I’m hanging out at the dog hotel this week and since it’s hard to have adventures of my own here I’ve been making up a story about a dog and his adventures. If you want to start from the beginning you can go back to the post on Monday, March 11th and follow the story from there.
***
“We can’t take him in.” The person behind the counter of the shelter looked down as he said the words. “This is a no-kill shelter and we can only accept additional pets as we have room for them. Right now we’re full up.”
“Do you have any suggestions?” Dad asked the man.
“I do,” said the man. “This young man of yours looks like he’s already attached to this little guy. I can take the information incase we’re contacted by the owners. Why don’t you take him back home with you? You look like you’d make good dog people.”
“That’s not an option,” said Dad.
“Dad, mom will adjust,” said Eric as he held a squirmy puppy tight to his chest.
“Eric, she’s just not ready yet. It hasn’t been enough time.”
The shelter man spoke. “I don’t like to mention this place, but there’s another shelter down the road that will take him. I don’t think he’ll last long there though.”
“Thank you,” said Dad. ”I don’t think we have a choice. How do we get to this place?”
***
Eric looked longingly toward the door of the second shelter as they pulled away. “Dad, they’ll kill him there.”
“That’s not our problem now, Eric.”
“But Dad, we could save this puppy. I already did once, and now it doesn’t seem to matter.”
“Eric, it’s just too soon after losing Benny. I don’t think I’m ready for another dog yet – especially a surprise dog like this. And I know your mother isn’t ready.”
Eric didn’t expect the tears to come again as he thought of Benny, the family dog he’d grown up with. He still missed Benny a lot, but he knew he could open his heart to another. He decided it was better not to say anything though and he and his dad rode home in silence.
***
“Why the glum faces?” Mom asked as the guys walked in the door.
Eric explained where they’d left the puppy.
“Oh,” Mom said.
Mom gave a deep sigh. “I didn’t think I’d be ready for another dog for a long time after losing Benny. I’m still not sure I am, but after seeing you with that puppy Eric – well, just because we lost one dog doesn’t mean we should condemn another one to death. Why don’t you two go back and bring that puppy home.”
“Are you sure hun?” Dad asked.
“I’m sure. Now go!”
“Race you to the truck, Dad!” shouted Eric as he ran out the door.
***
The door of the shelter wouldn’t budge when Eric tried to pull it open.
“We were just here,” said Eric.
“What does that sign say the hours are?” asked Dad.
Eric checked the sign and breathed out in disgust. “They just closed a few minutes ago and they won’t be open again until Monday at 8:00. I’ve got to be at school then.”
“I don’t have to start work until later on Monday. Do you have any classes that you absolutely can’t miss Monday morning?”
“Nope, I don’t Dad.”
“We’ll be here first thing Monday morning then.”
***
To be continued tomorrow.
bongodogblog 
marina kanavaki
March 14, 2013 at 11:08 am
You are very talented, Bongo! You don’t need any fish to keep me listening!!! Poor pup will spend a whole weekend in that shelter?!!!!
Bongo
March 14, 2013 at 5:54 pm
Thanks Marina. I would send you some fish to go with the story, but we don’t have many fish in Arizona.
Genevieve Petrillo
March 14, 2013 at 12:52 pm
Yay! They’re opening their hearts! I knew it.
Love and licks,
Cupcake
Bongo
March 14, 2013 at 5:55 pm
Cupcake, those people are really nice after all.
onebluedog
March 14, 2013 at 2:26 pm
Oh goodness, Bongo, this story is one wild ride! I’m crossing all my paws for this little puppy!
Bongo
March 14, 2013 at 5:56 pm
Remy, I agree. That puppy sure is going through a lot.
bztraining
March 15, 2013 at 1:26 am
Oh dear! I sure hope this story has a happy ending!
Bongo
March 15, 2013 at 4:42 pm
BZ, I guess if that puppy keeps having problems I could tell my person to get him when she finally gets me from the dog hotel.
bumpyroadtobubba
March 15, 2013 at 3:24 am
Oh I hope this story is going to a happy place!!!!
Bongo
March 15, 2013 at 4:47 pm
Bumpy Road, I guess Bubba would never forgive me if I didn’t take care of that puppy.
eripanwkevin
March 15, 2013 at 8:11 am
Oh no!!! *gasps* They have to be in a hurry to get the puppy back or he will be……..
Oh please Bongo….do NOT give us sad ending..hopefully the puppy will be saved before the dealine…..!!!
Bongo
March 15, 2013 at 4:48 pm
Kevin, if that puppy’s not saved I’ll make my person go get him when she gets me from the dog hotel. I sure hope that’s soon.
Roberta
March 16, 2013 at 12:08 pm
I had to go back and read the whole story (so far). It is so frustrating being a no-kill sanctuary with very limited means and only one foster home. My inbox right now has at least 4 dogs wanting to come in – one from VA! Saying “no” breaks my heart – am heading off to the rest of the story. Good work you’re doing in the dog hotel, Bongo.
Bongo
March 18, 2013 at 1:39 pm
Roberta, I hope you find more space for dogs. My person and I are praying that more people open their homes to foster dogs for you.
angelswhisper2011
March 17, 2013 at 2:51 am
Bongo, I think no one can resist a puppy after all… this is such a lovely story 🙂
Bongo
March 18, 2013 at 1:45 pm
Thanks Angels Whisper and Little Binky.