“Hey, Scotty. Want to go in and see some puppies? A stray and her puppies decided to adopt me. They’re about eight weeks old now, according to Doc Holly.”
“Can I?” Scotty danced in front of Cal.
“Of course, let’s go have a look.” They followed Scotty and Gil inside to the back corner of the Feed and Seed. Cal had created a penned area for the dogs with a way for the mama dog to climb out if she needed a break from the pups.
“They’re weaned now. Cute, aren’t they?” Gil laughed as one puppy climbed over another and slid onto his back. “Doc Holly says they are Australian shepherds.”
“Hey, that’s what Louie is.”
“Here, I’ll lift you into the pen if you want to play with them.” Gil scooped up Scotty and lifted him into the fenced off area.
Cal watched as Scotty laughed and rolled around with the puppies.
“Miss Becky, aren’t they cool? Have you ever seen this many puppies?”
“I sure haven’t.” Gil shook his head. “Well, not that I’ve had to take care of. Doc Holly is helping me find homes, but there are these five left. Don’t suppose you want a puppy?”
“Uncle Cal, can we get one? Please? Please?” Scotty jumped up with one puppy snuggled in his arms.
“Oh, I don’t think so. I’m not sure Becky Lee is ready for even more creatures stuffed into her house.”
“Miss Becky? Can I? I’ve always wanted a dog. Josh has Louie. Louie is his bestest friend. Please?”
Cal shot her an I’m-sorry glance.
Gil laughed. “Didn’t mean to throw you under the bus, Bec. Bella says I’m always talking before thinking. The pups are up-to-date on their shots. I made sure of that. And the mama dog has an appointment at the vet’s soon to make sure this is her last litter.”
Becky Lee reached down inside the penned area and one of the puppies came up and licked her hand. “I’ve never had a dog either, Scotty. I don’t know anything about puppies or housebreaking them or training them.”
“Josh will teach me everything. I know he will.”
Cal could see the exact moment she weakened. She looked into Scotty’s eyes, so animated now, so happy. Who could resist that?
“I don’t think that owning a puppy should be a quick decision.” Cal tried to give her an out.
“You know what? I’ve always wanted a dog, too. I don’t see why Scotty and I can’t learn about raising a puppy together.”
“You mean it?” Scotty’s eyes lit up even more.
“Yes, I mean it. It’s a big commitment though. A lifelong one. You’ll need to feed him and walk him and take care of him.”
“I will. I promise.”
“You okay with this too, Cal?”
Like Cal could refuse anything these two asked him. “Looks like we’ll be taking a puppy.”
“Better pick out the one you want.” Gil grinned. “Tell you what. I’ll throw in a bag of the food I’ve been feeding them.”
“Add in a collar and leash, too.” Cal shook his head.
“And a food bowl and water bowl.” Becky Lee laughed. “I think I’m as excited as Scotty. I’ve always wanted a dog, just never thought it was the right time. I think now is the perfect time.”
“Me, too.” Scotty’s forehead wrinkled. “But how am I going to decide which one?”
“Sit and play with them for a bit and see if that helps.” Cal had no idea how the boy would choose between all the puppies crawling over him.
“Miss Becky, come in here and you help pick.”
Becky Lee stepped over the pen and sat on the floor. One puppy came up and sat on her lap, then licked her face.
“She did that to me, too.” Scotty scooted over to sit beside Becky Lee, and the puppy crawled over into the boy’s lap. “I think this one likes us.”
“Is she a she?” Scotty wrinkled his nose.
“That one is a girl.” Gil nodded. “She’s one of the calmer of the pups, but still has lots of energy.”
“Her coloring is so pretty and she has gorgeous blue eyes.” Becky Lee petted the pup.
“Doc Holly says she’s a red merle—that’s what you call her coat coloring.”
“How about it? Do you like this one?” Scotty’s serious expression almost made Cal laugh. Such a big decision for a little boy.
“I do.” Becky Lee solemnly nodded her head then looked up at Cal and winked.
“Perfect, but now we’re gonna have to pick out a name. That’s gonna be hard.” Scotty jumped up and tugged on Becky Lee’s hand. “Let’s go. I can’t wait to tell Josh.”