Book Excerpt II​

“Okay.” Florence stood up and started for the door. “I have to handle the animals now and get out of here.” She furrowed her brow. “Hey, do you want to help me socialize the cats and dogs?”

I looked at the guys and smiled.

                                                                *  *  *  *  *

“I’ll take care of the dogs out back first,” Florence said. “Evan, show them what to do in here.”

Cat toys lined some shelves of the cat room. Evan opened a few cages and placed kittens next to me and Kai. Nine little fluff balls of black, tan or gray stumbled on tiny legs, play fighting. Two mother cats slinked out of the cages, keeping their eyes on us.

“Try to hold each kitten gently for at least one minute,” Evan told us. “If they squirm too much, cup them against your chest.”

We sat on the floor. I picked up and cradled a black and white kitten that had cowered away from a larger cat. The little guy meowed loudly, his mouth wide as a baby bird’s. Just the perfect thing to help get my mind off of tomorrow.

“Even if they look scared, it’s good to hold them,” Evan said. “It helps with their cognitive development. When they’re used to handling, it makes them more adoptable.”

“Look at this one.” Kai laughed. A gray kitten leaped wildly for a wand that Kai was holding, falling down each time it jumped.

Evan and I grabbed toys, too. We had a blast playing with them.

When we had finished, Florence led us into another room.

“Please keep your voices low. These are abused animals that have been confiscated or found wandering around. Be extra careful with them. We’ll work in teams. Kai and I can work with these three if you two take care of the dogs on that side.”

“Let’s start with this German Shepherd,” Evan said. “I remember when Florence brought this girl to our clinic. She had been whipped and neglected, kept on a short leash in some guy’s back yard. She’s timid but super gentle.”

I heard whimpering from the pen. Evan opened the door and softened his voice.

“Come here, Brittany.”

A majestic black and brown dog with pointed ears slowly shuffled up to us, tail between her legs. Whimpering, she placed her long muzzle in Evan’s hand. He stroked her neck.

“Good girl.”

“She knows you.”

The dog eyed me, and I held out my hand. She approached me but backed away.

“It took me a few weeks before I could touch her,” Evan said.

The next two dogs also had been abused. Their scars brought tears to my eyes. I wanted to bring them all home and take care of them. Someday when I had money, I’d do more to prevent animal abuse.

Florence’s passion to defend animals had inspired me. I made a silent pledge. I wouldn’t be a helpless victim all my life. People had to stand up for what’s right. 

Time to be a warrior.