Page 83 of Between the Lines

Essie was already falling in love.

They took Maple into the meet-and-greet yard. The volunteer clipped on a leash and handed it to Essie. Maple walked beside her easily, not pulling, like she knew exactly how to behave.

“She’s about two,” the volunteer said. “Came in as a stray. No chip. Knows basic commands. Smart as a whip. Housebroken, as far as we can tell.”

Essie looked back at the volunteer, still holding the leash loosely. “Can you tell me what kind of dog Maple is?” she asked. “I’m sure mixes can be hard to pin down, but I’d love to have some idea.”

The volunteer smiled. “We get that question a lot. Our best guess is that she’s a Sheltie mix of some kind. Maybe a little hound in there too. Like I said, she’s smart and she likes having a job to do. Even if that job is just walking politely on a leash.”

“That sounds promising,” Essie said. Maple was beautiful, whatever kind of dog she was.

“She’s not high-strung,” the volunteer went on. “She enjoys activity, but she’s not frantic about it. She’s happy with a good walk every day. She’s also past the puppy stage, which helps.”

Blaise nodded. “The puppy stage is not for the faint of heart.”

Essie laughed. “I’ll take your word on that.”

“We think she’d do well with someone who’s home a fair amount,” the volunteer added, glancing at Essie. “She bonds quickly, but she’s not anxious when left alone for reasonable stretches. And she’s been very gentle with everyone she’s met here.”

Essie’s fingers tightened slightly on the leash as she looked at Maple. “She seems so calm.”

“That’s a good word for her,” the volunteer agreed. “She’s had a rough start, but she’s resilient. She’s ready for a real home.”

Essie nodded, then stopped and glanced down. Maple looked up, then sat.

“She’s so pretty,” Essie said. “And alert.”

“She is,” Blaise agreed. “She really seems to be paying attention to you. Almost like she’s taking her cues from you.”

Essie swallowed. “I didn’t even know what I was looking for.”

“That’s how it works sometimes,” Blaise said. “But when it’s right, it’s right. What do you think?”

Maple’s shoulder brushed Essie’s leg. When Essie reached down, Maple leaned her head into Essie’s hand like she was asking to be loved. Her fur was so soft, and those big brown eyes were impossible to look away from.

Essie laughed, breath catching. “She’s really sweet, isn’t she?”

“She’s one of the sweetest dogs here.” The volunteer smiled. “We like to say the dogs decide and I think Maple’s made a decision.”

Essie’s heart was so full she could almost cry. She crouched down to talk to Maple. “Do you think you’d like to come home with me? You’re awfully sweet. I promise to take the best care of you. My husband, Frank, will, too. You’ll love him. I think he may end up spoiling you rotten.”

Maple licked Essie’s nose.

Laughing, Essie straightened and looked at Blaise. “This is her. If she’s willing.”

Maple thumped her tail a few times against the ground.

Blaise grinned. “Looks like you’ve been chosen.”

Essie nodded, already imagining morning walks and the quiet companionship. “I’m ready.” She glanced at the volunteer. “Let’s do the paperwork.”

“Fantastic! Maple, you’re going home!”

Maple stood and pressed her body firmly against Essie’s leg, giving a soft little woof.

That was all the answer Essie needed.

The paperwork didn’t take long after that. Essie listened carefully, signed where she was told, asked the practical questions she’d meant to ask and a few she hadn’t planned on. She handed over her credit card, adding a donation to the rescue as well.