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I must have fallen asleep in my chair that night as when I woke the sun was just washing through the big picture window, Christina was snoring in my lap, Pete was sleeping slumped over with his back against the couch, with Ghost and Maverick curled against either side, and Jim was on the sofa solo. Julie was nowhere to be seen but I figured she must have gone up to bed with Cleo and probably Reggie after putting a blanket over me and Christina.

She must have felt me wriggling as she raised her head some. I looked to the clock to see what time it was, and I just patted her rump under the blanket, letting her know it wasn't time to get up quite yet, though this proved to be unnecessary as Pete woke with a startled grunt and looked like he was about to hit someone, his right arm drawn back with a clenched fist, breathing rapid, pulse likely racing. This, in turn, caused Maverick to jump up, jostle the sofa, and have Jim murphle "Billy, goe bak to schleep in your own bed." After which he snorphled as Wendy padded over and started licking his nose.

Pete looked around with a startled expression and I just grinned from where I was laying back in the recliner. He finally saw me and rolled his eyes, shaking his head.

"Yeah, you're here. I don't think you'll need to fight me or Jim," I said softly, to which Pete just slumped back against the sofa and shook his head. "You don't want to know what I was dreaming, Jim...." He swallowed hard and coughed a bit. "I really need to get out of this business...."

Jim started snoring once Wendy quit licking him and started nuzzling Pete. "The ACO racket?" I asked, my voice quiet so as not to disturb the sleeping vet.

Pete nodded. "I suppose I can tell you... I was dreaming I was one of the dogs... and....." he frowned deeply.

"I think I can guess the rest." I pondered a fair bit, and Pete looked to me to see what I was doing.

"Not going to say anything to that?" He asked, apparently halfway expecting some teasing answer.

"Well... I can't really run your life for you as you're the one that actually has to deal with everything, but... if it helps at all, you know you can bitch to me whenever you feel like it. Anytime, no matter what or when." I smiled a bit. "Two ears, no waiting. You know that."

Pete nodded and sighed. "I know, Jim. I just... I dunno."

I nodded "The whole thing is a raw deal no matter which way you slice it..." I quietly commented, laying back against the recliner back, facing forward. "As much as you want to help, you get stuck doing the lesser of two evils no matter what you do, and get bitched at by nearly everyone for doing so."

Pete nodded, which I could see from the periphery of my vision. "Yep.... and.... then there's the bad days. There's plenty of good days too, but they seem to be only here and there."

Jim murphled something unintelligible and wriggled around on the couch, and I chuckled. "Here we are, worrying about how crappy our lives are when that goofball has to deal with death and destruction every day as part of his job." I nodded towards the sleeping vet.

Pete sighed and nodded. "Yeah, I guess that's true. I wade through the effluent of the pet problems, but he's arm-deep in life-and-death. I wonder how he deals with it all."

I shrugged. "Probably talks with other folks about it, or maybe even talks with Michelle about it. It helps to have someone that cares around... I should know. I thought I didn't really mind being alone until Julie kinda popped into my life, and everything's different. Thankfully she doesn't try to change me so very much, and isn't so terribly inclined to bitch about how I live and the cats, and dogs, and... everything. I know she worries about things from time to time, but usually when it's something big, she mentions it to me and we talk about it, whatever the "it" is." I sighed, pondering. "You really should find yourself a woman. Or a dog. Or something. Something to care about outside of work."

Pete sighed himself and pondered. "Yeah... I suppose I should, but... I dunno. I'm not really the marrying kind - at least haven't been so far. And it'd be kinda silly for the ACO to have an intact dog, which is what I'm sure you'd be telling me is best for them...."

I chuckled. "Well... doesn't necessarily have to be so." I chewed my lower lip a little while pondering before Christina whined and wriggled some, the sun having come up a lot further, brightening the room all the more. "Ok, girl... I'll take you out."

Upon hearing the O-U-T word, all the dogs within earshot, including Noble and Grace, were near-instantly wagging at the door, causing Pete to chuckle loud enough to finally wake Jim. "Where am I?" the vet murphled, stretching some.

"Shangri La, Jim..." I said, standing after letting Christina down and setting the recliner to its typical closed position. I grabbed the leash for her as I tossed Noble aside easily as he prepared to mount. "If you two want to sleep in some, that's fine by me. I know Pete usually works later."

Jim stretched more and rolled onto his back as I let the majority of the dogs out. "I'll just lay here for a bit, Jim..." he groaned some as I headed outside with my newest charge.

As I walked about the front yard with Christina, the others bounced around more than a fair bit and I pondered what Pete had been saying... The career span of ACOs was really short for obvious reasons, even shorter than veterinarians. Both jobs take a massive toll on those who willingly choose to do them, especially if they don't become jaded about things. Especially animal control officers, who usually turn into crumudgeons or just burn out and do themselves in, often with the very drugs that are handy for the most ominous and onerous task they're asked to do.

I pondered just how I could help him, as I didn't really know any women that would be beneficial for him, and most of the dogs here wouldn't really suit him... I'd willingly give him Maverick but Julie had become sort of attached to him, and it wouldn't do for the Akitas nor Reggie to take up residence with him as it'd be waving a red flag that things had been going on at the animal shelter.... As I walked up the porch steps a smile spread across my face as I figured out just what I'd do for Pete.

The dogs milled about Christina as I got back into the house, so I led her to the bathroom and shut her in. Pete was sacked out, horizontally this time, using a pillow from the couch and the blanket I had been using, and Reggie circled and then laid down in front of him, rolling to be cuddled by the ACO. Jim was half-awake, just mildly snoozing as I made my way through the kitchen and let Washington out into the small partition of the side yard. I got a glass from the cupboard and poured myself some strawberry Sunkist and retrieved a couple pieces of two-day-old pizza from the fridge as I sat at the kitchen table, waiting for Washington to want back in.

Jim wandered through the kitchen doorway and drew the chair next to mine. "Pete's got a lot on his mind, doesn't he?" Jim asked, inquiring.

I nodded. "He's burning out.... Not that it'd be surprising, considering he's been doing this all for more than a few years. Even with all I... we... do... it'd be inevitable at some point."

Jim frowned a bit. "Anything we can do about it?" He asked, a hopeful expression on his face.

I smiled broadly. "I think I have something that would be a good answer.... or at least AN answer. Gotta check on some stuff first but.... at least I have an idea. Whether it'll fly the way I think it might, I can't say."

Jim grabbed the other piece of pizza I had out and started munching. "At leasht yoo'v gawt sumthaing in maind," he murphled with his mouth full. "That's better than me..."

I winked and chuckled. "Think he'd like a Dalmatian?" I asked, garnering a confused look from the vet, at which I just had to laugh.

* * * * *

Since it was Saturday, Jack was nowhere to be seen, and as I walked through the courtyard, the zoo seemed to have taken on a more light-hearted, festive atmosphere as strings of big C7 christmas lights and white "icicle" lights cascaded along their wires from the clock tower towards posts along the perimeter of the courtyard, green "ivy" lights along with the occasional "holly-berry" red ones branched all along the walls of the sandstone tower itself, and I knew the lights inside the works-room would be left on, illuminating the clock face's amber glass panes and the hands would be outlined in blue mini-lights, making for quite a sight when it all would be illuminated on December 1st.

Jerry Parker wandered by as I stood looking at all the work Vic's crews had put in on the decorations. He looked up and then looked at me. "Something going on up there? Any snipers?" He jested.

I turned and chuckled. "Not yet... Jack still has his job." I winked. "Or is that why you're asking?" I smirked. "How's things been down at the bear dens these days? I know I've not been down there in quite some time."

Jerry shrugged. "Nothing much unusual. Honey's holed up for the winter, which is all the better for her to have the cubs. Big John has quit being owly since you showed me a bit of what to do to help him..." He shrugged. "Compared to your life it's been rather quiet!"

I laughed. "That's good. At least someone's likely to have a good holiday season."

Jerry looked to me with a bit of concern. "Things going that badly?"

I shrugged. "Things have been worse... but... no, not really that bad. Just one of those hiccups in life, y'know?" I shoved his arm a bit. "Besides, you have Sarah to snuggle with when you're troubled. I'm just trying to find something like that to help out a friend of mine, but it has to be a very specific something to fit his social mess."

"Yeah..." Jerry grinned. "Besides... I can always catch extra sleep in the dens when Sarah snores too much!" He smiled. "Anything you need for me to help with? Things are real quiet right now."

I shook my head. "Not unless you want to take care of my mountain of paperwork for me!" I quipped.

Jerry laughed. "You're on your own with that, Jim! I'll see you around." With that he waved and headed off towards the dens to start his day.

I smiled and shook my head and continued heading back to the powerhouse. Back on that end of the zoo, things were a bit busier than usual as Santa was there in all his glory, as he would be every weekend until Christmas, so I knocked on the window of Chet's office after making my way past the line of children and parents.

"It's open!" came the reply hollered from within, and I opened the door, closing it behind me.

"Having fun, Chet?" I asked, as he was flipping through a machinery catalog again.

"Oh..." He leaned back and shrugged. "Not so much. Come back here to look at the Corliss for me?" He inquired, leaning forward again.

