Page 6 of Hey, Stepbro

Stella and I met at Rainbow Paws last year. I’d been volunteering at the shelter for three years, ever since Mom passed away. She was fed up with classes, and needed a place to unwind after a long day in the library.

The two of us are animal lovers, and we felt an instant connection; we each had a deep love and respect for animals, and shared a desire to give them the best lives they could have.

Stella’s a passionate advocate for animal rights, and last year, she led a march around the town to protest against an anti-pit bull law that went into effect in June. I was a little overwhelmed by the size of the task at hand at first, but with Stella’s guidance and enthusiasm, I joined her bi-weekly marches.

When we’re not studying or changing minds here in Riverside, we wash and groom the animals at the shelter, and give them their medications. We talk and joke with each other while we do it, and time seems to fly by.

Each animal is different. Roxy, a poodle, has a totally different personality from Petunia, a Dachshund. Because we’re such saps, we fall in love with them all. We’re always amazed at how quickly the animals respond to our care, and how much joy they bring to us and to the other volunteers.

The best part about caring for animals in need? They can change a person's life. They provide a kind of companionship and, and even our most difficult tasks are made easier by the fact that we do them with our furry friends.

We’re making a difference. Even if it’s only a small one, we’re still changing the world.

Stella and I walk around the shelter, looking into the cages to make sure we didn’t miss anything else.

“Oh, check this one out,” Stella says, pointing to a scruffy tabby cat, a new addition. "She’s a good girl. She hasn’t stolen anything."

“She’s so cute,” I agree, reaching out to stroke the cat’s face. The cat purrs and reaches her paw out towards me.

"I think she has a crush on you," Stella jokes.

"If so," I drawl, "I’d welcome it. No human beings do."

“It’s alright,” Stella says soothingly. “We’re here for you now, baby.”

A few other volunteers walk around, offering words of comfort to the animals.

At one point, a little dog barks excitedly, its tail wagging in anticipation as I come close. I scoop it up in my arms and cradle it gently, stroking its fur.

“You don’t need to be scared, sweetie,” I say softly. “We’re your friends.”

Stella smiles at the sight, then hands it a bone. "You’re a good boy. You deserve a treat."

"Unlike you four," I say to the Dachshund’s brothers, those naughty, naughty bastards.

"They’re never getting treats again," Stella concurs.

We laugh, a much-needed reprieve from the hard work.

After checking on the other animals, Stella turns to me. "So… how’s your mission to find a boy toy before Halloween going? Any luck?" she asks gently.

I shake my head sadly. This is my biggest insecurity. Stella knows this, which is why she rarely poses the question.

"Same as usual," I admit.

"I find that hard to believe."

"It's the truth. No guys seem interested. I don't know what's wrong with me."

"There's nothing wrong with you," Stella insists. "You're hot, intelligent, and kind. Anyone would be lucky to have you."

I smile weakly. "Thanks, Stella. But it's not about that. It's like I'm invisible to them."

"You're not invisible," Stella says firmly. "You haven't found the right guy yet."

I nod, feeling a little better. "Maybe you're right."

"We'll find him, don't worry," Stella reassures me. "In the meantime, we have plenty of furry friends to keep us company."

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