Page 71 of Taming Georgia

“Sit.”

Jasper, one of our bully mixes, complies to the command immediately.

“Good boy,” I tell him as I give him a treat.

I work with the adult dogs to make sure they’re all trained in basic commands and manners before they’re adopted out. Pit bull breeds are loveable and sweet, but they’re also very strong. An untrained dog is often like a bull in a china shop. They already have a bad stereotype. I don’t want to risk one jumping up on their owner because they’re excited and accidentally knocking them down. I can’t prevent all mishaps from happening, but if I can stop someone from getting hurt by their excited pet, that’s one less negative story about this breed out there.

I’m setting him up for the stay command when Georgia enters.

“Hey, how did it go?” I ask.

She’s been interviewing potential adopters all day.

“Good. Really good. Pending the home checks, three adult dogs and four from Hope’s litter have found homes.”

She tells me a little about the dogs that were chosen and what their new owners are like. Her face lights up as she speaks of the kids that are going to be able to grow up with their new four-legged family member.

“Isn’t it great when the families have kids? I would’ve loved to have a dog growing up,” I tell her.

Her mouth falls into a frown, and her bottom lip begins to tremble. Her eyes fill with tears.

“What is it?” I rush toward her and pull her into my arms.

She shakes her head and continues to cry into my chest. Putting my hands on her arms, I hold her back so that I can see her face.

“Please tell me. What is it?”

“Well”—she sniffs—“the last couple that I met with chose”—she sucks in air between broken sobs—“Mila.”

There’s so much sadness in her eyes. I know how she feels. It’s impossible not to love all of these dogs. It’s very difficult when one you’ve built a special bond with leaves. I’ve gotten better at letting them go over the years, but I remember how much my heart hurt in the beginning.

“I’m sorry. I know how hard this is.”

She hugs me tight, pressing her cheek against my chest. “I love her so much. I can’t imagine not seeing her every day. She’s our miracle puppy.”

“I know. It’s tough to let the ones you love go. You have to think about how you played a part in finding her a forever home. You loved and cared for her while she was here. You helped save her. Now, she’s going to go to a good home with a family who will adore her. That’s the best thing we can do for our dogs.”

Georgia nods. “I get it, but she’s mine. From the moment she was born, she’s been mine. I was so stupid. I should’ve adopted her while I had the chance. Now, it’s too late. I don’t know what I’m going to do without her.”

My arms wrap around her back as it heaves with sobs.

I hold her as she cries. I’m not sure there is a solution to a broken heart other than time. Jasper catches my attention in my peripheral as he sits just as I left him.

Wow. What a great dog.

When Georgia’s tears cease and her breathing steadies, I kiss her on the forehead and release my hold on her.

“Feel better?” I ask.

“No,” she huffs. “It sucks, but I’m hungry.”

I chuckle. “Well, we can’t have that. We definitely need to get you some food.”

“Yes, please,” she says softly.

“Let’s put Jasper away.” I grab a handful of treats. “Do you know that he sat perfectly that whole time? He’s awesome. We should look into possibly putting him into some sort of therapy dog training program.”

“That would be perfect. I can do that,” she says.

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