Page 40 of Lucky Mother Pucker

* * *

When we walk over to Wally’s kennel, I can’t open the door fast enough.

He’s curled in a ball on the floor, staring at the wall, that sad look in his eyes.

My heart rips in half.

But then, he sees me. He hops up instantly and runs over to me, his tail wagging like crazy.

“Wally!” I burst into tears as I hug him and cover him in kisses. “I’m here to take you home finally,” I whisper into his soft fur. “I’m sorry it took me so long.”

He licks my face and makes that happy whining noise he always makes when he sees me after a long time apart.

“You forgive me?” I say through a wobbly smile and more tears.

He’s so excited, he knocks me over onto the floor. I laugh, feeling happier and lighter than I have in months.

When I finally sit up, I pull out the bacon from my bag. I peel away the plastic wrap and break off a piece. He gobbles it up.

“I don’t think I’ve ever seen a happier dog,” Leo says.

I twist my head to see him standing behind me, at the open kennel door, his eyes warm as he smiles.

A calm, comforting feeling swoops through my chest. Normally, I’d feel embarrassed about getting so emotional in front of a person I barely know.

But it’s different with Leo. He’s different. He’s a good person.

I think about the look in his eyes when I told him about losing my mom and dad…and what my stepdad did to me.

He looked so sad and angry. For me. He barely knows me, and he wants to help me.

Even the way he’s looking at me now. I can tell he’s getting emotional seeing me reunited with Wally.

I wipe my face on the sleeves of my hoodie and sit up. “Wally, this is Leo. The very nice man who is helping me get you out of here today.”

Leo steps forward and holds out his hand. “Hey, bud. How’s it going?”

Wally sniffs him, then licks his palm.

“You’re happy to see your mom, aren’t you?” he says softly.

My heart skids in my chest. It’s so sweet that he’d say that.

Wally nuzzles Leo’s hands, then shoves his nose in his crotch.

Leo stumbles back and bursts out laughing. “You’re a pretty friendly guy, huh?”

I grab Wally and pull him back. “Oh my gosh, I’m sorry. I forgot he does that to strangers sometimes.”

Leo just laughs again. “It’s okay.”

I grab Wally’s collar from my bag and secure it around his neck. I hook his leash onto it and lead him out of the kennel.

I follow Leo to the front desk. The receptionist hands him a few forms, and the two of us fill them out together.

I turn to him. “You’re sure this is okay?” I still can’t believe he’s helping me do this.

“Positive.”