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

“Well, if you insist.” He opened the refrigerator. “The shelves are bare. How about Indian for dinner? I’ll order in.”


“Sure. I’ll eat anything. Just make sure there’s lots of naan.” I watched as he dug through a drawer and pulled out a menu. While he called the order in, the two poodles sat beside me—one on each side—watching their human on the phone. It felt like they were my bodyguards. It was cute


Sheldon hung up and then took me by the hand to lead me to sit beside him on the couch in the living room. He put an arm around my shoulders and I cuddled up close, resting my head on his chest. The dogs went to lie down in their doggy beds in front of the TV.


“How long have you lived here?” I asked.


“Six years. I bought it and the land for the shelter at the same time.”


“I like it.” Dog toys were stashed in one corner, and a loveseat was perpendicular to the couch.


Chapter 13