Since shortly after returning home, Tess had been volunteering at the shelter’s only off-site location, an old mansion where thirty-eight dogs that had been part of an illegal fighting ring were being rehabilitated before they could be adopted out. Even though Tess was trying to get her own career off the ground, she dedicated a part of every day to working with the sweet-natured dogs that were starting to shine after being given a second chance at life.
Earlier this morning, Fannie, who’d been found tied to a post in front of the shelter three months ago, had been brought to the private estate for what was being called phase two of the dogs’ resocialization. After several weeks of work, many of the rehab dogs were being rewarded with greater degrees of canine socialization. Those Fannie had been introduced to this morning had previously completed several successful visits with the shelter’s laid-back corgi, Orzo, who was also up for adoption.
Due to Fannie’s massive size, she was considered a “next-level” dog. Like Orzo, nothing seemed to faze Fannie, and she got along great with other canines. But dogs that had been mistreated the way those at the estate had been were likely to be especially uneasy around dogs Fannie’s size, and the rehab team was in the process of rebuilding their trust in other canines.
As suspected, Fannie had done great with the project dogs this morning. And nearly all of those that’d been introduced to her had done fabulous also.
As they neared the shelter, Fannie leaned farther into Tess with every turn. Tess’s leg was going a touch numb under the weight of her, so she did her best to wiggle closer to the door. Doing so drew Fannie’s attention away from the strip of front windshield visible between the bucket seats to Tess. She gave Tess’s long, wavy brown hair a determined sniff and left behind a rather unpleasant string of drool.
Tess lifted the lock of affected hair so the drool wouldn’t soak into her jacket. “Any napkins up there by chance, Kelsey?” Tess raised her voice over the load purr of the Mustang’s engine.
In the Mustang’s front passenger seat was Kelsey, the shelter’s lead adoption coordinator. She was co-leading the rehab effort at the private estate, along with Tess’s longtime friend Kurt, who was driving. Kurt was an ex-military dog handler and the owner of the Mustang. He was the lead dog trainer at the estate. Tess thought it was just about perfect how Kurt and Kelsey had gotten together while working at the remote estate.
At Tess’s request, Kelsey fished through Kurt’s glovebox. “Aha!” Craning to reach around the deep bucket seat, Kelsey passed a few napkins Tess’s way. “Oh, Tess, there’s more space on Fannie’s other side than on yours. Can you nudge her over?”
Tess took the napkin and squeezed dry her damp lock of hair. Whenever she worked around dogs, Tess made it a habit of showering at night instead of in the morning. Tonight would prove to be no exception. “I tried, but she only leans harder. It’s a good thing I’m a sucker for a cuddly Saint Bernard.”
That Fannie had been left the way she had, without so much as a note, was baffling to Tess. Her bad habits were minimal to none. She was potty-trained, dog-friendly, nondestructive, and gentle. And judging by the condition of her coat, her weight, and her trusting temperament, Fannie had been well cared for. If she wasn’t already a senior dog, she’d have been adopted several times over. Tess’s fingers were crossed that Fannie would go to a great home.
As they neared the shelter, Kurt had to park nearly two blocks away. The street was lined with cars on both sides, and the parking lot had been roped off hours ago for the afternoon activities.
The Halloween Pet-A-Palooza was the shelter’s big fall event. Previous adopters were encouraged to return with their pets for a variety of games and a pet costume contest that got more elaborate every year. Pet-A-Palooza was also an adoption event, and Tess had heard that the popular festival often resulted in one of the biggest adoption times of the year: the first typically being the week before Christmas; the other, the week after Parade Day, which was in the spring.
Once they were parked, Tess clambered out of the back seat and out the passenger side door. If the classic Mustang wasn’t her friend’s pride and joy, Tess would have commented that cars had come a long way in terms of everyday conveniences, such as the ability to get in and out with ease.
Fannie surprised them all with her agile hop over the folded-forward front seat. Free from the confines, Fannie gave a whole-body shake and wagged her bushy tail.
“Oh, hang on,” Kelsey said. “Let’s get Fannie’s costume on here.” From a purse big enough to double as an overnight bag, Kelsey pulled out a Saint Bernard–sized whiskey barrel that attached to a thick leather collar.
Fannie didn’t mind when Kelsey buckled it around her neck.
“Simple but perfect, don’t you think?” Kelsey asked. “It was in our costume collection, so I grabbed it this morning. She’s our only Saint Bernard right now, so she had clear dibs.”
“Good thinking.” Tess rubbed Fannie on the forehead. “I’d say she looks ready to help monks search for stranded travelers along the Great St. Bernard Pass.”
Kurt chuckled. “Tess, the dog trivia you’ve amassed over the years never fails to amaze me.”
Tess squinched her nose. “Just remember you want me at your table if the shelter ever hosts a dog-themed trivia night.”
Tess could hear the beat of a peppy Halloween song as it pulsed through the beautiful but brisk fall afternoon.
“I’m so glad you guys get to see how cool this is,” Kelsey said as they headed toward the shelter. “It’s my favorite event of the year. And it’s the only time of year I can walk a dog and win a cupcake at the same time.”
Kurt shot her a
