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Sadie didn’t feel like joining in, so I had one dog racing in front of me and one standing in place behind me. My arms stretched as far apart as they could.
“Pepper!” Vivian yelled helplessly.
And then Otis stopped and sat.
At the feet . . . of the dog treat guy, who was loading boxes into his van.
Garrison sold gourmet treats at his shop around the corner and always had something for my pups. He was most likely Otis’s favorite person on the planet and would do anything for the man.
I panted as if I’d just run a half marathon. Sadie sighed as she caught up, annoyed she’d had to trot. Her tail wagged when she saw Garrison.
“Please tell me you have something for him,” I pleaded. “I don’t think I could do another sprint all the way to your shop.”
He reached into his jacket pocket. Otis sat up straighter. “No more sprints for you today.”
I nearly sagged in relief. Sadie reached out her long leg and pawed at Garrison. That girl. She didn’t have the best manners.
He didn’t seem to mind. “Otis, you get yours first. Even though you nearly pulled Mom’s arm out of socket.”
Otis wagged his tail at that. When Garrison offered him a biscuit, he gently took it from his hand.
“Hello, Oscar,” he continued, offering the dog a treat. Oscar smacked happily.
Sadie barked, obviously none too happy at being overlooked.
“Muffy.” Garrison pointed to the sidewalk, and he sat obediently. “Good boy.”
I was pretty impressed myself. It was a fifty-fifty shot if any of the dogs would do as told. I wasn’t the best trainer.
Sadie barked again, louder this time, as if Garrison or half of Manhattan hadn’t heard her before.
“You are so much trouble, young lady.” But the fondness was in his eyes as he offered her a treat.
She nearly took his fingers off when she snatched it away. There was no point in apologizing when she’d do the same thing again and again. Sadie was the way she was. And I loved her for it.
I looked around at the group of dogs.
I loved all of them. Maybe more than I should.
“Will you cater the fundraiser?” Vivian blurted. “I don’t know why I didn’t think of it earlier.”
“Umm . . . sure. The dog treats are edible for humans, but I’m not sure your guests will be into that,” Garrison said.
I bit my lip so as not to laugh. Miss Adeline was going to love this story.
Vivian turned bright red. “I meant for the dogs.”
And then they wore matching shades of crimson on their cheeks.
“Oh. Ohh. Of course. Let me know the date and consider it done,” he said.
“Thank you.” It wasn’t enough, but I appreciated all he did for the Grey Paws family.
“No need. But you’re welcome.” He brightened. “Have this.” He rummaged around in his van until he found the box he was looking for. “It’s a new cookie. No sugar or gluten. Just puppy-healthy ingredients.”
I tucked the box under my arm. “The dogs will love these.”
“Let me know what they think. They’re my test market.” He grinned and discreetly snuck Otis another treat.
