Page 34 of Second Chance At Love

“She was brought in a couple months ago. She had an elderly owner who taught her not to jump up. Actually, she is potty trained, sits on command, and is really patient. I think that’s why she’s not as appealing as the other puppies. Most people want something smaller and enthusiastic if it’s a pup. When it comes to older dogs, that is where people are looking for trainedand quiet,” said the kennel attendant. “So far, no one has seemed to like Daisy enough to take her home.”

“Can we open the kennel and pet her?” questioned Noah. “Just to see what she is like.”

“Sure. Feel free to open any of the kennels, just one dog out at a time,” agreed the attendant.

Michael opened the door. He backed up, crouching down and holding out a hand to wait patiently. Soon enough, Daisy had come out, sniffing the palm of Michael’s hand.

“She seems friendly,” observed Noah.

Henry was sitting on the seat of the walker. It was easier than standing for a long period of time. He held out his own hand, letting Daisy sniff it before giving her a gentle pet. “Do you want to come home with me, Daisy girl? What do you think?”

Daisy leaned into his hand, closing her eyes and enjoying the petting.

Michael nodded as he rubbed the dog’s back.

“I think that’s a yes from both of them,” said Noah dryly. “However, you might have thought to get the dog for the kids, but it might have just adopted you.”

“I guess I remind her of her previous owner, slow and fragile,” ruefully mentioned Henry. He looked at the attendant. “Everything is up to date? Can we take her today?”

“All her medications are done and Daisy is available for immediate adoption,” confidently stated the attendant. “I will get the paperwork started for you.”

Henry grinned at Daisy. “Cora is going to be surprised when she sees you.”

Twenty minutes later, Henry was back in the SUV with Daisy laying on the floor at his feet. He had a silly smile on his face.

“I think we should drop him off, make sure he gets inside, then make a run for it,” suggested Noah. “That way Cora won’t be able to blame us.”

Michael had a half laugh and shook his head.

“Cora isn’t going to blame anyone,” insists Henry. “She is going to love Daisy. Daisy just might become Cora’s dog.”

They pulled up to the house and Noah put the car in park. “Well, it’s time to find out exactly what Cora thinks.”

Noah helped Henry out of the SUV while Michael held Daisy’s leash. They had stopped at a pet store to get anything the dog might need, including the preferred food and treats the shelter recommended, before heading back home. Michaelgrabbed the purchases as Noah made sure Henry got up the few steps to the front door.

Cora opened the door for them, a confused look on her face as she spied Michael with the bags. “Did you guys go shopping? What is with the dog food?”

“Surprise,” remarked Noah as she caught sight of Daisy.

“Her name is Daisy. She’s for you and the boys. We can’t take her back,” mentioned Henry, trying to contain his pleasure and keep his face serious. “You’ll love her.”

“A dog?” Cora looked at Henry in astonishment. “You got a dog.”

Henry nodded. “The boys need a dog.”

“You can’t just get them a dog,” protested Cora as she let them all into the house.

“I already did,” mentioned Henry. “Her name is Daisy. You should pet her.”

He made his way to the sofa in the living room, sitting down. Immediately Daisy came over, sitting down near him. Henry petted her on the head. “See? She’s a perfectly good dog.”

“He bought a dog,” murmured Cora in bewilderment.

“We know. We were there. I tried to talk him out of it but Michael helped him,” shrugged Noah.

Michael gave his brother a slightly insulted look as he put down the dog food in the pantry.

“The boys need a dog. Daisy will teach them responsibility, compassion, and love. She will be great for them to confide in. She will also help them with routine and use up some of their energy. The dog is like therapy without the therapy fees,” wisely said Henry, still rubbing Daisy’s head. “Plus, Daisy needed a home and you have a perfectly good one to offer her.”