Puppy Love

Part 1

"Chloe, stop it!" you called as you tugged on your dog's leash, itching to go back inside. Her puppy eyes met yours as she dipped her butt a little, peeing one more time before following you up the steps to your house.

Living alone in the city wasn't exactly dangerous, but it wasn't safe, either. Your parents talked you into getting a dog for protection purposes, and you agreed for lonely purposes. You spent a chunk of your savings on a golden retriever and they bought you some training classes for your birthday.

You unhooked Chloe from her little harness, hanging it on the hook and slipping your boots off. It was tough work, balancing classes and a pet, but most of your stuff was online and you had a few friends nearby to help. Your summer internship covered year-round costs, so it just seemed like the perfect time since you weren't working.

Clearing the table of your single place setting, you washed the dishes and tidied a bit, killing time before you had to head out again. Your phone buzzed, reminding you that you had puppy classes in an hour and a half.

You headed upstairs, Chloe hot on your heels as you started getting ready. You didn't exactly want to venture out in Toronto in this weather, but the thought of being in a room with a few other dogs made it bearable. Chloe hopped up on your bed and curled into a little ball, drifting off to sleep as you coated your face with a thin layer of makeup and touched up your loose waves with your curling iron.

Finally satisfied with your appearance, you slipped into your favourite leggings and oversized sweatshirt. Chloe perked up as your grabbed your purse from the top of your dresser and stood on your bed, stretching with a little yawn before you scooped her up and carried her downstairs.

Slipping into your fleece jacket and boat shoes, you put Chloe in her harness and stuffed a few dog bags in your pocket. Making sure you had everything you needed for the class in your purse, you headed outside and locked up. The walk to the animal care centre was only a few blocks southeast of where you lived, so you figured you'd save the Uber ride for the way home.

Chloe stopped to sniff everything in her path as you made your way down Niagara Street, and you grew annoyed as you found yourself tripping over her. The CN Tower had an effect on you and you couldn't help but stare at it whenever it was in your line of sight, causing your lack of attention toward your dog. She stuck to the sidewalk as you neared your destination, making it a whole lot easier to get there on time.

You walked into the building, scooping up Chloe as you headed toward the front desk. A young girl was stationed behind a computer screen, looking up as she sensed you nearing.

"Hi, umm, I'm here for training classes," you said, placing a hand on the desk.

"Yep, just fill out one of these," she smiled, sliding a form your way. You wrote down all your information, pushing it back to her as she searched your name in the system to ensure you were actually registered. "Alright, it's just through those doors," she spoke, pointing to a set of french doors off to your left. "Starts in about ten minutes, so you'll be able to just hang out until everyone arrives. Have fun!"

You smiled back, clutching Chloe close to your chest as you nervously entered the room. It was like a little gymnasium, and about four owners and their dogs were scattered around.

You retreated to the back corner, placing Chloe down and taking a seat next to her on the floor, crossing your legs. It was important that she felt as comfortable as possible if this was going to work, so you stroked her ears as everyone patiently waited for the others to arrive.

What appeared to be the instructor pushed through the doors, walking to the front of the room and placing her binder on the little table. She cleared her throat and you stood up, leaning against the back wall as Chloe sat between your ankles.