New neighbors Andi and Hayden don't get off to the best start - and neither do their dogs. When the hostility between their pets, Bart and Rosie, leads to noisy barking, Andi and Hayden must solve their pet's tension or risk eviction from their apar...
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"What do you think, Bart?"
Bart is a shadow beside me, his tail blurring as the cheesiest smile spreads across his dark Labrador face. Two sharp approval whines interrupt his smile, but it quickly returns, re-showcasing a floppy pink tongue and sharp teeth bathed in slobber.
I tuck my short black hair behind my ears and gaze down at him. "That good, huh?"
He whines two more times, wiggling his dark furry body with excitement.
I flick my eyes around my new apartment, and I can't say I disagree. The design process and furniture assembly have paid off, and the apartment is exactly how I envisioned it. What was once a vacant one-bedroom unit, empty without a scrap of artistic finesse, is now a tasteful collaboration of grays, whites, and deep greens. The light grays and whites extend the tiny apartment, giving the illusion of more space, while the deep green accents tone down the brightness, and the strategically placed houseplants exude lively comfort.
The setting sun casts a glow on the living room as the golden light cascades through the window and dances on the perfectly neat and tidy space. Outwardly, the large window presents the setting sun over the lake, and the ball of setting brightness sparkles against the water as it slowly drops behind a far-away forest of trees. A few boats are spread throughout the water, sailors likely enjoying the golden sunset from the soothing comfort of the lake. My apartment offers a dazzling view as well, adding to the long list of reasons why I love it.
It's perfect, and it's mine. Every part of my body might harness a throbbing ache from rearranging furniture and moving in all day, but now, the apartment is done, and I can take a moment to relax.
I step toward the couch. Bart trails behind me, his paws thumping against the grey wood. Crashing onto the sofa, I release a deep breath and sink into the soft cushions, thankful for the relief they're transferring to my achy bones.
Bart's metal collar clangs as he hops on the couch, and his tail wags as he captures his teddy bear from a pillow. He settles into my lap with the stuffed toy, nuzzling my thighs and threading his warm body heat through my leggings. The brown teddy digs uncomfortably into me, but I don't attempt to adjust it. Bart gets touchy with his toy. Even I'm only allowed to hold it on rare occasions, so I shift my legs to give him and the bear in his mouth all the room they need.
His short black fur blends into my dark pants and baggy sweatshirt, leaving the teddy and Bart's deep brown eyes as the only splotches of color in my lap. I rub behind the soft fur of his ears, and he snuggles deeper into me, his tail slowing against the couch as he settles. "You had an overwhelming day," I whisper. "Car ride. Lots of movers in and out. Tons of noise. But you got through it, and the end product was worth it, right?"
Bart doesn't respond, but I already know the answer. As long as the apartment is clean, he has me, and he has his teddy, he's satisfied.
The room silences as Bart lulls into a sleepy state. He loosens in my lap, eyelids growing heavy as they droop to encompass his eyes. I know he's tired. He hates loud noises, chaos, and all people that aren't me, and he's had plenty of all that today.
