Page 46 of Bear

Bear picked up David and the dog, snuggling them close. “You got it, buddy.”

Winnie listened toher sisters answer all Phoebe’s questions about where they were going and what would they see. It was Beth’s idea for an excursion and she had wanted to keep it a secret.

“Phoebe, I told you. You’ll find out when we get there. That’s what a surprise is.”

Phoebe’s sigh echoed through the SUV. Sarah, Jesse, and Remington all hid their smiles. Winnie was positive they were waiting to see what she’d do. Well, she was doing nothing. In fact, she thought Phoebe was hysterical with letting Beth know she didn’t appreciate having to wait.

Beth made the turn on the farm road and Winnie shifted in her seat. She was almost as excited as Beth. Beth was picking up three dogs from the training center one of the neighborhood farms ran. Neighborhood was relative living out in western Kansas. They’d driven forty-five minutes to get to the farm.

Since Beth was on surveillance so much by herself, she’d decided to get a companion. At least it had started as one companion but after much consideration, Beth was getting three dogs. Winnie couldn’t wait to see what she’d picked but Beth had even kept the secret from her sisters about which dogs she’d decided on.

“Okay, Phoebe, here’s the deal. I’m picking up three dogs to help me in my job but I have to be gone sometimes and I can’t take all three. Do you think you’d like to help Jesse take care of my dogs when I’m gone and play with them? When I’m home I’ll probably need some help, too.”

“Yeah!” Phoebe screamed, having Winnie wishing Beth would have waited until they were outside the vehicle.

They all exited the car with Phoebe climbing over Sarah in her haste to get to the dogs.

“Beth, they’re waiting for you.”

“Thanks.”

He led them into the building and three dogs were lying on mats in the front room. Winnie appreciated how clean the facility smelled. The dogs were alert and watching them.

“Why don’t you call them individually and test how they do.”

Beth grinned. “Lilly, come.”

A darling black Cocker Spaniel ran over to Beth and rubbed up against her. She had a cute little vest or whatever the trainers called it with lettering that said service animal. Beth petted her head, rubbing underneath her chin where she had a splotch of white. Lilly looked about twenty pounds and the perfect size to cuddle with on a couch. Beth snapped the leash on Lilly’s vest and handed it to Remington, then walked across the room and stood.

“Moss, headquarters.”

At Beth’s words, the mottled gray and white Schnauzer ran across the room then stopped and sat, waiting at attention. Beth leaned down, rubbing his head. “What a good, good boy.”

Beth clipped a leash on his collar and brought him over to Sarah. She then walked over where a small piece of carpeting was. She stood then slowly dropped to her knees, imitating a fall. “Dolly, protect.”

Dolly ran over to Beth, turning with her back to her and growling at them. Beth leaned up, saying, “Cease.” The dog turned toward her and sat with her face on her leg. “Good girl. You’re such a good girl.”

She stood up, clipped a leash on the collar and led her over to Winnie. “Well, Phoebe, you think you can help me?”

“Yes. I’ll be the bestest helper.”

The adults giggled as Phoebe wrapped her arms around Lilly, squeezing her a little.

“Well, Phoebe, Beth told me you might want to check out some of my other animals, too. Would you like to see my chickens?”

Winnie loved watching the expressions cross Phoebe’s face. He opened the door to another area which had large penned areas with doors to the outside in each area. Most areas were empty. Two had animals in them. The first had what Winnie thought were either miniature horses or miniature donkeys. She had to admit, she might live in the country but had zero interest in large four-legged creatures.

“What are those?” Phoebe paused and pointed. “Can I pet ’em?”

“They are miniature ponies. I’m boarding them for a neighbor who goes to Texas during the winter months. And yes, you may pet them. Good job asking first.” He pulled a couple sugar cubes out of a bag hanging on the door. “Here, you can give them one of these, too. Lay your hand flat and they’ll use their tongue to get it.”

Phoebe flattened her hand and held it out to the closest pony once he laid the sugar cube there. The pony leaned out and licked the cube off.

Phoebe giggled and scrunched up her nose. “That tickled.”

After feeding the one, she had to make sure the other didn’t feel neglected. Then he led them down the aisles like the pied piper with all of them following. Phoebe pointed to the last area before they went outside.

“Why is that one by itself?”