“That should help her find a new family.”
“I wish we could still be her family.”
Uh-oh. Here it was. Heather paused, cupped Charlotte’s smooth cheek. “I know, hon. But we’re already blessed with lots of dogs and cats and horses. There are families who don’t have any pets and they’re just aching to shower all their love on a new furry family member.”
Charlotte nodded.
“This is part of being a foster,” Heather said. “Think you can handle it?”
Charlotte nodded again.
“Good girl.” Heather packed up the remaining supplies and glanced toward the door just as Lyle stepped through, dressed simply but casually in jeans and a fitted plaid shirt that did wonders for showcasing his toned frame.
“Everybody ready to go have some fun at the shelter?” Lyle asked, keeping a sharp eye on Charlotte. He, too, was worried about her reaction to giving up the puppies, wondered if she truly understood what the agenda was. Although they weren’t prepared to let all of the puppies go this trip. Sherry in particular wasn’t advancing as fast and could use a little more time under their care. They would take applications if there was interest.
“We are going to have a blast!" Heather said. "I’ve told everyone we’re bringing puppies to meet some new families, and I want to fill this place with enthusiasm and joy if we can.”
“Joy!” Charlotte echoed cheerfully.
Heather and Lyle exchanged a look. Lyle shrugged. Maybe Charlotte did understand and this would be the beginning of her young career as a foster.
“Okay then. Let’s get those pups loaded up, and we can head out,” Lyle said, reaching for Pepper.
Charlotte leapt into action, gathering leashes and supplies, her excitement palpable as the three of them dashed for the truck. Lyle secured the crates while Charlotte corralled the adventurous Pepper.
“Good thing we bought those extra crates,” Heather said. “These pups are a real handful.”
Lyle’s blue eyes sparkled with mirth as he leaned against the truck. “I have faith in Charlotte’s wrangling abilities. She’ll be a dog whisperer in no time.”
“I think you might be right. And honestly, I’m just so glad to see how much joy this brings her.”
Lyle shoved his hands into his pockets, tilting his head in curiosity. “And what about you, Heather? Does this bring you joy?”
“Of course it does. I love training dogs. I love helping them find homes. But I'll warn you right now I'll probably cry. I always do.”
“Tough girl," he said and gave her ponytail a tug. "Let’s get going."
“Okay!” Charlotte called from the back.
They piled in and set off, the evening air warm against their skin as laughter inevitably filled the cab. It was a lightness that felt refreshing after the heavy darkness of loss that had marked their days for far too long.
When they arrived at the shelter and stepped inside, the scent of cleaning supplies mingled with anticipation. Warm lights bathed the space, and animal noises crackled amongst the bustling volunteers and families preparing for the adoption event. Heather felt her excitement grow as they spotted an area set up for visitors to meet the puppies, with decorations lining the space, along with colorful signs advertising each dog waiting for adoption.
Her greatest hope was that some of the older, larger dogs would get adopted. Not just the puppies. Cute as they were, puppies didn’t stay little forever. And the older they got, the harder it was to place them in loving homes.
Once they got set up, Charlotte overflowed with enthusiasm, racing to greet each new visitor, proudly announcing, “This is Buttercup! She’s the best snuggler! And this is Coco,” she said, showing off the chocolate pup. “Pepper is the black and white one and she’s very busy.” She stressed the word ‘very’ and cocked her eyebrow as though imparting a juicy secret. “This one’s Sherry.” She cradled the runt of the litter carefully in her arms. “She’s not ready to go home with anybody yet because she’s still got some worms, but you could fill out the application.” She glanced up at Heather, seeking approval for her spiel.
Heather smiled and nodded. Although the part about the worms could have been left out. The puppy had gone through a final treatment, but they were keeping her for a bit longer as a precaution.
Charlotte kept Sherry tucked in her arms. That was the rule. If she wasn’t being held, she needed to be in her crate.
Lyle turned toward Heather, a grin spreading across his face. “You did good, this adoption event is perfect.”
“Thanks, but credit goes to Janette and her team. They put so much effort into creating this day.”
“Still, it takes courage to foster dogs like this, knowing how things can go.”
“Sometimes you have to take risks,” Heather replied, her voice steady. “And sometimes those risks lead to joy.”
