Perfect Imperfections

Fourteen

"You have a good day at school, Smarty." I smiled and AJ nodded, leaning into my hug. As she went into the school, I smiled when I saw the students going above and beyond to accommodate her. I took a deep breath then shut the truck door, going around and getting in. As I drove to the animal shelter, I was getting excited.

"Jake!" I grinned and hugged Taylor, stepping back and taking a deep breath.

"Ready to go meet him?" I nodded and followed her down the hall of dog cages, seeing all sorts. Then we got to this poor thing.

"Dear god, are those his bones?!" I asked and Taylor nodded.

"Poor baby was abandoned at a ranch out in the foothills. Neighbor found him wandering and brought him in." She said as I kneeled down, staring at the large dog that was skin and bone.

"How long was he alone?!" I asked, looking up at Taylor, but she shook her head.

"No telling, the house has been sitting empty for eight years now. There's no way he's been there that long, but chances are he was dumped there." She said and I nodded.

"Can I go in there?" I asked and Taylor opened the gate, letting me into the cage with the dog.

"Hi, buddy." I whispered and sat on the ground next to his big head.

"What kind of dog is he?" I wondered aloud as I pet his head, which was now resting on my thigh.

"Cane Corso, hard to find. Surprised he was dumped and not given away." She explained and I nodded, looking down at the big baby.

"You're just a cuddle buddy, aren't you? Yeah, you're just a cuddle man." I whispered, scratching behind his ears.

"He'll need some work to get him healthy and happy again, Jake." She said then I looked at her and smirked.

"I've got the time, Taylor." I said and looked at the dog.

"What's his name?" I asked and she huffed.

"Sweetie, of all fucking things. He doesn't respond to it, because we don't know his real name, but you are more than welcome to give him one." She said and I nodded, looking at his eyes.

"What's a good name for you, huh?" I asked and he looked up at me, staring into my eyes.

"Well, the girl I'm getting you for is a big Star Wars fan. You like that, huh? You a Star Wars fan?" I asked the dog, who groaned and flicked his tail.

"I guess so, buddy." I laughed and leaned down, kissing his head.

"Hmm, let's think of a good name for you." I said and hummed as I thought.

"Anakin?" I asked the dog, who remained silent and motionless.

"Alright, no on that. A good name for you from Star Wars." I whispered and looked at Taylor as she spoke.

"Yoda, he was some strong guy, right?" She offered, but the dog remained quiet.

"Nope." I said and looked at him.

"Han Solo." I tried, but still nothing.

"Luke?"

"R2-D2?"

"Seriously?" I asked Taylor, who shrugged.

"I'm just naming characters at this point." She said and I sighed.

"How about... Chewbacca?" I asked, making the dog look at me.

"We got a reaction!" Taylor said and I grinned.

"Chewie?" I asked and the dog lifted his head, panting as he looked at me and his tail wagged.

"Chewie." I smiled and held his head, kissing his forehead.

"Hi, Chewie." I whispered, scratching his head. When he barked, I jumped a little from how deep it was.

"He'll be a good protection dog." Taylor said and I nodded.

"That'll be perfect for Smarty." I smiled and stood, grabbing a nearby leash and collar.

"Come on, Chewie." I said and the dog slowly stood, wobbling some as he came towards me.

"Jake, we haven't been able to get him to eat." Taylor warned as she watched me leash the dog.

"Let me try." I smiled and led the dog to a food bowl. He watched as I added some of the kibble into it then he immediately bent down to eat.

"Holy shit!" Taylor breathed and I smiled.

"He just needs a little love, Taylor." I said and reached down to pet Chewie.

"Can you come up here and work with him?" She asked and I nodded.

"Happily." I smiled and Chewie looked at me as I got him a bowl of water, which he also scarfed down. So he didn't make himself sick, I didn't let him get a second bowl of either and instead took him outside to the fenced area so he could get some fresh air and do his business if he needed to. Unsurprisingly, he didn't.

"Alright, Chewie, I've gotta work, but I'll be back here tomorrow for you." I smiled as I led him to his kennel. As he laid down, I pulled the leash and collar off then I pet his head.

"See you tomorrow, Chewie." I whispered and kissed his head, standing and watching as he laid down.

"He's sad to see you go." Taylor said then I smiled. I pulled my jacket off and kneeled down, setting it next to Chewie.

"I promise, I'll be here tomorrow, Chewie." I said and watched him set his head on my jacket, closing his eyes as I stood and left.

"Same time tomorrow?" Taylor asked and I nodded, looking at Chewie as she shut the gate.

"Same time." I whispered and left the shelter, going to my truck. As I got in, I smiled and opened my phone, scrolling through the pictures of Chewie that I'd taken today.

"Girl, you better love me for this dog." I whispered as I sent the pictures to Jess, mom, and dad with the caption 'new dog for Smarty'. As I turned the truck on and went to work, my family responded with loads of joy, praise, and questions.

"Morning, Jake!" I waved to the guys here as I went to the office, clocking in and preparing for my soon to be very busy schedule.