Love To The Rescue by Brenda Sinclair

wistfully.
    “Rover will make a good companion for someone who is patient with him while he continues to learn to trust people again. The vet suspects Rover was a woman’s dog at one time since he’s so trusting of women. But some man has abused this dog.”
    Amy smiled. “He’s not especially wary of me.”
    “Like I said, he tolerates women and adores children. One of the volunteers had her son with her during a walk with Rover. Rover licked the boy’s face a couple of times and wagged his tail during the entire outing.” Mrs. Swainson met Amy’s eyes. “Are you married? Dating? Rover is still quite leery of men. He has become friends with a couple of our male workers here, however, now that he’s learned they won’t hurt him.”
    “I’m widowed, and I’m not dating anyone.” Amy had removed her wedding band and engagement ring only last night and tucked them into her jewelry box. She just couldn’t use the term single. Yet. But she was beginning to feel comfortable with the idea of dating again.
    “A dog will learn to trust anyone who proves himself. Kindness will win out over fear in the end. Rover has regained a lot of his confidence in the time he’s been here. And he’s overcome a lot of his trepidations around strangers. He’ll make a splendid pet.” Mrs. Swainson patted Amy’s hand. “If you think Rover is the dog for you, I don’t see any reason why he shouldn’t be yours. I can tell by the way he’s leaning against your leg right now while you’re scratching his ear that he’s taken to you.”
    Amy glanced down at the dog, unaware of the animal leaning against her. And then she laughed. “I guess he’s picked me instead of the other way around.”
    Mrs. Swainson beamed. “Wonderful. He came to us neutered, and he’s had all his shots. You can take him home today.” Her expression turned serious again. “I would recommend you sign him up for our class called Fearful Fido. The instructor will provide exercises for you to help with his fear-of-men issues.”
    Amy chuckled. “I love that name, Fearful Fido. I’ll sign us up right away.”
    “How is Rover with cats, Mrs. Swainson?” asked Leslie.
    “No problem with cats at all. Your pets should be quite compatible. But if you’d like to test them, let’s go get Priscilla.”
    “Great idea,” agreed Leslie.
    “Those two could be spending a lot of time together,” added Amy.
    When Mrs. Swainson and Leslie headed down the hallway to fetch Leslie’s cat, Amy leaned forward and placed a kiss on the top of Rover’s head. A bit of doggie odor drifted upward and assailed her nostrils. She cupped his head in her hands and met the dog’s eyes, “I’m so happy that you’re mine, and don’t worry. I won’t leave your side at the fearful classes. But first thing on the agenda when you come home is a bath.”
    ****
     
    When they left the Humane Society a half hour later, Rover rode shotgun up front while Leslie and the cat carrier sat in the second row seats. Amy stopped at Cuts and Curls when Leslie insisted on showing her staff the new addition to the family.
    “I’ll get Rick to pick me up later.”
    “Okay, have fun with Priscilla,” said Amy.
    “I will.” Leslie beamed as she hauled the cat carrier and bag of supplies out of the vehicle. “I’ll call you tonight to see how you guys are doing.”
    “Call my cell, in case we’re out walking. And remember you have to pick up your car at my house.”
    “Will do. Bye.”
    A few minutes later, Amy and Rover pulled into the driveway of her dog’s new home. Amy had hoped to train him to ride in the back, even collapsed the third row seating and placed one of the two dog beds she’d purchased back there for him. But Rover wasn’t having any of it. For this one time only, Amy had capitulated. She intended to buy a wire barrier to keep him back there.
    “Red Rover, Red Rover, can Rover come over.” Amy smiled as she pulled into her garage. “Welcome home, big