"Yeah... figured we should get it back to running so one of your knuckleheads can fry themselves on the control board..." I winked as we walked out through the crowds.

As I'd suspected, it wasn't anything really major to get the engine back to working as one of the starting clamps had indeed come loose and wasn't operating one of the cylinder's intake valves. The crowds watched as Chet and I hand-ratcheted the big flywheel to the proper starting position, working the huge starting-lever up and down to move the flywheel two inches at a time. I opened further the offending starting clamp, levered the one intake valve to its start position, and then I opened the manual intake and exhaust valves to warm the cylinder before starting, causing a great whooshing of steam to be heard throughout the immediate vicinity. After a couple minutes of preheating, I closed the valves, starting with the intake first, and walked around to the big handwheel valve atop the cylinder. "Walking" hand over hand from the bottom to twist the handwheel at the limit of my reach, the engine groaned a bit and started moving the appropriate direction. I quickly opened up the valve as much as I dared before stepping back to the starting clamp to cinch it down in about the right spot, for when it'd be tightened it would start moving along with the rest of the eccentric rod. I got everything set and moved to the lubricator and cranked it a few times, slowly, pouring steam oil into the massive cylinder as the engine started picking up speed.

I then opened the valve the entirety of its travel, then back a quarter turn, and moved over to the governor speed control and manhandled the lever from "Start" to "Slow Run", "Mid Run", then "Full Run" as the engine started gaining more and more inertia. The flyball governor turning faster and faster as the engine itself picked up speed. Direct-connected to the dynamo as it was, there was also a smaller starting dynamo attached. As I watched the large RPM slider on the back of the power board creeping higher, I moved around the control panel and set about the startup sequence for the big AC generator. I watched the voltmeter dial as the starting dynamo picked up speed, belted as it was to a large pulley on the shaft of the engine, it would gain speed faster until it hit its peak, and would only be stopped by the AC current flowing to pull the magnetic lockout clutch on the generator pulley. It was getting closer... I pump-primed the pneumatic relay as I watched the voltage from the starting dynamo climing higher and higher, I made sure the mains circuit was off as I wasn't about to start the main generator under anything resembling a load. The engine was now working at governor cutoff, with the valves tripping closed in thier typical clack-clack-clack-clack manner with the massive rig running at the carefully-goverened 90 revolutions per minute.

CRACK! came the sharp pistol-like report echoed through the hall as I hit the trigger valve which shut the relay, sending the starting current surging through the main generator, which, in turn caused the control panel's main dials and lights to spark brightly to life. I adjusted the timing of the current to match that of the mains power outside the complex with the rheostat handwheel while watching the "balance" meter, and after a couple moments to verify that indeed everything was kosher with the power, primed another relay and another CRACK! was heard as the big generator started powering parts of the complex and dumping "excess" power to the commercial power grid through the automated modern relays housed in the transformer yard between the powerhouse and the railroad tracks.

There was a crowd of people watching me as I manipulated the engine and power controls but I didn't mind... they'd never seen anything like that before in their lives, most likely, and probably would be talking about it for quite some time. Seeing a 19-teens generator engine just running is one thing, watching it being started and all the work it entails is something entirely different. As they noticed me stepping back down from the engine platform, they started asking questions, which I, true to form, started dutifully answering as Chet wandered back to his office.

"Thanks for helping with that, Jim." Chet smiled as he leaned back in his chair, me having come back to his office after the Q&A by the engine. "You know a lot more about that old stuff than I do, that's for sure."

I chuckled. "Oh... it's mostly from being around it longer, I'd imagine. I've been around stuff like this since I was 10, and working on it since I was 12. Really amazed one fellow back then the first time I worked a Corliss engine as he thought I was just some little no-nothing shit. He sure learned otherwise in a hurry." I chuckled again, remembering.

"I'll bet you were a good pain-in-the-ass kid when you were a young'un." Chet leaned back further and put his boots up on the edge of his desk.

"Say... " I asked, brow furrowed in offhand thought. "Off-topic question. If you had to choose between a Rottweiler or a Dalmatian, which would you choose?"

Chet canted his head a bit as he thought. "I dunno, really. Brit'ny ain't a fan of bigger dogs anyway so I never really thought about it." The big man shrugged. "I dunno. Why do you ask?"

I smiled a bit. "Pondering a gift for a friend... Just figured I'd kinda poll folks to see what they'd say."

"Well," Chet smiled. "If you're buying Christmas presents for folks, I know a few things on my list I wouldn't mind seeing show up!"

I laughed and just shook my head. "Not that kind of a gift, Chet, but maybe if you ask Santa out there..." I thumbpointed out to the main floor. "I'll keep you in mind if I ever win the lottery twice."

"Twice?" Chet asked, a curious expression on his face.

"Yeah, twice. The first one has to go to pay for all the animals I seem to be feeding these days!" I winked and rose to go.

Chet laughed. "Ok, I'll let you know what that Gypsy woman down on the corner of 8th and Clark says the winning numbers are!" He winked and I waved him off as I headed back out into the throng waiting to visit Santa.

* * * * *

Over the next couple hours I worked on the mound of paperwork, both physical and electronic, that had accumulated over the past while. Leaning back from my computer I rubbed my eyes to reset them and stood, heading out the door and over to the main office. I checked the board, which was reasonably up to date as far as what volunteers were where, and retrieved my mail from its pigeon-hole. Heading back to my office I flipped through it... vetmed catalog, a couple of letters from the public, and some advertisements for whatnot. There was also a letter from another zoo, which I opened, reading as I wandered back. I got through my door and chuckled as I found out it was from some headhunter offering me a position elsewhere. I just tucked it back in its envelope and set it aside as even with everything that was wrong, I still enjoyed my job here.

I plopped the catalog atop the stack on the file cabinet, and set about answering the letters from the general public. Reading the first one, I set about typing a reply letter on my computer, answering in customary detail their seemingly-simplisic questions about this-and-that. My thoughts were interrupted by a knock on the door.

"Kommen sie!" I called out in my habitual manner.

"Hi, Mr. Peters!" Zack said cheerily as he came through the door. Christina merely raised her head from where she was laying at my feet. "Wow... got another dog?"

"Hi there, Zack." I chuckled. "Yeah... seems to be my thing these days. Another dog and another wolfdog all on the same day." I swiveled to smile at him as he sat down. "What's on your mind today?"

"Oh, I just figured I'd come down and say "hi"... and thank you for getting me that job at that gas station. It's kinda boring at times but Mrs. Rassmussen is really nice and... I feel kinda bad for her so I've been working more there than I think she really intended when I started," he started to ramble.

I chuckled. "Yeah, Bonnie is a good woman that got stuck with a sort of raw deal. I'm glad you're enjoying it."

"I also kinda wanted to ask..." Zack's face kinda scrunched up as he inwardly searched for the words he wanted.

"Ask about what?" I inquired, smiling.

"Well..." Zack fidgeted about a fair bit, "... you know all about lots of kinds of animals and... well... I was kinda thinking of getting a dog, but I don't really know what I'd want," he finally said.

I pondered for a bit. "Did you ask your folks if you can have one?" I inquired.

Zack shrugged. "Mom would complain a little bit but I know Dad wouldn't mind since he's not been griping hardly at all with me having a job now. He said I'm taking responsibility for my life... whatever he means by that."

I laughed heartily. "Well... you have a good head on your shoulders..." I furrowed my brow. "Apartment or house?" I asked.

"Huh?" His brow furrowed for a moment then realization dawned on him. "Oh! House... back off of Elm Street. Got a big yard too.... which he has me mow all the time..." Zack grumbled a bit and I chuckled.

"Well... a dog is a fairly big committment... 10 years at the very least, most of the time. I know you're making some money now so that's not that big of a thing, but you have to kind of look forward... Are you going to be moving to an apartment in the next 5-10 years? Are you willing to pay extra rent to have a dog at an apartment? Stuff like that." I cautioned.

"Oh... well..." Zack scratched his head a bit. "I dunno about the apartment stuff. I know later on I'm supposed to get my Grandma's house when she goes to a nursing home or dies." He said casually then pondered a bit more. "I don't really know what I'll be doing for a job in the next while. I'd like to work here, but that would be sometime in the future, wouldn't it?" he asked.

I nodded. "Yeah, right now isn't that good of a time, but we'll see what the new year brings." I thought for a while. "Have you thought about what size of dog you'd like? Any particular breed or breeds you find pleasant? Which gender?"

Zack rolled his head around a bit and pet Christina as she'd gotten up and laid her head on his knee as he sat in the opposite chair. "I dunno. I mean... I kinda know what I'd like. Friends have pitbulls and they can be fun but they can also be mean too... or at least... kinda... not friendly to folks and that wouldn't really work if I have him with me wherever I go. I'd kinda like one I can take with me places, kinda like how you have yours at work." Zack smiled.

"Yeah... pitts can be real good dogs but lots of folks are afraid of them, and lots of places regulate them. Anything else you think you'd like?" I asked.

