Thom Baron has been struggling with social anxiety his entire life. He's taken the medications, gone to the therapists, followed the programs, and concluded his best life is a solitary one. When he comes across a dog in obvious need at his local market, it rekindles the desire to have some company around. It may come with a dishevelled coat, a notched ear, and a refusal to respond to anything but its given name "Ugly," but it could still be a friend.<br><br>However, Thom's new fur buddy has no such need to keep to itself and immediately befriends the man Thom has secretly coveted since he moved in -- Justin, Thom's gorgeous, bright-eyed neighbour. No matter how Thom tries to evade the man, the dog keeps drawing them back into each other's lives, and it doesn't take Thom long to recognize it's simply pursuing the demands of Thom's own heart. With the dog giving him the courage to try, Thom reaches out to return the love being offered.<br><br>Until a stranger shows up insisting the dog is his and demanding its immediate return ... a loss Thom knows will take all of his efforts and newfound confidence with it.

But by the Grace of Dog

“I mean, I get that you’re embarrassed—”


“I’m not embarrassed!” Thom paused to check his voice. “It was a panic attack. Not a heart attack. Unfortunately, they’re something I deal with on a—”


“Well, what did you need the mouth to mouth for then?” The guard rolled away from the desk, scooting towards an almost empty water cooler. He flicked the handle above the spout, shaking his head and muttering.


Thom sighed, panic completely wiped away by frustration. “Look, I was told you could help me.”


Three long, wet swallows later, the guard smacked his lips and filled the cup again. “I doubt that. I’m no psychiatrist.” He grinned, all teeth. “Just kidding! Funny though, right? What do you need?”


“I’m looking for the strawberry vendor that sold me this dog.”


Dog huffed. Thom snorted. “No, he’s not rabid. I need a receipt.”


Chapter 41