadn’t been capable of rescuing myself.

In the past. Move forward.

Easier said than done.

“You okay?”

I met Arthur’s worried gaze.

And put on my bravest smile possible. “Of course. Just thinking of all the things I’ll have to manage. Also grateful to whomever paid for all his care. That was a lot of work.”

“We have a good fundraising team.” He scratched Wally between his perky ears.

The dog’s eyes closed in bliss.

“You’ve got everything you need to take care of him, right?”

Since my last visit, when I’d decided for certain that Wally was coming home with me, I’d gratefully accepted a care package from the shelter with almost everything I’d need.

Again, generous souls helping out. “I bought the food, and you provided the bowls. You’re giving me the leash, the harness, and a raincoat. ”

“It doesn’t rain much here in SoCal, but you’ll be glad for the coat when those atmospheric rivers come.”

I nodded. Coming from eastern Oregon, I knew about rain. But I’d lived in California for the past six years. First as a student, and then?—

For fuck’s sake, get over it already .

But I knew I wouldn’t. I drew in a deep breath. “You also gave me some toys he likes, and Dr. Blair has approved a couple of tr—, uh?—”

“Yes, don’t say that word. He’s very familiar with that word.” Arthur grinned. Sometimes he came across as almost shy—like when I’d filled out the paperwork. In the presence of the animals, though, he was confident and forthright.

Or maybe those perceptions were me projecting onto him.

“I’ve also provided you with a map of all the dog parks. You need to wait a couple of weeks before letting him off-leash even inside a fence, though.”

“But after that?”

“Once you’re certain he’ll come when you call and obey your commands, then yes, you can absolutely take him to a leash-free dog park.

He likes other dogs. Stay in the small-dog section, though, and if you meet other dogs while walking him, always be cautious.

He’s fearless about rushing up to big dogs. ”

We’d been over this, but I didn’t blame Arthur for going through it once again. He’d clearly come to care for Wally in the few weeks he’d been here.

“I have your number on speed dial. And Dr. Louisa’s.”

“You have an appointment with her the week after next for a dental recheck, a vaccine booster, and the weight-management stuff.”

“Noted in my calendar.”

“Oh, are you the one adopting Wally?” An excited voice came from the entrance.

I’d been so focused on Arthur and Wally that I hadn’t heard whomever it was, and I startled.

And fell flat on my ass.

Great. No dignified way to stand.

My knees had been protesting after crouching for so long, but at least I would’ve been able to get up without looking like a dork.

“Oh God, I’m so sorry.” The man gazed at me in horror.

His dark-blue eyes were stunning and his short, dark-brown hair suited him. He was a very attractive guy.

Out of my league. All the guys I met these days were out of my league. And why did I care? There was no reason to imagine he was gay.

“Hello, Neil.” Arthur rose gracefully. “Will you take Wally’s leash for a moment?”

Wally gazed excitedly at the new arrival.

Arthur stepped toward me, blocking Neil from my view. “Neil’s a volunteer.” He reached down subtly with his hand.

Well, I either get on my hands and knees and struggle, or I accept the offered hand. He looks strong enough to help. And he wouldn’t offer if he couldn’t…right? His arm muscles didn’t bulge, but I’d sensed Arthur’s strength—both inner and outward.

Two things I sorely lacked.

It’ll be fine. Just get on with it . I held out my hand.

Arthur grasped mine and braced me, and yep, he had some muscle hidden under that soft exterior.

Somehow, we got me back onto my feet.

I dusted off my ass even though the floor shone pristinely.

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

Together we turned to find Neil crouching easily, and playing shake a paw with 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 my out-of-my-budget, favor-I-can’t-repay temporary 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.

Oh well, we’ll struggle together. “That would be amazing. But only if I’m not putting you out.”

“Not at all.” He held up a finger, clearly indicating I should wait.

I did while he went to the back.

He emerged a few moments later with Neil. Who offered another wide smile.

I managed to smile back.

Arthur grabbed the bag of Wally’s toys, and we headed out.

The drive to my place was tough for me. Was I supposed to make small talk? Be unobtrusive? I didn’t do people, and I wondered about Arthur as well. Neither of us spoke—which was fine—and soon he arrived at the address I’d provided.

My house was the smallest on the street, but well-maintained.

Not my house. The one I was residing in.

Thanks to some nice guy, James, whom I’d met for the first time yesterday, who rented out this house at below-market rates to people who needed help.

I hated that I needed help, but was no longer too proud to ask for it.

“You live in James’s house.” Arthur grinned. “He’s my best friend. I was his very first guest.”

Aw shit. If the men were best friends, then chances were Arthur knew of his friend’s benevolence. “He’s been very kind.” I might’ve been shy yesterday, but I had been grateful and expressed that gratitude to James in an embarrassing torrent of words.

Anthony, my social worker, had sort of ended my rambling thanks.

And didn’t it suck ass that I needed a social worker? Pride goeth before the fall. Wasn’t that the expression? I’d never been overly prideful. But I had fallen.

Badly.

“Thanks so much for the ride.”

We exited Arthur’s vehicle, and he removed Wally from the crate he’d been secured in.

Arthur put him gently on the ground and handed me the leash.

Wally squatted to pee and then, without warning, crouched and pooped.

“Oh crap.” Literally. And heat flooded my cheeks.

“Never fear.” Arthur pulled a doggie bag from his pocket and, before I could do anything, had Wally’s impressive poop scooped. He tied off the bag.

I took it from him.

“Always take three on your walk. If not more. You never know when you might need one. Or four.” Arthur eyed Wally. “And I’ve also met people who ran out or forgot. So you’re their hero.”

I was no one’s hero. Never had been. Never would be.

I told him, “I have one of those things that attaches to his leash. That has the bags in it.”

“Brilliant. You’re all set.” Arthur met my gaze. “Are you going to be okay?”

Man, my nervousness must really be showing. I drew in a deep breath. “Yeah, we’re going to be okay.”

Because we had to be.

Arthur nodded, rounded the hood, and was soon in the van and driving away.

I gazed down at Wally.

He looked up at me with the most trusting dark-brown eyes. His last owner had loved him so much but only managed to express that with food. Well, she was gone, and I was his human now.

“It’s just you and me, buddy.”

He blinked.

We headed inside to start our new lives.