Zack shrugged "I don't know. You know a lot more than I do. I've never really thought too much about it until I started working with you and saw your dogs and all. Well... I shouldn't say that. From you I saw you didn't beat your dogs to make them passive and control their every movement like I'd been told you do with the lions and all that." Zack blushed a little and I laughed.

"Yeah, my dogs walk all over me... often literally." I winked and he chuckled.

"I don't know what I'd really want, Mr. Peters. I guess I'm not ready for a dog, then..." Zack said.

I chuckled. "No, it just means you don't know what you want. I can see how responsible you are around here, and you've been doing well working for Bonnie... err.. Mrs. Rassmussen, so I know you're no slouch about earning money if you need to. Not knowing what you're wanting also means you're not coming into things with unrealistic expectations of how things will be, kinda like how some folks bought Dalmatians after seeing the movie "101 Dalmatians" and then got disappointed that their dog wasn't like the ones in the movie. Or Huskies and Snow Dogs, and like that."

Zack thought about that a bit and nodded. "I guess that's true. So... um... what do you think you'd recommend for me?" Zack asked.

I leaned back in my chair and scratched my chin. "You're wanting a bigger dog, right? Something you can run and wrestle with?" I asked.

"Oh! Yeah... There's folks I know that have chihuahuas and little dogs and..." he scrunched his nose some. "I like yours better."

I chuckled and nodded. "Well, that's part of why there's all different breeds as they were all bred for different purposes and different types of folks." I smiled and thought more. "You said you're wanting one that you can take places, so that'd mean you want something rather social, but I'd wager you'd also want one that you can leave home a lot too when you can't take them places, right?" Zack nodded. "Hm... you don't like... jog much or go running or anything, do you?" I further inquired.

Zack shook his head "Not really. I mean I was in baseball in High School, but... I'm not too big on sports."

I nodded "Well that'd mean you want one that's not really highly active needing a long daily run to burn off the energy, so that leaves out spaniels, border collies, and a lot of the terriers." I canted my head. "Do you want either specific gender or doesn't it matter?" I asked.

Zack shrugged. "I don't think it'd matter too much, would it?" he asked.

"Well..." I started, "if you have an intact female, she'll bleed some twice a year when she goes in heat. If she's spayed there's chances she'll have other problems as she gets older. If you have an intact male he might hump the sofa or folks legs if you don't give him a "helping hand" every so often, and if you have him neutered, again, there might be some issues later in life for the dog." I commented.

Zack thought a bit. "I... don't know. What do you do about that sort of thing?" he asked.

I pointed to the bloody pussyprint Christina just left on the tile floor where she had been sitting at Zack's feet. "I just deal with the heat-blood as it happens and keep them separate so they don't mate unless I want a litter of puppies. That's kinda why Christina is with me here today, so Reggie or any of the other males don't breed her." Zack blushed a bit at the thought. "Julie keeps the males pretty content by helping them out so Reggie doesn't hump my sofa apart, but most folks are way squeamish about that sort of thing. I know you got a bit desensitized about that having seen Sam with the wolves. It's not necessarily as involved as that, but... similar concept."

Zack thought for a bit. "And with the girl dogs it's just making sure they don't get... they don't mate?" he asked. I nodded and shrugged a bit.

"Pretty much." I said succinctly. "I might breed Christina and Reggie... they're both good conformation and great demeanor as Saints go. I'd have to re-register ..." I realized. "Oh, yeah... hm..."

"What is it?" Zack asked.

"Well... I have the paperwork for Christina here, but I don't have papers on Reggie so I'd." I canted my head. "Or DO I?" I furrowed my brow, the disjointed statements clearly confusing Zack.

I smiled. "You said you have to work tonight?" I asked.

Zack nodded. "Not until 7, though."

"Oh... hm..." I pondered some. "How about you take a tour of the cathouse to check on things for me, answer questions and such, and if there's nothing wrong there then head back to the powerhouse to help Chet a bit while I answer these letters and then we'll go off to look at dogs? How does that sound?" I smiled.

"Wow! Uh... ok Mr. Peters!" Zack started beaming. "Where we gonna go?"

"You'll find out. Don't worry. I've got to head downtown to look at some paperwork anyway so might as well do it all at once regardless."

"THANKS, Mr. Peters!" Zack said enthusiastically.

"No worries, Zack. See you in a bit." I said as he headed back out through the door and I turned back to my letters.

* * * * *

I worked through four or five of the stack of letters before looking at the clock and then got up to head for the cathouse. Christina wanted out so I took her down the side stairs and across the employee lot to the grass verge between the employee lot and the Victorian's small yard-lot to do her business... which she readily did. I thought about how I'd manage it all... I checked my watch. There wasn't really that much going on here today even amid all the holiday bustle of folks wanting to see Santa Claus. Everything seemed to be running smoothly as far as the zoo itself was concerned and the light-hearted atmosphere of the bright day added to the calm of the place, especially since Jack wasn't around. I thought for a bit more... Christina would have to come home with me, no doubt. The Case would have to be moved today as I couldn't ask Chet to have someone watch it yet another night. If I took Zack where I thought we'd go I wouldn't necessarily want to take Christina along in case he did end up getting a dog at either place... I headed back up the stairs and shut Christina in my office, then headed over to the cathouse.

I scrolled through my contact list and hit the call button. "Douglas Gas-n-Go" came the response.

"Hi, Bonnie. It's Jim." I said with a smile as I strode along the courtyard.

"Jim! It's good to hear from you. How's things over at the zoo?" she asked cheerily.

"Oh, been better, been worse. You know how that goes. How's that new kid working out for you?" I asked offhandedly.

"Oh he's just GREAT! I was kinda skeptical about him when I saw the holes that he had piercings and his goth-type clothes, but he's a real good worker and doesn't steal!" she added the last part with a heavy inflection. "Thanks for sending him over. It's been a real help so I don't have to work so many hours every single day."

I chuckled "No problem, Bonnie. Glad to help. Mind if I ask something a bit odd though?" I inquired.

"One moment..." Bonnie responded and I heard the "thunk" of her setting the receiver down and chatting with a customer accompanied by the beeping of the cash register. I kept slowly striding towards the cathouse. "Still there, Jim?" she asked, having picked the receiver back up.

"Yeah, still here. Would you mind having a guard dog on duty when Zack's working?" I asked hamhandedly.

Bonnie was silent for a bit. "I don't see how that would be a problem if the dog's good about things. It'd have to stay in the office because of the food service here at the counter, but that's nothing big. I certainly don't mind... in fact, that's not a bad idea for when Gwen is here late at night either. I never really thought about that sort of thing. Might have come in handy when Stan... well.... you remember." her voice started shaking a bit.

"Easy, Bonnie. Yeah... I remember, and know. It's not so much I'm worried but Zack asked me about dogs and... I just got to thinking that maybe it wouldn't be a bad idea. So I figured I'd ask you first to see how things were from your side of things before mentioning anything like that to Zack. He's certainly a responsible kid but no match for even someone my size and build, let alone some of these prison folks these days." I commented.

"Yeah... no kidding. I still get a bit scared when some big guy comes in even with the shielding and alarms." Bonnie said with an audible frown.

"Anyway. I best get back to work on things, but figured I'd give you a holler." I smiled as I reached the bench near the cathouse door.

"Oh! No problem, Jim. Always good to hear from you even when it's only a brief bit. You take care now, ok? And thanks for helping Sam and Gwen out with that new apartment. I know they really appreciate it," she replied.

"Catch you later, Bonnie. Goodbye." I smiled and ended the call, then walked through the doors to see how things were inside.

Zack was still busy answering questions when I entered, standing at the far end near Raleigh and Tatiana. I just stood off to the side unobtrusively as I listened to his answers to the various questions that folks had, smiling now and again as he mentioned me and things he'd learned over his time volunteering here. He'd been extra grateful when I gave him his own key to the restricted areas of the cathouse, but he still didn't have keys to any of the procedure rooms, the Park, nor the cages themselves so it wasn't a meaningful breach of protocol... not that I minded so much either way.

Zack finally noticed me and excused himself, coming down to the main floor and shutting the large oak door behind him. "So... what now, Mr. Peters?" he asked as the crowd milled about.

"Well, how about we go to look at dogs like you've wanted?" I asked.

"That'd be great, Mr. Peters. But... where are we going?" Zack asked as we headed back out through the main doors once again.

"Boarding kennel downtown... ever hear of Lavender Heart Kennels?" I asked.

"Uh... not really. They're sort of a rich-folks boarding kennel, isn't it? In that big warehouse where Masquerade is?" he asked.

"Ever been to the Masquerade Club?" I asked curiously as we crossed the courtyard.

Zack shook his head. "I've heard about it being a cool place to be. Some friends... well... other folks I knew tried to get in but they weren't on the guest list, and they had fake IDs even if they could have snuck in."

I chuckled. "I keep forgetting you're not drinking age yet, Zack. Sorry."

Zack shrugged. "I actually am, Mr. Peters. Only a few months ago, but I dunno... it's not like getting drunk is something I'd do anyway." He smirked. "I make a bit of extra money driving friends home who do drink too much and don't wanna call their folks and they're not necessarily that great to be around when they're hammered."

"I hope you're not doing that while you're supposed to be at Bonnie's..." I looked at him with skepticism.

