Who We Have

Chapter 9

Throughout the weekend, Andy had tried to distract her thoughts from what had happened as much as she could. In those attempts, she spent time reading, playing games, and even doing schoolwork that wasn’t required of her. Sunday morning, Andy was awakened by Seamus. The dog lay beside her, quiet but persistent. His heavy breathing got into her face, and from the scent, she scrunched her nose and moved away slightly. Regardless, Andy reached out and pet him lovingly, all the while trying to keep her eyes open.

“Good morning, smelly boy.” Andy smiled faintly, leaning in to kiss the top of his head.

The dog was usually lazy, only ever needing her attention when he was left without food or water, or when he needed to go outside. Andy stayed where she was for a short moment, gathering up the energy to get out of bed and start her day. Propping up on one elbow, she looked to her nightstand where her digital clock flashed the time in bright green.

Andy gave Seamus another kiss and got up, heading to the bathroom for morning routines. Once she was done, she whistled to get the dog to follow her as she went downstairs to fill up his food and water. Tail wagging like an infuriated fly swatter, Seamus ran to her side. He attempted to steal a bite of the dry food before she even set it down. The dog didn’t waste a minute, munching away at his meal. Andy chuckled at the crunching noises and left him be, tending to her own breakfast.

Settling for cereal, the girl placed her bowl on the counter in the middle of the kitchen and took pause. She quickly stepped over to the window to peek at the garage, finding it empty. It only meant one thing. Her parents were already off to work. It didn’t matter to her much; she didn’t speak to them often enough for their absence to bother her.

After breakfast, Andy quickly let Seamus out into the backyard to answer to nature’s call. She sat down on the steps, holding a book in hand and reading to her comfort. A cool breeze played by, the smell of oak and rain dancing in its wake. Every now and then, Andy would glance at the mastiff as he bounced around and chased after little bugs.

The back yard wasn’t very large; there wasn’t much room for running or walking about enough. Andy would let him out to get some fresh air and do his business after eating so that he could digest. After that, she would take him out for a good walk, enjoying the fresh air herself.

After a while, the dog calmed down and returned to her. He lay down next to her and simply looked about quietly. Andy finished the chapter she was on, and stood, heading inside. As soon as she held the chain leash in her hands, Seamus came running once more. His joy reflected through the acceleration of his wagging tail. It had been enough time, so they head out, and on her way, Andy took out the trash. She made sure that the door was locked behind her before she walked off, taking Seamus to the dog park.

***

The exercise was great for both Andy and Seamus. It was one thing that Andy was thankful to Seamus for, because she didn’t stay at home and do nothing in her free time, but instead got to enjoy the beautiful walks with a friend. Her dog was like a child to her, she had him since he was a little pup.

Andy looked at the cages, wondering what the dogs had gone through to be in such states. It was her birthday, and she had wanted to adopt a puppy for years. Her parents thought that since they were getting busier by the day, she could use a distraction.

The shelter clerk came up to the three and gave them a little tour of the puppies. There was a section with grey and black puppies, one of them a beautiful mix of brown shades with golden flicks. The lady explained to them that the litter was of a dog they had rescued recently and she had given birth to the pups. The bunch had been fussing over their appearance and had yelped for attention. A couple of them wrestled each other and played around.