The Lucky Dog Matchmaking Service Read Online Free PDF Page A

right.”
    Half-blind, grouchy, and prone to digestive woes, Mullet was a shaggy white Shih Tzu mix that had been dumped at a county shelter with no explanation. Her coat had been so matted and snarled that Kerry’s dog groomer had to completely shave her front legs and stomach, leaving a floppy cape of fur around her haunches that they affectionately started referring to as a mullet. Although her coat eventually grew out—sort of—no amount of grooming and training could change her grumpy, contrary disposition.
    “Mullet’s future owner is out there somewhere,” Kerry predicted. “Probably waving his cane and yelling at kids to stay off his lawn.”
    Lara opened her mouth to reply, but Murphy’s whining suddenly intensified as the car headed up a hill.
    “Oh no,” Kerry breathed as they heard a series of booming barks. She pointed at the construction-paper sign taped to the light post on the corner:
    BELLA’S BIRTHDAY PARTY THIS WAY!
    Lara’s stomach plummeted. Murphy started scratching at the car window.
    The barking grew louder and louder.
    And then Lara lunged for the door handle as she heard the sounds of children shrieking and balloons popping.
    * * *
    “Sorry I’m late.” Lara used a crumpled tissue to wipe the sheen of sweat off her forehead as she met her friend Jason at the door of the vet clinic. “Titus crashed a preschool party.”
    Jason’s jaw dropped. “The mastiff?”
    Lara nodded as he led her back to the exam rooms. “He slipped past Kerry this morning and galumphed right into a Disney princess bounce house. Toddlers everywhere. Mass hysteria.”
    “Is everyone okay?” Jason handed her a Styrofoam cup of coffee.
    “Well, there were a few tense moments when he spooked the pony, but then Kerry put the saddle on Titus and let the kids ride him instead. After that, he was the life of the party. In fact, one of the moms gave me her card. I think he may have found a new family.” She took a sip of coffee. “Thank you.”
    Jason lowered his voice as he opened the door. “No sudden moves. This poor guy is practically catatonic.”
    Lara took one look at the scrawny, scabby red mutt cringing in the corner and started oohing and aahing. When she offered her upturned palm for an introductory sniff, the dog shrank back and lowered its head.
    “My neighbor found him abandoned in the yard,” Jason reported. “I guess the renters there moved out and left him behind. He’s pretty young—I’d say nine months to twelve months. Not neutered, of course. I think he’s spent most of his life on a six-foot chain staked to the ground.”
    “Yikes.” Lara peered closer to inspect the series of open, oozing puncture wounds dotting the dog’s flank. “I can’t tell if these are from an injury or a skin condition.”
    Jason leaned in next to her. “That’s why I was thinking valley fever. We’re running blood work, but the results won’t come back for a few days.”
    Lara doled out a reassuring pat, stepped back, and announced, “Homeboy’s a hot mess. Good thing I love a challenge.”
    The dog turned toward her and thumped his tail.
    “Look who’s in love already. Your pheromones must smell like bacon.”
    Lara laughed. “Stop—I’m blushing. He needs a name. Care to do the honors?”
    They both cocked their heads and studied the dog, who refused to look back. Finally, Jason said, “Linus?”
    “Sounds good. Linus it is.”
    Jason mirrored her furrowed brow. “You look worried.”
    Lara exhaled slowly, rocking back on her heels. “I’m not worried.”
    “Do you think you can take him? I know it’s a lot to ask, but I couldn’t dump him at the shelter. He’d never get adopted, looking the way he does.”
    “Really, it’s no problem,” she said firmly. “Are you kidding me? Remember the Dalmatian with the impacted tooth and the gangrene in his leg? Compared to that, this is nothing.” She babbled for a bit, citing examples of starving, scarred, and deeply traumatized dogs