Page 102 of Lassoed Love

“Bud,” I call, and the old dog pads in behind me. He sniffs the air, tail wagging as he takes in the unfamiliar scents of the clinic.

Katy leads us to a small, clean room where the Luna awaits. The dog, a sleek and alert Australian Kelpie with a coat that gleams in various shades of brown, looks up as we enter. Her eyes lock onto Buddy, and the two dogs exchange a series of tentative sniffs.

Katy watches the dogs interact, a fond smile on her face. “Luna here is a sweetheart. Isla found her on the side of the road a while ago. She was frail, malnourished, and completely abandoned."

My gaze softens at the thought. “Abandoned? Who the fuck would do that?”

Katy sighs, her eyes reflecting a mix of sympathy and frustration. “Unfortunately, it happens more often than you’d think. People just discard animals like they’re disposable. But the good news is, Isla brought her in, and we’ve been taking care of her since. Luna’s got a resilient spirit, though. Despite what she’s been through, she’s a loving and gentle dog.”

I nod, absentmindedly bending down to run my hand over Buddy’s back as he stands by my side, his curiosity piqued by Luna.

Katy, observing the interaction, smiles knowingly. “Seems like they’re getting along just fine.”

The idea of someone abandoning their dog strikes a chord, and a newfound determination settles within me.

Katy watches Luna’s energetic display, a chuckle escaping her lips. “Luna can be a bit much for some folks. We’ve had a few people interested in adopting her, but her boisterous energy scared them off.”

As if on cue, Luna starts barking loudly, her excitement contagious. She sniffs Buddy enthusiastically, and the two dogs embark on an impromptu game of chase around the clinic. Katy shakes her head, a smile playing on her lips. “Looks like she’s found a playmate in Buddy.”

She turns her attention back to me, her eyes assessing. “Xavier, you might be the perfect person for Luna. Running a farm and all, she seems like she could use a setting like that. I think she came from a similar scene. A farm dog—what do you think?”

I watch Luna and Buddy weave through the clinic, their playfulantics filling the air. The idea of Luna finding a home on my farm resonates with me. “Yeah, I think she’d fit right in. I’ve got the space for her to run around and burn off that energy.”

Katy nods, a satisfied expression on her face. “Great. Let’s get the paperwork sorted, and Luna can join your pack.”

With the paperwork sorted, Luna sits proudly next to Katy, her eyes flickering between us as if seeking reassurance. Katy nudges her gently, saying, “It’s okay, girl. You’ve found your new daddy.”

The term of endearment catches me off guard, and a warmth seeps through me. “Dad,” I chuckle, looking at Katy. “Never thought I’d hear that term associated with me.”

Katy grins, understanding the novelty of the situation. “Well, Luna seems to think so. Give her a chance, and you might just grow into the role.”

Bending down, I get eye level with Luna. She watches me cautiously, her tail wagging in anticipation. I cautiously raise my hand for her to sniff, a gesture to introduce myself to the newest member of the pack. Luna, ever curious, leans in, taking in my scent before giving my hand a friendly lick.

I straighten up, a newfound sense of responsibility settling in. Luna looks up at me, her eyes filled with trust and a hint of excitement. A farm dog, a companion in the making. The weight of theterm ‘Dad’ lingers in the air, and for a moment, the clinic feels like the starting point of something uncharted and surprisingly comforting.

“Thank you, Katy,” I express my gratitude, still processing the sudden shift in my routine.

Katy waves off my thanks, a beaming smile on her face. “No, Xavier, I must thank you. You have no idea how happy you’ve made me. We’ve been wanting this for so long. I can’t wait to let Isla know.”

“If it’s okay, could you just hold off on telling Isla for now?” I interject. “I’d like to be the one to share the news with her when she’s ready to talk to me.”

Curiosity flickers in Katy’s eyes as she tilts her head. “Oh, of course, dear,” she quips and then interjects, “Did something happen between the two of you? If you don’t mind me asking. Something’s different.” She squints her eyes, trying to suss out my expressions.

With a heavy sigh, I mutter, “It’s... complicated.”

Katy’s eyes soften with understanding as she absorbs the information. “Life has a way of throwing curveballs, doesn’t it?”

I nod, a heavy sigh escaping me. “I thought I was helping by giving her space. She asked me to leave, and I didn’t want to be another burden on her plate.”

Katy pats my shoulder reassuringly. “Xavier, you’re not a burden. She’s dealing with a lot right now. You know… with Isla,” she reassures me, placing a comforting hand on my shoulder.

“She’s got a way of pushing people away when things get tough. But she’s been working with me long enough for me to know her patterns and her personality. Since she met you, she’s changed. Giveher a chance, Xavier. Isla is stronger than you think.”

I just nod.

She continues, “It’s her way of coping. Just give her time, and things will fall into place.”

I appreciate Katy’s attempt to provide comfort, but the uncertainty lingers in the air. Isla’s actions still echo in my mind, and the path forward seems clouded with unresolved questions.

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