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“He was actually my neighbors’ dog. A few years ago, they had to move and couldn’t take him with them. Their kids named him. He was already two years old at the time so I didn’t want to change his name. I figured losing his family would be a big adjustment for him.”
“Oh, poor guy. At least he has you now. He’s adorable.”
Miller huffed, “He is. Too adorable for his own good, which is how he gets away with so much.” Miller crouched down and let Snowdrop lick his hand while telling the dog, “That’s why you have to be in a kennel while I’m working, right? So you don’t get into too much trouble, huh?” Then he stood and addressed Liza again. “Otherwise, I take him everywhere.”
Liza grinned. She was enjoying hearing Miller talk. She could tell he was in his element. “Who’s this?” Liza pointed to a black and white pitbull in the next kennel whose tail was whipping back and forth.
“That’s Murphy. She had puppies a few months ago. All her puppies got adopted, but we haven’t found her a family yet.” Then he bent down near her kennel. “We will though. Don’t you worry, girl.”
Liza felt like her heart was being squeezed. Guys being sweet to dogs was adorable. Especially guys who normally showed no emotion—nay, who barely spoke otherwise.
A tiny chihuahua began barking as they took a step toward the next kennel. “Oh my gosh, this one is like the dog in Legally Blonde!”
“What?”
“You know Elle Woods’ dog, Bruiser?”
Miller shook his head likeI have no idea what you’re talking about.
Liza tried again, “Reese Witherspoon? She plays a fashionista who goes to law school where no one expects her to succeed but she does?”
Miller shrugged his shoulders.
“Seriously? You’ve never seen it? It’s a classic! Oh, we are watching it sometime.”
Miller shook his head no.
“You’re missing out.” Liza bent down near the little dog's kennel. Her movement seemed to set off an internal alarm because the dog went into crazy attack mode. Thankfully, Liza pulled her fingers back just before the dog could take a chunk of her flesh.
Liza stumbled backward.
“That’s Randy. He… is working through some things. He tolerates me when I bring him food. He was a stray, so I don’t know much about his history. I’m guessing he didn’t have a good experience with humans.”
“That’s sad.”
Miller nodded, “Unfortunately, it’s not uncommon.” A silence settled over them as they scanned the row of kennels. There were at least five more dogs that Liza could see.
“Let’s get to work. Today I’ll let you shadow me, and then tomorrow you can begin the tasks on your own.”
“Okay sounds good,” Liza replied brightly—although inwardly the thought of following Books around all day did something funny to her stomach. Maybe it was the way he stared at her just a second longer than what seemed necessary. Or because there was an edge to him that seemed to be hiding something, or protecting something. In high school, he was known for academics. How did he end up running a dog rescue? And when did his body turn into Michael B. Jordan? What happened to his plans to become a doctor? She was curious about everything that had happened in between their chem group days and now, but a moat seemed to be separating them. It would probably take more than a few hours for him to allow her in—if he ever did.
“Here is the morning routine.” Books pointed to a list taped on a set of cabinets.
“How come it says ‘Starting time 7 am’?”
“That’s when the dogs eat.”
“So, why did you have me come at five?” Liza threw her hands out to the side.
She thought she saw a flicker of amusement flash in Books’ eyes as he shrugged. “You had reading to do. But, tomorrow, you can come at 6:30.”
Liza shook her head and then curtsied. “So generous of you Mr. Brooks.”
Miller ignored her antics. “While I let the dogs outside to do their business in the small play yard, you can clean the large play yard.”
“Like clean up their toys?” Liza clarified.
“No, clean up their poop.”
