Page 26 of Rio's Release

“Well, at least we’re on the corner. We still have the business off Main Street.”

“But parking will be impossible. There are barely enough spots as it is.”

The bell over the door tinkles, and Mrs. Tinsley walks in. She’s in her early thirties and owns one of the resorts near here. Her perfectly styled outfit speaks to her status. She’s one of our best customers.

“Mrs. Tinsley. How nice to see you.” I give her a broad smile.

“I had to come in and thank you again, Shelby. That puppy you trained for my Ashley is the sweetest, most well-behaved little thing, and it’s done wonders to bring Ashley out of her… well, you know.”

“I’m so happy little Luna is working out so well for Ashley. I knew they’d be the perfect match for each other.”

She sets her designer bag on the counter. “Honey, you worked a miracle. I was talking to one of Ashley’s teachers, and she said the difference has been night and day. Ashley’s so much more engaged. Well, of course I had to brag on you, and she told me she has several other autistic children who might benefit from a therapy dog.”

“I’m just getting started. I really can’t afford to do it full time right now. It takes a lot of money to take care of these dogs while I’m training them, so it’s something I can only do with one dog at a time.”

“I’ve heard you’ve got a whole menagerie of animals you’ve taken in.”

“It all started with this dog I rescued. Then a couple of feral cats showed up.”

“Well, you live out in the country, don’t you?”

“Yes, I rent the old Henderson’s place.”

“Right. I know the place.”

“Anyway, after the cats, someone dumped two other dogs along my road.”

“That’s so cruel, to dump an animal off like that.”

“I couldn’t help but take them in.”

“So, now you have three dogs and two cats? My word, that is a lot.”

“Yes, and when I train a therapy dog, it brings the total to six. It’s more than a lot. I don’t mind though; I’ve always wanted to start a rescue. And when I find a rescue dog that’s perfect for therapy work, it’s the cherry on top,” I admit.

Mrs. Tinsley tilts her head. “You seem so animated when you talk about it.”

“It’s a true passion of mine. I wish I had the funds to do more.”

“Perhaps I could do a fundraiser for your rescue. I could throw a gala. My friends in Taos love an excuse to get dressed up, and they’re all dog lovers.”

“Are you serious?” My mouth drops open.

“Absolutely. We’ll have to get together soon and talk about it, darling.” She gathers up her bag. “I must run now. I’ll call you.” She makes a kissing sound and leaves with the same whirlwind she entered.

Pam sidles up to my side. “Wow. Deedee Tinsley just offered to do a charity event for you. I think you need to get your charity organization ducks in a row.”

“I don’t even know how to go about that. It’s been more a dream than anything close to happening.”

“Yeah, maybe you should wait until you know if she’s going to come through for you. You know how these rich people can be. You may never see her again.”

“I suppose you’re right. Better not to get too excited about something that may be just another pipe dream.”

Hours later, I close up shop and head home to the little single wide trailer under a grove of Aspen trees. When I walk in the door, Fannie is making cookies with Bella.

I thank God for Jenny’s aunt Fannie. If it wasn’t for her help all these years, I don’t know what I would have done.

“Mommy,” Bella calls out and scampers to me, Hurley the pit bull I rescued at her heels, followed by Sugar and Honeybear, the two beagles that were dumped off last year.

---