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I settled on the floor inside. The two small dogs from earlier approached tentatively before recognition sparked in their beady eyes. Their tails wagged, thumping against the floor. I offered them treats, and they nibbled from my palm, their warm tongues tickling my skin.
Meanwhile, Neil played ball with a couple of German shepherds. They scampered after the ball, returning it dutifully to Neil’s feet each time, gazing up at him with wide, adoring eyes. Neil ruffled their pointed ears, eliciting contented tail wags. I couldn’t decide which was more adorable—Neil, or the dogs.
Over the course of the afternoon, I received my fair share of sniffs and licks, but one dog stayed slumped in the corner, ignoring all the treats and toys. He was a sad-looking dog with scruffy salt-and-pepper fur, droopy ears, and mournful brown eyes. While the other dogs vied for my affection, this one kept to himself, resigned to his solitude.
Drawn to the lonely dog, I cautiously approached him. “Hey there, little fella,” I said, offering a pat.
He wearily accepted my hand with a soft grunt. I thought maybe he wanted to be left alone, but when I moved away from him, he trailed after me, and when I sat down, he rested his head in my lap.
Jade came up beside me. “Awww. I see you’ve made friends with Archibald. He’s one of our longest residents. Been here for over a year now.”
“How come he hasn’t been adopted?”
Jade’s expression turned sombre. “He’s an old dog, and he has some health issues.”
“But he’s such a sweetheart.” I stroked my hand through his short, dark fur, slightly coarse to the touch.
Jade smiled. “He’s taken a liking to you. He’s usually very shy and reserved.”
Neil walked over to us, joining in our conversation and fuss over Archibald.
“Good boy,” Neil said, scratching him behind his ears.
“Gosh. He likes you too,” Jade said. “Two friends for Archibald in one day. It’s a new record.”
“What’s his story?” Neil asked.
“It’s a sad one. His owner was an elderly man who passed away in his home and wasn’t discovered for several days. During this time, Archibald was left with no access to food or water. He was starving and dehydrated when someone finally found him. His owner had no family who could take him, so he was sent here.”
“The poor thing,” I said. “No wonder he’s so timid and withdrawn.”
“I hope someone will come along and offer him a forever home soon. There’s only so much we can do for him here.”
Archibald nuzzled against my palm, looking up at me with his big, forlorn eyes.
Ouch. My heart.
“I so wish I could adopt you,” I told him. “But I’m going overseas soon, so I can’t.”
“What breed is he?” Neil asked Jade.
“He’s a mix, but we think he must be part basset hound, wouldn’t you agree?”
Neil nodded. “He reminds me of a childhood pet.”
“Oh, really? What was your pet like?”
“He—” Neil hesitated, suddenly tense. His next words were strained. “It’s a painful subject. I’d rather not talk about it.”
The sudden display of fragility from him caught me off guard. Before I knew what I was doing, my hand was on his arm. To my surprise, I felt him lean in to my touch.
“I understand. Childhood memories can be a touchy subject.” Jade got to her feet. “Oh well. I better get back to the kennels now. It’s nearly feeding time. Come find me and say goodbye before you leave, won’t you?”
I nodded, then realising I was still touching Neil’s arm, I dropped my hand, embarrassment catching up with me.
Jade left. Beside me, Neil turned rigid and unemotional again. I wondered what had happened to his childhood pet to upset him so much. A heavy silence descended between us, unbroken until a yawn escaped my mouth.
“You’re tired,” Neil said. “We should get going soon.”
