Page 46 of It's Not PMS, It's You
“My neighbor’s dog got loose and I’m not able to get a hold of them. I have her with me and I’m really not sure what to do at this point.”
“Can’t you drop her off at one of those doggy daycare places?”
“I tried. The place said I needed to have proof that the dog was up to date on all shots and that they needed to do a temperament test, to make sure it got along with the other dogs. I don’t have access to any of the dog’s health records so it’s not even an option.”
Just great.
It was my second hiccup of the day. The last thing I wanted was my backyard project to get behind schedule or me thinking about it when I needed to focus on a hundred other things. Fortunately, I was a problem-solver and this wasn’t rocket science.
“How well-behaved is she?”
“She’s been professionally trained,” Nick answered. “Very obedient. She’s a good girl.”
“If you keep her outside and you promise she won’t tear my place apart, you can bring her with you to work.”
“That’s perfect! She can relax in the shade under your patio cover. Are you sure you don’t mind?”
“If it’s going to keep the job on schedule, I don’t mind. As long as she doesn’t poop and pee all over the place, I’m okay with it.”
“Great! I’ll make sure to take her for a walk and pick up after her. Thanks so much. I’ll see you soon.”
Thirty seconds later, my doorbell rang.
Swinging the front door open, I froze.
It was Nick.
With the dog.
“Seriously?” I pointed to the beautiful golden retriever with the tail banging against the wall.
Nick shrugged. “Sorry—I didn’t know what else to do, so I called you from your driveway.”
I crossed my arms. “Quite presumptuous of you to think I was going to offer for you to bring the dog with you.”
“Well, actually, I was going to ask you, but you offered first.”
“And what if I had said no?”
He grinned. “You are justwaytoo kind to say no.”
“You obviously don’t know me very well.”
The dog lunged forward and began to lick my hand.
I loved dogs but have never had one because I hate hair on my work clothes.
“This is karma.”
I snorted. “Right. Karma that I have a dog at my house. Not even close.”
“No. Hernameis Karma.”
“Oh . . .” I scratched the dog on the top of the head. “Hello, Karma. Are you a smart girl?” I leaned down and held my hand out. “Shake.”
Karma lifted her paw toward me.
I grabbed it and shook it, smiling. “Youarea smart girl.” I stood back up and turned to Nick. “I need to head out and will be gone most of the day. I have an unscheduled meeting at the office. I need you to assure me that she won’t tear up the place.”