Zack shook his head. "It's usually after I'm done there at 2 anyway. They'd wait for me as it's easier giving me extra money than to listen to their parents bitch at them."

We climbed into my Blazer and Zack looked curious. "You're not going to bring your dog along?" he asked.

I shook my head. "No... wouldn't do if you end up getting one from either place yourself since she's in heat. Females sometimes get a little irritated at other females, and a male dog would want to breed her." I commented as I started the engine and idled along the drive, heading out towards the road.

"I guess that makes sense. So... we're heading to that kennel place?" Zack asked.

I nodded. "Yeah... I wanted to check on something there for a friend anyway, and then you got me to thinking about Reggie's paperwork which should still be there, and they also have dogs that could use new homes, too, so... we'll see what's available there for you, or at least you'll get to interact with some of different breeds to see what you do or don't like and help you better figure out what sort of dog you'd want for your own." I smiled as we cruised through town, and hung a right at the stoplight on Main, heading towards the old downtown warehouse district.

Another few turns and we pulled into the small private lot associated with the big warehouse and Zack watched as I unlocked my glovebox and fished through the various dash placards I had there, tossing one up to be visible in the windshield and plopped the remainder back in the glovebox, locking it back up.

"You have a permit to park here?" Zack asked incredulously?

"General municipal permit. Comes along with some of the stuff I do for the county and zoo, but usually the folks only check to see that there's something in the window at all and don't read it too closely." I smiled. "Besides, we have business here so it's alright on those grounds any which way. This just heads off any potential issues."

Zack nodded and piled out as I hit the door lock then we headed into the side entrance near the one freight elevator.

"How do you know where stuff is here, Mr. Peters?" Zack asked as the old freight elevator grumbled its way towards the third floor.

"Oh, I'm here on business now and again, Zack. There's lots of businesses in the building here and apart from a couple I've dealt with most of them at one point or another. Like Joe Clark's real estate business on 4... he's Santa Claus for the parade. And then there's the biohazard company that takes away the zoo's medical waste... just like they do from Jim Bridger's vet clinic. Stuff like that."

"Oh... I guess that makes sense." Zack smiled as the elevator jerked to a halt on the third floor and I shoved the gates aside and the inner gates up.

"Hi there!" a perky voice came from behind a chest-high counter. "How may I help you?"

"Hi there." I smiled. "Angela in today?" I asked.

"Oh... uh... let me check?" The young-ish blonde girl commented as she headed through a door behind the counter. Before she returned, Gwen came through a large steel door nearby amid barking from within.

"JIM!" she squealed and ran to me, giving me a tight hug, which seemed to make Zack a little unsettled.

"Hi there Gwen. How's things working out?" I asked as the door finally closed shutting out the kennel din.

"They're just WONDERFUL! I mean... it's kind of the same thing all the time, but still...." she finally noticed Zack standing nearby. "Oh... uh... Hi!" she smiled at him.

"Zack, this is Gwen Rassmussen... Bonnie's daughter and Sam's partner. Gwen... this is Zack Seffrood, who you've probably heard about from your mom." I smiled and made introductions.

"Oh! So YOU'RE Zack. Thanks for helping us." Gwen bounced over to him and hugged him, probably just as tightly as she did to me. This caused Zack to blush and get a little more uneasy.

"It's... alright. Gwen, I.... your mom's real nice." Zack stammered.

"I'm Angela... is there something I can..." the mid-30s brunette head came around the door, which I'd had my back to, and then saw just who was standing there as I turned around. "Oh! Jim! How've you been?" she asked.

I chuckled. "Been better, been worse, Angela. How's things in the cageworld?"

Angela chuckled as Gwen chattered with Zack. "Doing pretty good, all in all. You know how it goes around the holiday season. Long-timers jockeying for space, new folks trying to out-bid them for the final spots we have, and then there's... the others." she amended what she was going to say, likely on account of not knowing Zack.

"Zack here's thinking about getting a dog but doesn't know just what he'd want. I figured I'd bring him by and let him look around some and maybe interact with a few that are available to see what he might like. I've also got to browse through some of the paperwork... looking for a special gift for a good friend who needs something to come home to at night." I rattled off.

"You know your way around here, that's for sure." Angela smiled. "You know I never mind you being around... if you pull anything, though, just let me know. Not that I wouldn't, since you're here and already talked to me, but... you know." she smiled and looked to Gwen. "You two know each other?" she asked curiously.

"Zack here's working at my mom's gas station... that way I can work here too." Gwen offered before Zack could say anything.

"Oh! Well that's cool." Angela smiled, turning to Zack. "Are you a member?" she asked.

I shook my head. "He's not, but if we pull anything you can put it on my number... just for the paperwork." I smiled.

"Oh... well...." Angela seemed a little distressed by that, but then shrugged. "I guess that's alright."

I laughed as Zack looked confused and smiled at Angela. "You worry too much sometimes." I winked.

"I just don't want to get in trouble with.... you-know-who... I really like my job." Angela waffled.

"Teddy isn't someone to be afraid of, and neither is you-know-who. Trust me on that." I smiled, then turned to Gwen. "Busy at the moment?" I asked.

Gwen thought for a bit. "Not really... why?"

"Show Zack around and some while I pull some paperwork and I'll join you in the kennels to talk with Zack about what kind of dogs he might like?" I asked.

Gwen looked to Angela. "Would I need to clock out for that?" she inquired.

Angela thought for a moment, then looked to me for a moment, then smiled. "Normally, yes, but since it's Jim... go ahead."

Gwen squee'd with glee and grabbed Zack's hand, dragging him through the door into the kennels.

"He alright?" Angela asked with a bit of skepticism.

I shrugged. "Mundane, but a good kid. He's been volunteering with me at the zoo for a few months and has seen some of what goes on there with things. Don't think he'd be part of the second-floor scene, but... one never knows."

Angela giggled as the blonde returned to the counter with some papers. "With you, I'd not count that out."

I winked and headed behind the counter to the office to dig for the paperwork I was after. "Chris here today?" I asked as I headed back through the office door.

"Yeah... he's around somewhere. Why?" Angela asked as she tossed me the keys to one of the locked file cabinets I was standing in front of.

"Want to pick his brain about the training and demeanor of a couple I brought in the other week... Anything for Zack just has to be personable, but I'm after something for a friend and it has to be nearly unflappable and VERY good at following commands, with very few quirks." I commented as I unlocked the cabinet and leafed through the files, then pulled the packet I was looking for. Opening the folder revealed a manila envelope inside with the label "#13036388 Q-7". "I'll take this one off your hands now... since for sure he's where he's going to stay." I winked and smiled.

"Who's that?" Angela asked absently, dealing with her own mountain of regular paperwork.

"Reggie... the special Saint I pulled in a couple weeks ago. You never met him as he's been out at my place." I commented, then began looking through the nearby files... then realized I wouldn't necessarily know the appropriate file number and shut the drawer and locked the cabinet back up, passing Angela the keys as she sat in her desk chair.

"Sometimes it irks me when you breeze through here like this, but then..." Angela turned to smile at me. "Then I realize none of this would be here if it weren't for you in the first place. Including me having a job."

I chuckled. "Yeah... I tend to be a fly-by fellow at times, but... I know you enjoy what you do here, even when it gets to be a pain in the ass." I winked.

"Shuttup and get going!" Angela prodded. "And let me know if you find anything back there so I can pull the files for you."

"Will do, Angela, and thanks again." I chuckled and headed back towards the Kennels.

* * * * *

"I never knew there were so many different breeds of dogs, Mr. Peters." Zack commmented, petting a Great Pyrenees that Gwen had let out of his run, now milling about Zack and Gwen in the aisle.

"Yep... hundreds of them... all bred for different purposes from all the corners of the globe." I chuckled as I meandered further along the rows of cage runs with Reggie's paperwork under one arm. "Hey, Gwen... had you seen where Chris was lately?" I asked.

"Back in Bay 3 with something last I knew, but that was awhile ago." Gwen commented, looking up from her chattering with Zack. I nodded and headed back that direction, leaving the youngsters to play with the puppies.

Inwardly I wondered just how Zack would react to just what Gwen typically did here, were he to find out. I shrugged and looked through the small glass window into the midsized exercise and training bay, about 20x20, where Chris was working some red-and-white mixed-breed dog. I waited until he had the dog in a down-stay position before I opened the door and entered.

"Jim! What brings you here?" Chris asked as the dog waited patiently in the down position for a further command.

"Come to ask you about a couple dogs that came in awhile ago... if you've got a moment." I replied.

"Got the time if you don't mind me working Tony here while we chat. I'm officially on the clock with him." Chris replied, then had Tony stand firm.

"I don't care... you know that. With the last run was a Dalmatian bitch and a Rottie... I know the rott was a resonably quiet dog, but tell me about both, if you've had the chance to work either of them." I commented.

"Both aren't bad. The rott is passive, yes. Good on basic commands. The Dal is a little timid, so might not be the best in heavy situations... She's not as well-trained." Chris commented, putting Tony through more advanced paces.

I pondered a bit. "Both would follow nearly anyone?" I asked.

