“I just need to take Loki out before we go,” Sinjin said as they neared Holden’s cottage. “Isla’s shift at the hospital ends at eight.”
He nodded, allowing only a spark of envy over his buddy’s relationship to rush through him. Not his human one, althoughthat was great. No, the animal one. The German Shepherd was originally Isla’s dog but was now owned by both. Holden knew Sinjin had trained her in the proper way to suit the large, intelligent, energetic breed.
“Give him the time you need,” he said. “Then shoot me a text when you’re ready.”
“Roger that,” Sinjin replied before crossing the street.
Holden turned and headed inside his one bedroom, one bathroom cottage. The layout with an open concept kitchen/living room was apparently mirrored in every house on the street. It was the perfect set-up to entertain and to keep clean.
Especially for him, since he didn’t have a lot of belongings, just some clothes and a few personal items, like Braddock’s chewed up tennis ball and a few framed commendations they’d earned together. He also had a photo of his recent unit, as well as an older photo of the unit when Mac had been in charge.
Both pictures made him smile but the newer one also sent a shaft of guilt through his chest. He hated leaving those brothers behind, especially his four-legged one. But it was better for them.
Pushing away those thoughts, he unpacked his overnight bag and tossed his small duffle in his closet then decided to grab a quick shower to wash away any odors with a natural soap that was free of chemicals and fragrance.
When working with dogs, especially shelter dogs, he found it best to keep things simple and honest, including his scent.
Fifteen minutes later, he was showered, dressed and on the way to the shelter with Sinjin, talking about Loki and the progress he’d made in just a few short weeks.
“He no longer exhibits out of control energy,” his buddy said. “He’s calm and respectful, as long as we expend his energy.”
“That’s definitely the key, especially in a pup.” He smiled.Loki wasn’t a year old yet, and sometimes it took males several months past that to mature. “Shepherds are smart, man. So easy to train. They’re eager for it. They want to be given a job.”
Sinjin nodded. “I’m looking forward to cooler weather so Isla and I can run him on the beach. I’m certain Loki’s going to be best friends with a Frisbee.”
Holden laughed. “I agree.”
They were discussing several possible “jobs” for Loki as they arrived at the shelter and parked. This was technically Holden’s first time at the Shadow Rock Shelter but his second time seeing it.
On Tuesday, he’d spent his first day filling out paperwork at ESI and getting acquainted with the building and where everything was located. After work, Holden had done some local recon, traveling through Harland County, getting his own lay of the land.
Shadow Rock Shelter had been part of that scouting trek. He’d been surprised by the size of the facility, but standing in the parking lot, he realized it was much bigger than he’d originally thought.
“Yeah, it’s pretty impressive,” Sinjin said, no doubt reading Holden’s expression. “These three buildings here are part of the original operation. It’s a no-kill shelter.”
“No kill? That’s great,” he said, walking with his buddy toward the entrance.
There weren’t enough no-kill shelters.
“And they take in all animals, small and large,” Sinjin explained as they entered. “The building next door houses the livestock—horses, cows, llamas, goats, and pigs. This one has the cats, dogs, bunnies—you know, the domesticated animals. Like me.”
Holden snorted at the guy throwing his description of his brothers in his face. “Hey…if the boot fits…”
Sinjin grinned. “I’m surprisingly happy to wear it. And I know you will be too…when the time comes.”
“Ifthe time comes,” he corrected. “I’ve no intention of jumping onboard that ship.”
“Yeah, well, I didn’t either, but here I am. Happily involved with an angel.”
He cupped his buddy’s shoulder and glanced sideways at him as they continued to walk. “And I’m happy for you, man. But I hope you aren’t going to be like the others and try to set me up with someone. They were definitely giving off that vibe.”
Sinjin halted, and Holden released his shoulder. “You know me better than that, so no worries there. Besides, nature has its own agenda, and you and I both know never to go against nature.”
“Exactly,” he said, secure in the knowledge that at least one friend wouldn’t try to force his idea of happiness on him.
He didn’t see Mac or Holden bothering either.
With that subject shelved, Sinjin continued to give him the tour. “Connected to this building is the new Humane Society that includes an emergency vet hospital, a team of behaviorists, and the Animal Control and Rescue office.”
