beverages. Dont keep me in suspense any longer, I ordered. Why are you here? Is it good news or bad?
A little of both, I think. The rescue is doing really well these past weeks. Weve placed a lot of animals and as a result have room to take in others.
So? That doesnt warrant a trip into downtown Minneapolis to tell me.
He looked deep into his mug. We placed the last of our current batch of foster pets today.
Really? Thats wonderful!
I placed Hammie, Suze. I know youve had him a long, long time but the deal with the rescue is that when a good home comes up
Hammie? Hed come to me half-dead, emaciated, his fur matted, a pitiful little thing indistinguishable from a large mouse. Today he is fat and glossy. Hammie loves me. Sometimes at night, before the twins came to stay, Hammie and I sat on the couch and watched old movies. Hed curl up on my chest, put his stubby little nose in the curve of my neck and fall asleep. Hamsters snore. Ive heard it with my own ears.
I thought that after all this timeHamsters are a dime a dozen, Charley, why cant they get another one?
Its a couple with a child terrified of animals. The only critter the child has ever showed any interest in is a hamster in a pet-store window. The worlds tamest hamster is Hammie.
I could tame another one for her, I offered, knowing already that Hammie would go where he was needed.
They promised that if it didnt work out, theyd bring him right back, but frankly, I know this childs dad and hell take excellent care of him.
Hammie and Chipper in the same week?
The bad news is that theyre gone. The good news is that now you have room for somebody else.
After the twins leave, Ill take a couple, but for now I had an unexpected catch in my throat. You slimeball, you know I cant get along without pets in my house.
Charley grinned at me. Ive got Chester in my car if youd like to take him right now. Ill bring him over and pick up the hamster. What do you think?
Youre a low-down, tricky
Effective administrator. Have you any idea how many impossible-to-place animals weve found homes for because of you?
Its true. Im a lifesaverliterally.
Give me the lecture later, Charley. A tiny alarm bell went off in my head. Why is it that youre so eager to foist this cat off on me in particular? Lots of the volunteers enjoy taking the cats.
An odd expression flitted across his face and was gone. This cat has your name on it, Suze, thats all.
Then I dont want it. Im not taking any more pets unless I get to say whenand if they are placed. From now on, I get first say. And if I want to keep them all, I dont want to hear another word about it.
All of them?
Maybe I exaggerated a little for effect. I feel obligated to give up Hammie because hes already been promised. But from now on
Its your own fault, you know. Weve never had an animal youve fostered not become fit for adoption. You should have thirty acres of land and a dozen barns and spend all your time and energy rescuing misfits, Charley said. He looked out at the skyscrapers. I dont know how the people in those things stand it. At least you and I have yards.
Some of them love it, I responded softly.
Nobody who wants a lot of animals around, Charley retorted.
Like David Grant? I wondered.
Go get your car, Charley ordered.
I have to pick up the twins.
Ill be right behind you.
When we got to the house, the lights were already on. Inside, I could smell something delicious cooking in the kitchen. There was a small fire in the fireplace; the lights were dim and soothing. The toys had been picked up. An angel had landed here while I was gone.
At that moment, Darla came bustling out of the kitchen in one of my aprons. Dont Bother Kissing the Cook, Just Do the Dishes it said.
There you are. I wanted to surprise you. Her voice trailed away and she stared not at me but over my left shoulder where Charley stood.
I didnt blame her for gawking. Most people do. Charleys Mohawk was highlighted with pink today and he had a safety
A little of both, I think. The rescue is doing really well these past weeks. Weve placed a lot of animals and as a result have room to take in others.
So? That doesnt warrant a trip into downtown Minneapolis to tell me.
He looked deep into his mug. We placed the last of our current batch of foster pets today.
Really? Thats wonderful!
I placed Hammie, Suze. I know youve had him a long, long time but the deal with the rescue is that when a good home comes up
Hammie? Hed come to me half-dead, emaciated, his fur matted, a pitiful little thing indistinguishable from a large mouse. Today he is fat and glossy. Hammie loves me. Sometimes at night, before the twins came to stay, Hammie and I sat on the couch and watched old movies. Hed curl up on my chest, put his stubby little nose in the curve of my neck and fall asleep. Hamsters snore. Ive heard it with my own ears.
I thought that after all this timeHamsters are a dime a dozen, Charley, why cant they get another one?
Its a couple with a child terrified of animals. The only critter the child has ever showed any interest in is a hamster in a pet-store window. The worlds tamest hamster is Hammie.
I could tame another one for her, I offered, knowing already that Hammie would go where he was needed.
They promised that if it didnt work out, theyd bring him right back, but frankly, I know this childs dad and hell take excellent care of him.
Hammie and Chipper in the same week?
The bad news is that theyre gone. The good news is that now you have room for somebody else.
After the twins leave, Ill take a couple, but for now I had an unexpected catch in my throat. You slimeball, you know I cant get along without pets in my house.
Charley grinned at me. Ive got Chester in my car if youd like to take him right now. Ill bring him over and pick up the hamster. What do you think?
Youre a low-down, tricky
Effective administrator. Have you any idea how many impossible-to-place animals weve found homes for because of you?
Its true. Im a lifesaverliterally.
Give me the lecture later, Charley. A tiny alarm bell went off in my head. Why is it that youre so eager to foist this cat off on me in particular? Lots of the volunteers enjoy taking the cats.
An odd expression flitted across his face and was gone. This cat has your name on it, Suze, thats all.
Then I dont want it. Im not taking any more pets unless I get to say whenand if they are placed. From now on, I get first say. And if I want to keep them all, I dont want to hear another word about it.
All of them?
Maybe I exaggerated a little for effect. I feel obligated to give up Hammie because hes already been promised. But from now on
Its your own fault, you know. Weve never had an animal youve fostered not become fit for adoption. You should have thirty acres of land and a dozen barns and spend all your time and energy rescuing misfits, Charley said. He looked out at the skyscrapers. I dont know how the people in those things stand it. At least you and I have yards.
Some of them love it, I responded softly.
Nobody who wants a lot of animals around, Charley retorted.
Like David Grant? I wondered.
Go get your car, Charley ordered.
I have to pick up the twins.
Ill be right behind you.
When we got to the house, the lights were already on. Inside, I could smell something delicious cooking in the kitchen. There was a small fire in the fireplace; the lights were dim and soothing. The toys had been picked up. An angel had landed here while I was gone.
At that moment, Darla came bustling out of the kitchen in one of my aprons. Dont Bother Kissing the Cook, Just Do the Dishes it said.
There you are. I wanted to surprise you. Her voice trailed away and she stared not at me but over my left shoulder where Charley stood.
I didnt blame her for gawking. Most people do. Charleys Mohawk was highlighted with pink today and he had a safety
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