"Rott girl, yes. Dal not necessarily." Chris reponded curtly amid his work. "Whatcha diggin' for, Jim?"

"Gift for a friend who needs someone to come home to at night." I smiled. "Got a kid down here wanting a dog so figured I'd take the opportunity to kill a few birds with a single stone."

"Kid the one it's for?" Chris asked.

"Naw.." I replied, knowing he wouldn't necessarily see me shake my head. "Different fellow."

"Either members?" Chris asked.

"No... at least not in the paperwork sense. Friend knows some things, kid... remains to be seen, but neither would be official members any which way for practical reasons on the friend's part, and just how things are with the kid." I replied, rambling a little.

"I see... " Chris thought. "Friend looking for a bigger dog?" he inquired.

"He's not officially looking... I just know he wouldn't turn down something I gave him." I replied. "He needs something that follows commands very well, though doesn't have to be complex commands. He needs something that isn't terribly "needy" as he would be away from home a lot, but CAN take the dog to work with him. Not loud, either, for the latter reasons." I pondered. "Something cuddly, but low-maintenance."

"Either particular gender?" Chris asked.

"Gender is open, but I'd say a female would probably be best if the rest of the criteria would match too." I replied.

"Yeah, that Rott would be about the best at the moment we have available, apart from Club dogs..." Chris commented.

"Club dogs can be in the mix too..." I responded, which garnered a quick glance of surprise from Chris.

"O...k...." He furrowed his brow as Toby heeled to him walking swiftly about the room. "Well... if he's taking the dog to work, he probably wouldn't really want one of the Club dogs. You know how they get into habits of showing off." Chris said.

I canted my jaw. "I suppose that's true." I pondered for a bit. "If I find something that's not here... would you mind doing a bit of extra work for me?" I asked.

Chris laughed. "I think I could manage that, if you did. Must be a good friend for you to go through this much trouble for them."

I nodded "He is, Chris. More than I can really let be known. You know how I am about throwing folks a lifering when it comes down to it."

Chris stopped and stared at me for a time, then nodded solemnly. "I see. Well, let me know if there's anything I can do to help, ok?"

"You bet." I chuckled. "See you around!"

"Later, Jim!" Chris said as I let myself back out.

I started wandering the kennels both pondering what to do for Pete as well as thinking about dogs for Zack. The kennels were nearly full up for the holiday and it showed a notable disparity between the wealthy clients using the high-end kennel and the general Club members. There were the little Bichon Frise, Pugs, and Yorkies with their rhinestone- or even diamond-studded collars. Then there were the Shih Tzu and Lhasa Apsos with their head fur banded in top crests to keep it out of their eyes. This contrasted significantly with the size of the large and giant breeds of Danes, Mastiffs, and Wolfhounds that were most notably of those Club members.

I stopped to rub the nose of a well-marked Husky who had the end of his muzzle stuffed through the chainlink fence of the gate. Upon the friendly contact he immediately pulled his nose out from the fence, turned around and pressed his rear to the fence, tail up high, and puffy pucker twitching in a relaxed state seemingly requesting that something be pushed inside of him. I couldn't help but laugh, remembering Chris' comment about Club dogs learning how to ask for playtime, and made a mental note to ask about the Husky some other time... perhaps for some fun with Julie and I.

Further on I saw Zack wandering the kennels as well, looking at the different kinds of dogs present. "See anything you'd like?" I asked.

He shrugged. "Gwen let a few out to play with me in the hall here and described things about the different breeds and different animals before she had to go back to work. I just..." he shrugged again, "I dunno."

I smiled. "Well... Think you'd like a long-haired or short-haired dog?" I inquired.

"Well..." Zack waffled as we headed back forward. "I mean... there's some fuzzy dogs that seem like they'd be fun to cuddle, but there's also ones with shorter hair that are friendly too. There was this one Malamute that really liked licking my face and snuggling with me. He pushed me over and kinda laid atop me." I chuckled at that and Zack smiled. "But then there was this big... tan dog with black on its face. I can't remember what breed Gwen said she was."

"Great Dane? um...." I pondered. "Mastiff?" I tried to go through the breeds in my head that'd match the description.

"Bullmastiff, isn't that one?" Zack asked. I nodded. "She just kinda flopped on her back, wagging her tail along the floor. Isn't that kind of weird?"

I chuckled. "Well, that's a submissive posture. She might have been younger, or just a submissive personality. That's sort of a posture a younger dog uses with a more powerful adult to say "don't hurt me! I know you're more important than I am!" in the case of a conflict. Younger dogs do that more than older ones most of the time, but some adult dogs see us as just that far superior to them that they never stop with that until they feel more comfortable with you, or with new people, or stuff like that." I explained as we made our way through the maze of barking canines.

"Well... she liked it a lot when I rubbed her belly and she seemed like she'd be fun to cuddle with too, so I don't really know whether I'd want one with long hair or shorter hair." Zack replied.

"Well.... each have their advantages and disadvantages. Shorter haired dogs are easier to take care of when they shed, as you don't really have to brush their coat out. Flipside is that longhaired dogs do better out and about in wintertime as they won't get cold as easily if you like being outside for wintertime sports stuff like cross-country skiing and stuff like that." I commented.

"I just...." Zack kinda frowned as we walked through the door between the kennels and the lobby. I waved to the blonde girl as she was helping a well-dressed lady check in a pair of yipping Pomeranians. "You'll probably think I'm stupid if I tell you what I thought it'd be like to find a dog..." Zack looked to me with a concerned expression as I again shut the gates of the elevator.

"Try me... I don't think you've ever heard me call anything stupid that wasn't overtly unintelligent." I smiled as the freight elevator grumbled down towards the main floor.

"I figured... well... it'd be kinda like I see some dog and... I'd just _know_ that was the dog for me, whatever that dog was." Zack looked uncomfortably to me as he explained.

I chuckled as we exited the elevator and went to where I'd parked. "Well, sometimes it is just that way. I know that's...." I frowned substantially.

"Mr. Peters?" Zack asked curiously.

I smiled meekly. "Sorry Zack, an old memory reared its head. Sometimes it's just that way and you find something you weren't really looking for that just says "take me home with you"."

We walked in silence for a bit then Zack looked to me curiously as we got in the Blazer. "So.... what happened that you remembered?" he asked.

I sighed as I stared the Blazer and headed out onto the street. "A good while ago... probably before you were even born... I had the chance to get a dog that I wasn't really looking for. He was an Akita like Noble is, but different coloring pattern. The one problem was that he was a fear-biter. That means a dog that doesn't let you know when something is making him uncomfortable... he just goes with it until he can't stand anymore and then just explodes in a biting fury as though his life depends upon him getting away from the whatever." Zack frowned as I explained. "I'd seen him and he... even bit me. Not terribly badly, just grazed my wrist with a tooth. Since I was living with other folks I had to keep in mind how he'd possibly be around them, and though I was confident that I could figure out his triggers and avoid them whenever possible, I couldn't guarantee that the others would be so smart about things. In fact, I knew one was likely to be rather stupid most of the time." I rolled my eyes, remembering. "So I didn't call and didn't call... then finally after a couple days I figured "well, fuck it. I'll go for it anyway." and called his owners back...." I frowned deeply again. Zack looked curiously as we waited at a stoplight, heading back towards main. I sighed deeply. "I called four hours too late. They'd put him down, having figured no one would be able to deal with him." I swallowed hard and just stared out the windshield. "The next time I encountered that sort of thing - the "this is the one" - I didn't make the same mistake. I took him on then and there, and that was Max."

Zack frowned some. "Do you think... I'll find something that way, Mr. Peters?" he finally managed to inquire as we rolled up to the Main Street stoplight.

I smiled more and chuckled. "We'll see, Zack. You very well could at the next stop." I checked my watch.

"Where's that?" he asked.

"You'll see." I answered without really giving an answer, heading east along the US Highway towards the interstate.

* * * * *

"Hi there Becky." I smiled and waved as we walked through the second safety-glass door into the lobby.

"Hi, Mr. Peters!" Becky beamed and waved back as Zack trailed me. "What are you doing up this way?"

"Zack here's looking for a dog. Pete in his office or out on a call?" I asked as she came to the counter on my side of the central office-island.

"He's...." she frowned a bit.

I looked curious. "Problem?" I asked. She nodded. "Hold cages, if he's there."

I asked. "Keys?"

Zack looked confused to me and I shook my head as Becky went to the other side and got them out of the drawer and handed them to me.

"Think you can show Zack around a bit?" I smiled a bit more and she nodded, pasting a pleasant smile on her face.

I made my way quickly through the corridors I'd come to know so well and unlocked the door to the hold cage section, and, not seeing him there, my heart started pounding in my chest. I made my way quickly to "the room", fearing what I might find there. The blue light by the door wasn't on but I could see from the gap underneath that the lights were on inside so I let myself in, barging throught the door expecting to find the worst. Pete looked up with a shocked expression, both our hearts pounding, most likely, but to my unbounded relief he was in there alone... trying to wrap a bandage around his wrist and forearm. Breathing a sigh of relief, I smiled at him and shook my head as I let the door shut behind me. "Need some help there?" I asked, smiling.

