New Leash on Life(92)

But Chloe’s eyes weren’t on Marie Boswell. She waited for the next occupant of that truck, a familiar brown and white barrel-chested dog who came to the door and waited for permission to get out.

“Daisy!” Chloe stretched her arms out, ready to run.

Marie gave a command, and Daisy took off, and they sprinted toward each other, meeting in the middle, where Daisy jumped and Chloe dropped to the ground for a barky, licky, happy reunion  .

Chloe laughed, maybe teared up a little, and finally settled cross-legged on the grass with Daisy in her lap. She looked up as Marie came closer, with another dog on a leash. This one was about the same size as Daisy, maybe a little smaller, a dark, dark chocolate color with a snow-white chest and a single white stripe down its nose.

“Hello,” Chloe said, both to the woman and the dog. “I’d get up, but I’m too happy.”

The woman laughed. “And so’s my Daisy. She’s happy and healthy, but I think she needs to come and visit you more often.”

“Anytime,” Chloe said, nuzzling Daisy. “And who’s this?”

“This is Ruby.”

Shane got on his knees in front of the new arrival, greeting Ruby the way he always approached a new dog. Head down, offering his neck for inspection, giving her a chance to know him.

“Hello, Ruby,” he said.

“Ruby?” Chloe studied the dog, knowing immediately she was a Staffordshire terrier like Daisy. “She’s pretty.”

“Gorgeous,” Shane agreed, loving the dog with his two strong hands now, moving them over and around her head with skill and affection.

“Ruby came into the North Ames shelter yesterday afternoon, and I texted Shane,” Marie said, dropping the dog’s leash. “She’s about three, I think. Has been bounced around a bit. But she’s got a good heart.”

“Hey, Ruby.” Chloe held her gaze, mesmerized by her slightly tilted eyes that held a little fear and a lot of hope.

The dog angled her head, as if she wanted to ask a question or beg for consideration. And Chloe’s heart slid all over her chest with a burst of love.

“Shane mentioned that you might be looking for a sweet Staffy when you had to say goodbye to Daisy,” Marie said. “I really wanted to find you one so I could say thank you for loving my girl so much when I was laid up.”

Chloe looked up at Marie, putting an affectionate hand on Daisy’s head. Which, of course, got a juicy lick. “I should thank you, Marie. Daisy made a dog lover out of me, and I honestly never dreamed that would happen.”

“She’s a dear girl,” Marie agreed. “And so is Ruby.”

Chloe leaned toward the dog, and Daisy climbed off her lap, going to sniff Shane. “C’mere, Ruby. Come.”

She didn’t move except for her tail, which ticktocked hopefully.

“She’s not trained as well as Daisy,” Marie said. “She’s gentle as a mouse but doesn’t know commands.”

“Good thing I know a decent trainer,” Chloe teased, getting on her knees to crawl a little closer. “Hey, Ruby,” she whispered. “Come and see me.”

Ruby took a few steps. Chloe lowered her head to let her sniff, then lifted her face for a sweet, quick lick on the cheek. Except, Ruby picked her mouth, making Chloe laugh a little as she wiped her mouth with the back of her hand.

“Looks like you know a little about training yourself,” Marie mused.

“I know how to get myself kissed.” She put both hands on Ruby’s head like Shane had taught her, and instantly, the dog sat down. Chloe got down with her, eye to eye. After a moment of staring at each other, Chloe sat up and crossed her legs again, and this time, Ruby climbed right into the nest of her jeans and curled into…her spot.

“Oh,” Chloe sighed, stroking her smooth, brown back slowly. “I think we’re bonding.”

She looked up to catch Marie and Shane sharing a look that told her this little love affair had been planned.

“I’m going to leave her here for a few minutes.” Marie reached over and unhooked Ruby’s leash. “I’ll take Daisy for a little stroll while y’all get acquainted. I don’t want Miss Daisy to get jealous.”

“Thanks, Marie,” Shane said, ruffling Daisy’s coat before guiding her to Marie. “I think you nailed it.”

As Marie and Daisy walked away, Shane scooted closer to Chloe. “You like her.”

“She’s special.” Chloe stroked her some more. “I love her,” she admitted and then looked at him, her eyes misting over. “I want to keep her.”

“Well, now you know exactly how I feel about you.”