Trouble at the Kennel (Cedar Bay Cozy Mystery #9)(9)
“That seems pretty specialized,” Kelly said, “and I can understand why you may not want to take over the kennel. I imagine you could sell the land to a developer or maybe someone else would want to buy it and keep it as a kennel. Certainly your mother proved there was a market for a business that caters to dog owners. Plus, hers was a very upscale operation that catered to affluent dog owners that were willing to pay a premium to insure their dog was well cared for. I imagine the kennel was making a nice profit for your mother.”
“I just don’t know what I’ll do. I don’t want to make any hasty decisions that I’ll regret, and besides, I love my work at the hospital. I’m the head pediatric nurse, and I feel like I often make a difference for the babies. Kind of being their spokesperson, if you know what I mean.”
“That’s certainly admirable, but I really don’t know what any of this has to do with me.”
“Did you know my mother used to go to dog shows a lot?”
“No, I don’t think she ever mentioned it.”
“That’s how she met the guy that’s the head of The Pit Bull Sanctuary. They were sitting next to each other at a show. Well, Mom became fascinated by the shows, and at the same time fell in love with the German shepherd breed. Anyway,” Noelle said as she started to speak more rapidly, “she decided she’d buy a German shepherd puppy from a breeder she’d been watching for years. The breeder’s dogs always did well in the shows, usually taking top honors.” Noelle leaned forward onto the edge of her chair and in a nervous rush, blurted out, “I have the puppy in the car, and it needs a home because I can’t take it, and I want you to take it.” She sagged back in her chair, clearly relieved she’d said what she had come to say.
“Noelle, are you telling me you want me to have your mother’s puppy?” Kelly asked incredulously. “When did she get it? She never told me about it.”
“She picked it up last week. It’s a beautiful little female. She told me she was going to surprise you when you got back from Cuba. Please Kelly, I don’t know what else to do with it. I can’t take it to the shelter. My mom waited for years for this puppy. Please take her,” Noelle said, her eyes bright with unshed tears.
Good grief. This child has been through so much today I don’t know how I can say no to her. Mike was very clear earlier today about only having two dogs, but surely we can take her for a couple of weeks until we find a home for her.
“Let’s go see this little girl. I assume your mother named her.”
“Yes. Her lineage is impeccable. Mom told me her dam was Best of Breed in several shows on both coasts and her sire was Best of Show at the big Madison Square Garden show. The breeder she got her from had a strange requirement that he imposed on anyone who bought one of his puppies. Every dog he sold had to be named for some brand of vodka. How weird is that? Mom told me she stood in front of the vodka display at the liquor store and tried to find one that seemed appropriate. Anyway, mom registered her with the American Kennel Club as Mary’s Skyy. I brought everything you’ll need for her with me. Mom used the vet in town, Dr. Simpson. I’m sure you know him.”
Together they walked out to Noelle’s car. The Volkswagen Passat was clearly not a car meant for dogs. “Yes, I know Dr. Simpson quite well. He comes to Kelly’s Koffee Shop a lot, and Lady and Rebel consider him a friend.”
“Ready, Kelly?” Noelle said as she opened the back door of her car.
Kelly drew in her breath as she stared at the black and tan bundle of fur that looked up at her with soulful looking chocolate brown eyes. She turned to Noelle and said, “She’s absolutely beautiful.” Kelly reached down and picked up the puppy who promptly began to lick Kelly’s face. “Oh sweet girl, you are absolutely adorable,” she said. “No matter how many times I hold a puppy, I’m still a sucker for puppy fur and puppy breath. There is absolutely nothing cuter.”
She looked down at the little puppy who continued to shower her with puppy kisses and said, “Okay, I’m sold. I’ll take her, but I’m going to have to do some major arm twisting to convince Mike.” She continued, “Come on Skyy, time to meet your brother and sister.” Kelly turned to Noelle. “This is always the moment I dread, introducing a puppy to an older dog. Well, it has to be done sooner or later. Might as well get it over with.”
Noelle followed Kelly into the house carrying the puppy’s dog bed and set it down. Kelly opened the sliding glass door for Noelle, and with Skyy in her arms, stepped outside and said, “Rebel, Lady, come meet Skyy. I expect both of you to behave. Before she could even set the puppy down on the grass, Rebel and Lady began sniffing her. Kelly realized she was holding her breath, but she began to slowly exhale when Rebel laid down on one side of Skyy and Lady on the other. In a few minutes all three were asleep.
“Noelle, I’ll take the puppy for now, but Mike mentioned today that two dogs were enough. He may not be very happy about this, and in the future I may have to find another home for her. I just want to be upfront with you.”
“I understand, Kelly. There’s a lot I’m going to have to do in the next few weeks and having one less thing to worry about is a huge relief to me. Thank you so much.”
“Noelle, I can never take the place of your mother, but please, if you want to talk or need anything, I’m only a phone call away. You know, I’ve helped Mike with a few of his investigations, and this one is personal to me. I’d like to see if I can find anything out about who killed your mother. I hope I have your permission to do that.”