Pete chuckled nervously, settling down a bit himself. "How the hell do you know just when to show up?" he asked as I checked his bandage job first before wrapping the tension bandage semi-tightly over the gauze 4x4s just over the punctures. "Make sure to loosen and squeeze the goo out every hour or so if you're not going to head in for some antibiotics, ok?" I commented.

Pete smirked. "I'd almost forgotten you'd been through this before yourself," he commented as he flexed his arm muscles, wincing some.

"Got some painkillers here? Tylenol at the very least?" I asked and Pete nodded.

"With all the headaches you give me, I got the giant bottle." He winked and we both headed to his office for him to grab some meds. "So what brings you up here?" he asked as he unlocked his office door, fumbling with the keys a bit in his left hand.

"You remember my young assistant Zack, right?" I asked and Pete nodded, shaking out a couple extra-strength acetominophen tablets onto his desktop from the bottle kept in a locked drawer. He returned the bottle to the drawer, shut and locked it then tossed the tablets into his mouth and downed them readily.

"Yeah... the kid that drives you around, helps you with the Case and talks about the Cats." Pete smiled some and gestured to the door. "Gotta check on the one what did this to me."

"Ah, no problem." I smiled and walked with him back to the hold lines, swinging the plate over the latch-hole to leave the door shut but unlatched as we went through. "Well, Zack's looking for a dog... and figured he might find one that speaks to him here." I winked.

Pete smiled meekly and sighed, most of the runs were empty but those that weren't held canines of which most were barking at the presence of someone in the kennel. He stood in front of one where the all-white dog was just curled on the floor, sleeping.

"Tranquilized?" I asked, tilting my head in curiosity.

Pete shook his head, his expression shouting his confusion. "Dunno... was found as a stray and I had a helluva time getting it into the truck, and then getting it locked in here I got rewarded for my efforts when the catch-pole got caught." He held out his bandaged arm.

I furrowed my brow... "Redcard, I'd wager?" Pete nodded and frowned.

I stared walking back to the door. "Whatcha doing?" Pete hollered over the barking. I just fliped the latchplate back and made sure the door was shut tight. "You're not gonna...." Pete frowned heavily as I held my hand out for the key matching the lock on the kennel gate latch.

"You can hide in one of the empty runs if you want, but I think I know what's going on... maybe." I said with a smirk.

Pete handed over the keys and took a few steps back. "I dunno what you're after, but..."

I chuckled and cut him off. "If I get punctured, you know I'm not about to hold it against you, or the dog. You're in the clear. And... if I'm right..."

Pete looked at me with skepticism as I unlocked the gate and swung it open. The dog didn't move even though the others nearby were bouncing and barking quite loudly. Pete craned his head a bit to look past the barrier wall as I went into the run, crouched down with my back agasint the oppositing wall. The dog still didn't move. I thought for a bit, then reached over and pulled the gate shut, closing me in. "Get me an arm plate, Pete..." I said. He nodded and strode off quickly. I watched the dog sleeping there... thinking. It was in a decent position... reasonable condition. Perhaps feral but perhaps not.... Pete was back quickly and unlatched the gate again, passing me the forearm-shield which I then laced on my left arm. "Whatcha thinking?" he inquired, this time standing in the gate. "White dog... probably blue eyed?" I asked. He nodded. "It's possibly deaf, Pete."

Surprise washed over the countenance of the ACO, and then a deep frown formed in its place. "That would figure." He commented as he sighed deeply. I maneuvered around a bit, rump towards the gate, one knee on the ground nearer the dog, and reached out with my shieled arm to press firmly on its upper shoulder to wake it, which it did with a start, mouth open and it grabbed my forearm... but the shield turned out to be unnecessary as it didn't put enough pressure to have bitten forcefully, just that it was woken with a start. I smiled down at it, and it just laid its head back as I started petting its side, the tail started bapping the concrete of the run floor.

"How'd you do that?" Pete asked incredulously.

"I've dealt with a few deaf dogs over the years... and one so old she was deaf and blind. Waking them up is one of the most hazardous things one can do. And since they can't hear they also can't follow auditory commands or hear the tone of our voices. Except maybe deep voices." I pondered and dropped my voice a couple octaves to a gargly bass. "Pupppyyyyy" I bellowed. The dog's eyes turned my way and it lifted its head some, rolling onto its back.

Pete looked curious. "Oscillation frequency, Pete. Its eardrums are either thickened, the bones malformed, or something screwy in the cochlea, but some frequencies rattle the bones enough to generate a response. I just got lucky," I winked.

With my guarded hand on its chest, I rolled it onto its... her...back. I chuckled. "Female... dunno if intact or altered." I ran my fingers through the thick coat. "Possibly Malamute or Husky or mix... Kinda hard to tell with her being all-white."

Pete had relaxed noticeably. "Got a cinch-leash?" I asked. He took a few steps and grabbed one that was hanging on one of the empty runs.

"You're not gonna take her out of here, are you? I mean... if there's folks about..." Pete started worrying.

I shrugged. "See how she does just in here... and go from there." I fuzzled her nose and slipped the ring of the cinch-leash over her head. I patted the floor and she rolled onto a "down" position. I stood and patted my leg. She stood and we started walking, quite placidly. Pete looked amazed. "You..." he chuckled "I still don't know how you do it."

"I've been punctured more than a few times, Pete... you've seen my arms. But I just never hold it against the dog or Cat as it's usually been something _I_ did without thinking things through enough." I chuckled as I headed down the kennel row and back up. The dog pulled some on the leash side to side, but she didn't seem to stay too far ahead of me, preferring to be rather close to my side. I turned about to head back to Pete and she didn't get the cue so I had to tug on the leash a bit until she realized and came up to my side again. "She seems alright-ish." I stopped and she stopped and looked at me. I patted the air with my hand out, palm down, and she sat down. "Looks like someone worked with her..."

Pete nodded, then sighed deeply "Still will have to redcard her, what with..." he wavered his injured arm. I canted my jaw and nodded, pondering.

"Poke your head out and see if there's other folks about... besides Becky and Zack, I mean." I said to Pete.

He shrugged a bit and walked out through the door as I moved about the kennel more with the dog. He poked his head back through the door. "There's a few folks about out here, Jim... better put her back. I've got a couple questions to answer," Pete replied and let the door shut on the closer as he went off to answer whatever questions folks were asking him.

I headed the girl back towards her run and walked through the gate first, which she followed quite readily. I unleashed her, fuzzled her head, and then thought for a moment... and figured I might as well try. I moved my hand up her inner thigh and touched her femaleness. She turned her head to see what I was doing and then wriggled away a bit as I wriggled my fingertip between her small labia. I fuzzled her head again, noticing she didn't object strongly to the touching, just that it was likely unfamiliar. I moved back out through the gate without any issues whatsoever and locked it back up before I headed back towards the main part of the complex, unlashing the arm plate. I could hear Pete explaining some things to a couple there asking questions and I excused myself as I walked past towards the main kennel to see what Zack and Becky were up to.

Becky was standing in the main aisle and Zack was playing with a bigger Pit-mix in one of the runs. I stood by her and chuckled. Zack looked up. "Find someone you might like?" I asked.

"I dunno, Mr. Peters." Zack said, though he was smiling, then looked up to me. "What were you doing?" He smiled and then oofed as the pitt mix bashed his jaw with its head.

"I was helping Officer Jackson with a stray dog he'd picked up that bit him," I replied.

Becky looked at me "Is he alright?" she asked with a bit of worry.

"If you're meaning Pete, yeah, he's been punctured but not too badly. The dog's relatively fine too." I smiled. I looked to Zack. "Wanna take this guy to an intro room?" I asked.

"What that?" Zack asked.

Becky beat me to the response. "It's a room where people can interact more with dogs, since we're really not supposed to just let people in the runs like you are. But... Mr. Peters here means you get a little different experience than most folks."

"I think I'd like to do that, if it's alright?" Zack asked and Becky went to the end of the kennel and got a leash from the hooks, then handed it to Zack who clipped it onto the dog's collar and they made their way out of the run and headed towards the front, the dog pulling heavily on the leash and Zack trying to keep it held back, clearly the dog wanted to leave.

Pete smiled at us as we went past, the couple now looking at some of the smaller chihuahua mixes in the near runs. I flipped the light on for one of the intro rooms and let Zack in to play more with the dog, and I pondered things as Becky went back to the desk. "Is he really alright?" she asked with more worry.

I nodded. "He'll be squeezing goo out of his arm for a couple days, maybe up to a month as I didn't see how deep the punctures were, but he'll be alright. He'll be sore for about two weeks easily, but... nothing too much to worry about," I commented nonchalantly.

"And the dog?" Becky asked.

"Redcard." I replied. She looked down. I smiled. "Don't worry so much, Becky."

She smiled meekly. "Could you... maybe?" she asked.

I canted my jaw and pondered. "I don't know, Becky... I don't know if I can."

Zack interrupted things as he came out of the intro room. "He's a nice dog. I just don't really know," he seemed to waffle a bit.

I pondered... "Got a key for the intro rooms up here to lock that guy in there for a bit?" I asked.

