Page 5 of Rescued Love

The rest is, as they say, history.

“I’m not sure I appreciate you using my own words against me,” I point out.

Sadie just rolls her eyes and shrugs one shoulder as I get Midnight situated back in her kennel. The meows of protest break my heart, but I’ve been away from the front for too long. And I promised the dogs a treat; can’t forget about that.

Ignoring the pointed look Sadie is shooting at me, I deflect. “Is there something you needed me for?”

She makes a humming sound but doesn’t press me about the kitten. It’s a good thing because if she did then I’m pretty sure I’d be adopting a kitten right now. My resolve is only so strong, and it’s been crumbling for the last two weeks since Midnight was brought in.

“I’m just reminding you about heading out to see Mr. Jacobson, boss,” amusement fills her words, and I let out a soft groan.

Don’t get me wrong, Mr. Jacobson is a sweet man and the love he has for the animals he’s taken in is beautiful. The problem is going out to see him, which I do every two weeks or so just to make sure he doesn’t need anything and that all his animals are healthy, takes hours. Not only is his land, which is on theoutskirts of Sweetwater Valley, teeming with all different types of animals, but the man can talk.

Honestly, I think he’s lonely. Which makes me feel like a horrible person when I need to rush through my visit, or I can’t give him as much attention and conversation as he needs. He’s devoted his golden years to giving animals, especially ones who wouldn’t find a home as a pet, a place to thrive.

I’m a little jealous that he’s able to devote so much time and love to the animals under his care.

Still, there are all sorts of violations going on out there in regards to his little sanctuary. He doesn’t have permits for any of it.

We all know it, especially Rhodes Wilder, Sweetwater Valley’s sheriff, who is a good man and doesn’t come down on Mr. Jacobson. How could he? It would not be a good look for the sheriff to arrest or fine a man who isn’t hurting the animals and is extremely well respected within our town.

I’m pretty sure there would be a fucking uprising if Rhodes tried to put a stop the animal sanctuary Mr. Jacobson has built.

In order to try and smooth any ruffled feathers, I go out and check on things while quite a few people go out and help out whenever and wherever they can. While I don’t get in the trenches and clean up or fix things like some people, my job is to check on the animals, make sure there’s enough food for everyone, and to assess who might need medical attention.

Doc goes out at least once a month and donates his time and expertise to Mr. Jacobson and his animals. They have a sweet friendship, even though I’d never say it to either man. More than once I’ve gone out to the sanctuary to find the two men on theporch with a glass of moonshine arguing about what kind of feed an animal needs, the right way to build a pen, and local football.

You better believe, when that happens, I back slowly away from the porch, do my rounds, and leave with a wave toward the men. There’s no way I am going to be pulled into any of those debates. No thanks.

A few firefighters and Ansel, a friend and paramedic, go out regularly to help with the upkeep. Just thinking about how the town pulls together to help one of our own, and the animals he cares for, warms my heart.

The schools have a bake sale at least once a year and give the money to Mr. Jacobson to help pay for food and other needs. It’s not easy for Mr. Jacobson to take charity, which is why he insists the kids come out for a field trip at least once a year to learn about the animals and have a hayride.

“I forgot,” I mumble as I walk out of the cat room with Sadie at my side. “I promised the dogs treats.”

“I’ll do that,” Sadie’s voice is bright and eager, her eyes sparkling with the opportunity to give love and treats to the dogs.

“Fine,” I sigh, my shoulders slumping. “I guess I’ll head out then.”

I know the shelter will be taken care of. I’ve worked hard to ensure the staff is well trained, trustworthy, and puts the wellbeing of the animals first. When I glance at my watch, I realize I would have been leaving soon anyway since I came in before we opened to get some paperwork done and to get everyone fed first thing.

I’m not always an early morning person, but when I am, it makes the day rewarding and long. It’s not easy leaving the animals to go home. But I can’t bring them all with me. My apartment would not handle it.

“See you tomorrow,” Sadie calls out to me as I shoot a dejected look towards the dogs.

“Yeah, yeah,” I mumble before heading back to my office to grab my stuff.

I’m out the door and heading to the edge of Sweetwater Valley quickly while cursing myself because I didn’t remember about my plans to head out to see Mr. Jacobson today. When I remember he’s on my calendar I make something he can easily reheat for dinner. I hate that I completely forgot and have nothing to offer the man except treats for his animals. I know that’ll be enough for him, but I’m annoyed at myself for forgetting.

He’s so sweet and lonely as hell since the passing of his wife. It’s one of the many reasons no one tries to put a stop to his animal sanctuary. They’re his companions, the closest of which is Penny, his peacock. I have no idea how the man came to own a peacock or why, considering he’s a male peacock, he’s still named Penny.

What I do know is that whenever Mr. Jacobson attends one of the town’s events, Penny is right there at his side. The pair are quite a sight to see and one I wouldn’t miss for the world. Penny loves the attention he gets and is more than willing to put his plumage on full display for anyone who gives him a second look. Honestly, he’ll shake those tail feathers at a first look too if he thinks he might get a little nibble out of it.

The bird is spoiled.

And rightfully so since he’s a loyal companion to Mr. Jacobson.

I wasn’t even aware peacocks could form those kinds of attachments, but whether it’s common or not doesn’t really matter because they’ve clearly bonded. Mr. Jacobson might have survived the death of his wife, but I’m not sure what would happen if Penny were to pass away. I’m going to do whatever I can to make sure that bird stays healthy.

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