Helpless by Cathy Glass

Author:Cathy Glass
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers
Published: 2024-05-22T10:27:40+00:00

Chapter Eighteen

The Pros and Cons of Dog Ownership

I made sure Riley was dressed before he took Max into the garden. Sometimes at home he went out in his pyjamas, but it was cold and damp. I dressed too, and a little after seven o’clock on that Saturday morning in February we were both outside, coats zipped up, our warm breaths misting in the early-morning air. The grass was laden with dew and the sky had only just lightened on what looked like a fine day. I stood with Riley as he waited patiently for Max to go to the toilet. Max sniffed around the wet grass but seemed to have little idea why he was out there.

‘Do you usually take him out before or after his breakfast?’ I asked Riley.

He shrugged. ‘Sometimes before and sometimes after.’

We waited another five minutes or so, then I suggested we try again later.

‘It’s hard work having a dog,’ Riley admitted as we went indoors. Then he quickly added, ‘But I don’t mind. I love Max.’

I smiled. ‘I know, and it will get easier,’ I reassured him. ‘Once Max is fully house-trained, he’ll know what to do.’

‘Mum says it’s like potty training a kid. That’s why she can’t help with Max. She’s too busy with Lola.’

‘Yes, love, I understand. You’re doing a great job.’

He looked relieved.

In the kitchen I wiped Max’s paws before Riley took him off the lead, then he gave him breakfast. I shut the door from the kitchen-diner to the hall while I made our breakfast. I didn’t want Max returning to the spot in the hall he’d marked as his toilet or relieving himself elsewhere.

Riley and I sat at the table in the kitchen-diner as we ate a breakfast of cereal and toast. I’d offered Riley a cooked breakfast, but he hadn’t wanted one.

‘Mum has a table now,’ Riley remarked.

I nodded.

They hadn’t had a table when I’d first become involved with the family. Liv had suggested it, not only as somewhere to eat, but as a place for Riley and Jayden to do their schoolwork and crayoning, etc. I’d helped them buy the second-hand table, which had come with four matching chairs. Most of their furniture was second-hand or had been donated, as it is for many living on benefits long term.

As we ate I kept glancing at Max. If he began sniffing around, I’d take him outside. I felt sure he must want to go to the toilet by now. He hadn’t been since before 1 a.m.

Once we’d finished, Riley began playing ball with Max as I cleared away the dishes. As usual when Riley played with Max it was very energetic and noisy, with Max as excited as Riley. I thought of Paula in the room above having a lie-in after a week at work.

‘You could take Max outside again, if you like,’ I suggested, ‘while I finish clearing up in here.’

Riley immediately put on his coat and shoes, clipped on Max’s lead and went out the back door.

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