Becky shook her head. "I'll just let anyone know it's occupied. Officer Jackson will know since the lights are on anyway."

"Ok, thanks." I replied and waved for Zack to follow.

"Where we going, Mr. Peters?" he asked.

"To see some more dogs." I smiled.

"There's more?" he asked, curiously.

I nodded. "Yeah... the ones that are being held in case their owners reclaim them, and then there's others in quarantine that are here for other reasons, like court cases involving bites or other issues."

"Why aren't they just in the kennel then?" he asked as we walked along.

"Well... because the dogs just in can't be gotten by just anyone, and the ones in quarantine can't leave here at all." I commented and unlocked the door to the Hold runs.

"Is this where the dog is that bit Officer Jackson?" Zack asked above the barking. I nodded.

Zack looked at various dogs. "What if I find one here?" he asked.

"Well... then we wait for their hold to be up and after that you can probably get it, unless something else intervenes." I commented.

"Like what?" Zack asked curiously.

"Like biting someone while they're here." I frowned a bit.

"What happens then?" Zack asked.

I sighed deeply. "Then this is usually the end of the line for them."

We came to the run with the white girl in it. "What's the red card on this one mean? Why's the door padlocked?"

"She's the one that bit Pete, Zack... so... can't let just anyone in there and... the red card means that when her hold is up....." I frowned deeply.

He knelt down and the dog nosed through the fence to him. He put his hand forward and she sniffed then licked at it. "She'll... die?"

I nodded. "She'll get taken to the room, and Pete or someone will hold her down and she'll get a shot that'll put her to sleep. Stop her breathing and then her heart from beating."

Zack frowned deeply. "That's sad. Why'd she bite him?" he asked.

I shrugged some. "She's pretty much deaf, so she probably didn't have any idea what was going on, and Pete brought her in on a catch-pole which got stuck when he tried to get it off her head, so.. when he reached in, she bit his arm a couple times."

Zack looked to me. "Can I see how she's like?"

I pondered a bit. "That I'll have to check with Pete about... and a couple other things with you wanting a dog, too."

Zack looked curious. "What sort of things?" he asked.

"Well..." I chuckled. "Fee, for one thing, and since that pitt you like still has his balls, whether you'd have to have him neutered or not."

"You mean he'd have to.... get them cut off?" Zack looked a little unsettled at the prospect.

I nodded. "That's a requirement for getting a dog from the pound here, yes... well... usually." I smiled at him. "But not always. Though you can NEVER tell anyone that. That'd screw Pete horribly, and me too."

Zack looked curiously. "So... he makes exceptions for you?" Zack asked.

I thought a bit. "Zack, I can't really answer that one for you right now, ok?"

Zack looked real curious as the dog continued to lick his hand through the gate fence. "Why not?"

I chuckled and smiled. "Because to answer it either way would mean either lying to you, or letting you know stuff you're better off not knowing right now in case someone asks you questions."

Zack looked confused but nodded. "So you're kinda protecting me from getting into trouble?" he asked.

"Something like that, Zack." I replied.

"I think I'd like to see how she acts, Mr. Peters." Zack stood and smiled at the dog.

"Can't really do that right now, Zack, because there's other folks here, but maybe after they leave when there's just us four then that might..." I thought some. "Hmm...."

"Thinking of something, Mr. Peters?" Zack asked.

I smiled and nodded. "Possibly. Let's go back to see what's going on with that pitt you like." I turned and headed towards the front.

I held the door for Zack as I pondered things. "Anyone else living at your place but your folks, Zack?" I asked.

Zack shook his head as I shut the lights off and made sure the door was shut tight. "Nope. I'm the only one my dad had. Mom had a girl before she met dad but she's all grown up and off in Arizona with a guy mom always bitches about."

I smiled at Zack's comment as I thought some. "Just a bedroom or how are the living arrangements?"

Zack nodded. "Yeah, I just have my old bedroom is all. Why?"

I smiled. "Just curious." I kept looking this and that way to see where the chihuahua couple were.

I smiled as I saw Pete come out of the other intro room. "Well... seems they've found one that'd fit for them," he smiled.

"One of those taco dog mixes?" I asked. Pete nodded. "Cool."

"So what's the verdict for you?" he asked Zack.

"I dunno, Officer Jackson." Zack scrunched his nose some. "Bubba there seems like a nice tumbly dog, but... Mr. Peters showed me the white one you just brought in and... I kinda feel bad for her, too."

Pete looked at me with a "really, you had to?" expression and I burst out laughing. "What? How long have you known me, Pete?" I chuckled.

"True..." Pete rolled his eyes, then turned to look back towards the intro rooms and canted his jaw, then looked at the clock. "4pm... won't really pick up here for another hour... um..." He grumbled some as three more folks came through the main door. "Um... I think I know what you're thinking, Jim. I just don't know how we can get the two together to see if they'd work. Not without some risk."

I pondered for a bit and sighed, then a broad grin spread across my face.

"Uh-oh. Should I take some more Tylenol, Jim?" Pete asked, teasingly as Zack looked confused but slightly concerned.

"Nope... just give me the padlock key and I'll be right back without any risk at all." I winked.

Pete rolled his eyes a bit and grudgingly handed it over. "One of these times I'll tell you "no", you know..."

I chuckled. "Maybe sometime I'll believe that, Pete." I said and headed out the main kennel door. In very short order a white dog was walking alongside me back through with a black miki muzzle on. "It's surprising the things in all the cabinets in "the room"... isn't it?" I winked and Pete just shook his head.

"Think she's ready to meet Bubba now?" I asked. Zack smiled as I stood by the door to the first intro room.

Pete popped his head in after a short time to see Bubba and the white dog bouncing around quite playfully with me seated on one sofa and Zack in the middle of the melee on the floor. Bubba was barking now and again but the white girl hadn't vocalized at all in my presence. I turned turned to look at Pete and smiled. "I think we have another winner here, Warden." I winked.

Pete chuckled and sighed, letting himself in and sitting on the other sofa near my end. "Well, Zack. Whatcha think?" he asked.

"Can I have both?" he asked, at which I laughed. Pete frowned, and I looked curiously.

"Paperwork?" I asked. Pete nodded, and I shook my head. "Don't worry about that. Zack here is willing to pay the general fee."

"That would only take care of one of them, you know. The other.... I can't." Pete sighed deeply.

Zack looked up curiously and I quickly shook my head, indicating not to ask anything. "Yeah, I know you have to run out the 7-day on her." I winked to Pete, who looked up to me, his brow furrowed. "Today's Saturday, remember? Seven days would be close-of-business next Saturday. You're closed on Sunday, and Monday's a new week."

Pete looked at me with confusion, then smiled a little bit seeming to catch what I was aiming at. "I suppose you're right." He sighed and gave his injured arm a squeeze, at which he winced firmly. "I guess.... " He wobbled his head to look at me. "Why the fuck do I let you talk me into these things?" he half-scowled at me.

I chuckled and smiled "Because you're burning out and it easily beats the alternatives that you're trying desperately to avoid," I responded quite frankly.

Pete frowned and slumped a bit. "You're right about that, unfortunately."

I tapped Pete's knee with the tip of my boot. "Hey... I've got something cooking that may help you with the former thing a bit, ok? Hang in there and don't worry too much. And quit trying to fight me in your sleep, you'll never win." I grinned broadly and winked, earning both a laugh and one-fingered salute in my direction while Zack looked confused.

* * * * *

"So why'd you pay Officer Jackson the extra money?" Zack asked as we were driving back down from the county seat.

"Well... the fee listed is just for the dog. Since Bubba there is intact, I gave him an extra deposit fee for him to be neutered. If you get him "fixed" then you take the vet paper to the shelter and you get back your deposit. Otherwise the shelter keeps it. But if Bubba gets in any trouble, they'll make you have him neutered before they'll ever give him back to you. At least that's how the policy is supposed to work." I explained.

"But... not all the time?" Zack asked, a little confused.

"In practice... it sometimes depends upon who you are, or in your case, you who were with," I smiled. "You've adopted Bubba free and clear, his records are in your name and the neuter deposit has been paid." I commented. "And since Pete knows you're associated with me even if you do have trouble with Bubba getting out or something, we'll do our best to make sure there's no real problems so long as you hold up your end of the deal by being a good dog owner."

Zack looked to the back seat where Bubba was on his back, all four feet in the air, snoozing as we drove. "He seems like a nice dog."

"Well, from the paperwork he was a surrender, so that'd figure. He's reasonably young so you'll have a lot of years with him, and he's fairly quiet, so there's even less of a problem there. And I talked with Bonnie and you can bring him to work with you, it's just you'll have to keep him shut in the office until you're done with the food-service stuff," I cautioned.

"OH! COOOL!" Zack said. "Thanks for asking her for me!"

I chuckled. "Hey... I help my friends out. You've come to find that out in a big way."

Zack nodded. "Yeah..." he then furrowed his brow some. "But what about the white girl-dog? I know you and Officer Jackson were talking about her but... can I get her or is she still going to be.... killed?" He looked at me with a worried expression.

