Barry Dunning is a pet stylist and a gentle soul. Animals love him and he adores them. And while he would love to have a dog or cat of his own, the lease on his tiny studio apartment doesn’t allow pets. So, he paints miniature cats and dogs on rocks, instead. Hurt by an ex-boyfriend, Barry doesn’t date. But his sister Trixie is always pestering him to get back out there, though he doesn’t think anyone would want him or his baggage. Not so. Sheldon Svenson, the owner of the animal shelter where Barry volunteers on weekends is attracted to Barry and asks him out on a date. Barry -- for once taking his sister’s advice -- accepts. Dinner ends in disaster, but Sheldon, undaunted, pursues Barry and asks for another chance. Will Barry decide to risk losing his heart?

Of Paws and Pet Rocks

I went back to work, happy to be of even more use to the shelter and its four-legged guests, yet slightly puzzled at the behavior of my boss. I also tried to ignore how good it had felt to be held, if only briefly, against his warm, firm body. It would be better for my sanity to forget about it.


Once I finished my chores, I helped the other workers with the mid-afternoon visitors. We showed them around and took some of the dogs into the play area in the open field behind the building so they could be observed interacting with each other. A dog and cat were adopted toward the end of my shift.


Right before I got on my bicycle to ride home—the shelter was only two miles from my apartment, so I didn’t need to drive and I saved on gas—Sheldon came over to thank me.


“You did a great job, today. But then, you always do. We appreciate your work here, Barry. Don’t ever doubt that.” He reached out a hand for me to shake, and I took it.


Chapter 4