Page 135 of On The Rocks

Griffin came over and dropped to his knees. “There you go, buddy.”

Elmer rolled onto his back and his tongue dripped out the side of his mouth.

I hugged him and glanced at Griffin. “I cannot.”

“I know. He’s pretty damn cute. I found him all muddy and pathetic under some brush at Kain’s.”

“And he doesn’t belong to anyone?”

“I’ll have to bring him to the vet and get him checked out, but he doesn’t seem to have anyone looking for him.”

“Someone abandoned you?” I pressed my face into his thick neck. “How could they?”

“I don’t know. He’s such a sweet dude.” Griffin patted his belly. “Not sure Laverne will be excited about it, but I’m keeping him.”

“She loves dogs and she’ll love you, won’t she?” Elmer licked my face and I laughed, pushing him away. “I have all the toys and collars and bowls and treats for you.”

Griffin pushed off the ground and took the bags. “C’mon, bud. Let’s see your loot.”

Elmer wiggled out of my lap, his bony knee giving me a good jab on the way out. “Oof.”

“Yeah, he doesn’t realize he’s not a lap dog.”He transferred both bags to one hand and hauled me to my feet with the other.

“Thanks.”

Elmer trotted after us, panting the whole way.

“He’s a big dude.”

“He is.” He pushed the door open and let us both in.

“Oh, I have a bed in the back of my Jeep.”

“I’ll get it.” He handed me the bags and went back out.

Elmer whined when he closed the door. He plopped his butt right down and stared at the door.

“C’mon over here.”

He looked over his shoulder but turned back to the door resolutely.

“Guess that name is on target.” I started unpacking and even squeezed one of the squeaker toys. His little tail wiggled, but he didn’t leave the door.

Griffin pushed the door open, bed under his arm. “Hey, pal.” He looked over at me. “He didn’t move?”

“Not an inch.”

“That’s probably not going to be good.”

“At least you won’t have to worry about him running away from you.”

“Guess not.”

He set the bed next to the couch. “Wow. Guess I better be careful letting you free with my credit card.”

“Funny guy.” I didn’t need any man’s credit card. I squeezed one of the toys and Elmer came running, his bobbed tail wagging. I tossed it and he raced after it, pouncing before attacking it.

“This day took a turn.”

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