More to Texas than Cowboys by Roz Denny Fox

Author:Roz Denny Fox
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Harlequin
Published: 2006-10-14T16:00:00+00:00

NOAH WAS ALWAYS prompt. He drove in at the exact hour he’d promised Shelby he’d collect them to visit the animal shelter.

Too excited for words, the child bounced in her seat and asked questions without a break. The shelter was a clapboard structure on the drive to the outskirts of town with wire mesh pens and dog runs on three sides. Several were occupied by big dogs. “Oh, look,” Shelby said, leaning as far forward as her seat belt allowed. “Gosh, how will I choose?”

“It’ll be tough. Shall we go inside?”

They bypassed the runs and opened the door. The din was horrendous.

A young woman, the attendant on duty, met them as Noah closed the door. “We’re here to maybe adopt a couple of dogs,” he said over the noise.

“Two?” The young woman’s eyes sparked with interest. “Are you familiar with keeshonds? They’re purebred, a male and a female from the same litter.” She led them to a pen. Two roly-poly silvery-gray and black half-grown pups put their paws on the wire and whined happily. Kneeling, Noah scratched their ears through the cage.

Shelby landed on her knees beside him. “They’re adorable. Mama, I think this one already likes me.” She let the more inquisitive of the two dogs lick her fingers.

Noah glanced at the attendant. “What’s their history?”

“Their owner is a National Guardsman.”

“Ah. I heard about that. Maybe it was you I spoke with on the phone.”

“Possibly. I’m telling everyone. I especially hope this pair finds a good home soon. They’re expensive dogs. And they’re on our short list,” she admitted sadly. “But it’s just not economically feasible for our small shelter to maintain animals indefinitely.”

“I know nothing about this breed,” Greer said. “They resemble bear cubs, don’t they?” She turned to her daughter. “Shel, I was thinking of a dog who’s good with sheep. Maybe a border collie. Plus I hear they’re good watchdogs.” She glanced around at other pens and walked over to one, but neither Shelby nor Noah followed. “I’m also going to have paying guests on the premises, so I’ll need a friendly dog,” she added as she wandered off.

“Oh, but keeshonds love people. The breed originated in the Netherlands,” the girl said. “They’re renowned for their sunny dispositions. And they’re quick learners. You could teach them to herd sheep in no time.”

Greer returned to the cage. “Shelby will be spending some time alone with whatever pet we select.”

“Perfect,” the attendant said, growing animated. “Honestly, if you read what breeders say about this dog, you’ll see that they actually call them canine babysitters. They do have a thick bushy coat that requires a thorough weekly brushing, though.”

Noah saw Greer’s guarded expression. Rising, he smiled at the eager attendant. “Perhaps you could give us a minute to talk?”

“Sure.” She shrugged. “I’ll be at the counter if you have questions.”

Taking Greer’s arm, Noah walked down another aisle, pausing at various cages. “They’re a good age to train. Not too young. Not too old.”

“It’s the weekly brushing, Noah. I expect to be putting in long days as it is.

Download

Copyright Disclaimer:
This site does not store any files on its server. We only index and link to content provided by other sites. Please contact the content providers to delete copyright contents if any and email us, we'll remove relevant links or contents immediately.