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“Hi. I called earlier about adopting a dog. Cal Wilder.”
Her head snapped up. “Callan Wilder?”
“Uh…yeah. That’s me.” I was used to this type of reaction when I introduced myself to a stranger.
Catie had an amused smile on her face and lifted a hand to rest it right next to mine on the raised counter. I linked our pinkies together and grinned at her.
“Ohmigosh!” the woman said, a hand pressed to her chest, as if to keep the beating organ safely caged by her ribs. She squared her shoulders and gave a tiny shake of her head. “I’m a big fan. Even bigger now that I know you’re adopting a dog. Thanks for picking Barks and Recreation.”
“Y’all came highly recommended. My dad adopted his dog through you years ago. An old Bluetick hound.”
“How are they doing?”
Catie twisted her hand and slid her palm under mine, giving me a squeeze.
“Unfortunately, Smokey crossed the rainbow bridge two years ago, and my dad was reunited with him last year.” I’d heard it was supposed to get easier to talk about Dad’s death as time passed. Judging by the size of the lump in my throat, that notion was just horseshit.
“Oh! I’m so sorry. I didn’t know.”
I gave a harsh laugh. “Guess you’re too busy with the dogs. Sometimes it’s okay to not read any news at all. Even the entertainment rags.”
As if she sensed my need to move on from this part of the conversation, Catie bent and picked up the duffle bag. “Callan brought some towels and sheets to donate.” She plopped the bag on the counter and nudged it toward the woman. “Also, do you have cat toys to sell?”
The woman seized the bag and grunted as she lifted it from the counter. “We do have some toys. Not a huge selection, but you might find something appealing. They’re over there.” She pointed to a display stand in the corner of the room, near another display of pet food. She tossed the duffle to the floor near the door. “And thanks. We can always use linens and things. Do you want a receipt?”
“It’s not necessary. I’m kind of eager to meet the dogs. Red, you want to help me pick one out?”
“You bet. Don’t let me forget to look over the toys before we leave, though.”
“I’m Elizabeth,” the woman said as she lifted a section of the counter that worked as a gateway. “Why don’t you come on back. I bet we have just the dog for you.” She ushered us toward the door she’d come through.
As soon as she opened it, the volume of barking intensified. Catie laughed joyfully and hurried ahead of me.
“Hush, babies!” the woman hollered. “Now, sit like good dogs.”
Surprisingly, the animals quieted almost instantly and all dropped to their haunches at the doors to their kennels.
“How in the world did you do that?” I asked. I’d never seen that kind of mass obedience before.
“I’ve been training dogs for years. It’s just a knack, I guess.”
“I’m impressed.” I rubbed my hands together. “Let’s see what you have.”
“A couple questions first. Tell me about the environment you’ll be providing.”
Catie strolled away from us, stopping in front of the first cage. She bent and held the back of her hand near the wire door. A dog’s muzzle protruded through the mesh and sniffed.
Keeping my eyes on her, I replied to Elizabeth. “I have a couple acres in the country. It includes a pond and plenty of room to run.”
“Any children in the home?” she asked.
“None. And I’m usually home during the day unless I’m on tour. But I’d like a dog that could travel.” Catie moved to the next cage. I watched her extend the back of her hand toward the pen’s door.
“Were you interested in a large dog, like your dad’s dog?” Elizabeth shot me a skeptical look.
Good question. I hadn’t thought about that. “I don’t know. Certainly nothing Great Dane or Mastiff-sized. But whatever dog I pick has to be able to get along with a cat.”
Elizabeth clapped her hands. “I think I know just the dog.” She led me down the aisle to the cage where Catie had squatted.