"Deal with Bubba a week first, Zack. I don't know your home-life so first lets see how things go with just one dog, ok?" I cautioned. "But... don't worry so much about her, just worry about a few sleepless nights as Bubba here settles into your routine. Chances are you'll have to take him out sometime while you're usually asleep, or end up cleaning up after him whenever you wake up. Piss-puddles and all." I chuckled.

Zack groaned a little. "Hadn't thought about that so very much, but.." he turned to look at the back-seat occupant again. "I guess I won't mind so much for a little while."

I chuckled as on we drove towards town and the zoo... There was always something special about a first dog. I smiled broadly pondering the little urine-soaked "white rat" Samoyed runt I'd brought home all those years ago... and got yelled at for. How long ago that seemed... far longer than it really was. But yet, seeing Zack with Bubba... it all seemed right. It all seemed to repeat itself. And even with Pete getting punctured... he'd have a couple sleepless nights too, but... only time would tell with him. I pondered some... maybe I was thinking about it all wrong... maybe I was askew in my logic. I canted my jaw and let my mind crunch on it as the miles ticked by.

I was still pondering Pete's predicament hours later as I lit the lamps on the Case and started it trundling along the access road, heading for home. Christina was in the cage wagon, laying up on the front edge near the seat, as I needed the full deck to be able to move about quickly to both fire and steer the engine solo. It wasn't a terribly difficult task, just a bit more involved and disjointed than with two-person operation. We trundled the streets and down to the stoplight on Main. A number of folks in cars pressed their noses against the glass as the cross-traffic moved, being unfamiliar with the sight of a steam traction engine's lit single kerosene headlamp waiting at the stoplight in the dark of a November evening. I tended to the fire some before the light turned green and with two toots of the mill whistle I started trundling south on Main once again, heading uphill back towards home. A couple miles later I gave the "loud lever" a series of yanks, letting the Nathan clear its throat with the familiar crossing signal as I trundled along near Paul Mitchell's house, at which the front porch lights flicked on, the front door was flung open wide, and Ritchie ran out onto the porch, followed more slowly by Paul, to wave at me as I trundled past. Ritchie quickly went back into the house and then came running up the drive towards me with his winter coat on. I shut the throttle and the engine coasted to a stop pretty quickly.

I stepped down off the deck as Ritchie came out into the road. "Dad said he'll be up at your house in a bit, Mr. Peters, and that I could ride with you!"

I laughed. "Hop up, Ritchie. You can sit on the engineman's seat for a change." I smiled as I checked the fire and threw a couple more shovels of coal in. "Ready?"

"You bet!" he said gleefully. Two toots of the mill whistle and we were off again at the breakneck speed of 2-1/2 miles an hour.

I swung the procession wide to enter my farm drive, but it didn't really matter as there weren't any other vehicles on the road in either direction. The oil headlight cast its lazy, yellowish glow along the side of the neighbors barn which abutted the drive, and then onto the graveled path itself leading up to my farm. Ritchie watched everything with rapt enjoyment as I tended to the fire, the valves controlling the feedwater pump, and steer the rig all in coordination. Soon enough we were up at the house and I pulled the lever for the Nathan one long toot, which caused the light for MY front porch to pop on and Julie to step out.

"Got a visitor for a little bit." I called to her as she came over. "Ritchie Mitchell got permission to ride up with me. He said his dad will be over in a bit."

"Hi agian Ritchie!" Julie smiled, as Ritchie waved, then she turned to me. "I didn't expect you to be late, or to be driving this home!" she chuckled.

"Well... I couldn't let it sit there another night, what with the cold weather we've been having. I figured you could just drive me and Christina back to work in the morning or we can go get the Blazer in a bit. I've had a rather busy day, though."

"Supper's still warm." Julie smiled. "Want some french fries, Ritchie?" she asked.

"Can I, Mr. Peters?" he asked.

I nodded. "Go ahead and head inside with Miss Purcell while I park this rig and I'll be in after a bit, ok?"

"Thanks, Mr. Peters!" he said as he scrambled down to the ground, and him and Julie headed off towards the house.

I cramped the steering hard right to swing the Case over to the hog-shed side of the upper driveway, evening it out slowly to the left and then dropped the wagon, still containing my newest Saint, in front of the old hog shed, and started the not-terribly-complicated steering to get the old girl swung around quickly to be up at the Quonset shed without me having to add any more fuel to the dying fire. My steam gauge already read only 100 pounds, which steadily decreased as we worked uphill and to the left, then hard right. It was barely 60 when I started backing up, the fire completely out. I pondered just how I wanted to manage this as we trundled backwards towards the closed doors of the shed, coming to a stop about 18 inches from them, I pulled the clutch lever to disengage it and opened the throttle and closed the feed-pump valve. Dropping down from the deck, I took a couple chock-blocks and blocked the engineer's side wheel to prevent any chance of the old girl rolling while unattended and headed back down to the wagon to collect Christina, and then in for my supper, letting the engine tick over to use up whatever steam was left, and the pump adding water to further drop the pressure. After I'd eaten I'd go back out and drain both the tanks and the boiler while she was still somewhat warm, and that would let the plates dry out for the winter, as I'd be moving her back into the shed on compressed air anyway.

Getting Christina from the cage wagon, I walked her around the front yard on the leash, letting her do her business, before bringing her into the house for the evening.

Having shut Christina into the mudroom for the moment, I sat down and started munching my dinner. "You're awful quiet tonight, hon," Julie observed. "Something wrong?" she asked.

I sat back for a moment and pondered, then looked to Ritchie, who was busy chomping on french fries, then nodded to Julie. Soon there came a knock on the door and I got up. "Ready to go with your dad, Ritchie?" I asked over the din of dogs barking.

"Do I hafta, Mr. Peters?" Ritchie whined a little. "We only got here!"

I chuckled and let Paul in. "I know Ritchie, but your dad's here to get ya." I winked to Paul as he made his way in.

"Yeah, Ritchie. You know how your mom is about things." Paul said as he smiled to me. "I figured you wouldn't mind since you were coming past. I hope it was alright." Paul commented to me.

I shook my head. "Wasn't any biggie... it was just me this time bringing the Case back from town so a little company was actually appreciated."

Ritchie ran up to his dad. "Do I really hafta go?" he asked.

"After you help me with the hogs, yes!" Paul said and ruffled his son's hair. "See you around Jim." He nodded and headed back out the door as I held a couple of the dogs to keep them from following Paul out.

"So what's wrong?" Julie asked as I sat back down and Washington plopped down at my feet.

I sighed. "Stuff with Pete, hon. He's burning out as shelter director and... he got bit today. I was up there with Zack and we all feel bad about the dog who has to be redcarded because of biting Pete."

Julie frowned some. "Could you... maybe... get it?" she hesitantly asked.

I frowned some and shrugged a bit. "It wouldn't really fit in here what with everyone... I don't think. The dog's deaf, and... that could pose problems here."

Julie snuggled to me. "Isn't there _anything_ we can do?" she asked, concern evident on her face.

"Maybe... but that would depend on Pete, hon. But we'll see. She just came in today, so that means her hold won't be up for a week, which would be next Saturday. She has at least that long." I pondered. "The bigger thing is Pete and doing something to keep him from burning out completely."

"You said you were up there with Zack?" she asked.

I nodded. "He got a nice Pitt mix named Bubba. Pete is side-stepping the neuter rule for him on account of me. Oh! I also got Reggie's paperwork from the kennels, so I can see about registering him and Christina for a litter of puppies."

"Puppies! You mean..." she looked more excited.

"We'll see. It's about time I cleaned up some paperwork with the dogs... Ghost and Wendy, Noble and Grace, Reggie and Christina, and Maverick." I pondered some, too. "Hm.... also have to get Raleigh home too." I canted my jaw a bit. "I guess I'll leave that for later." I looked up to her "How was Washington at home today?" I asked.

"He wasn't bad at all. He growled at me when I tried to refill his food bowl earlier, but he quit when I just dumped more food in, which he ate really quick," she replied.

I couldn't help but chuckle at that. "Sounds like a wolf to me, wolfing his food down." I winked at Julie and she groaned some.

I munched more fries and pondered things... Pete burning out would be a very bad thing, but I was second-guessing myself whether that Rottweiler would be the right one for him. Or if having a dog would be the solution anyway, since Pete was a different sort than Jim Bridger or myself. Then again, these days I was different than I had been before since Julie was with me now... I munched more and tried to go through the women that I knew that might be someone that Pete would get along with. There was Becky, but I didn't know whether she was single or not. Emily might be good for him too, but that'd be mixing the two businesses again which might not be such a good thing with the hissy fits that Jack was thowing my way lately.

Julie poked my arm and gave me a sour look. "You weren't listening, were you?" she asked, slightly annoyed.

I sighed. "Sorry, hon, no... was still thinking about stuff with Pete."

Julie smiled some. "I was asking whether you'd come up with anything."

I chuckled softly. "I was thinking of giving him one Rottweiler we got that night you were along for the ride... but now I don't rightly know whether or not that would be a good idea or not."

"Oh," she looked a little down. "Any other ideas?" she asked.

"Well," I shrugged some. "I was going through women I knew in my head, but could only come up with two "maybe"s, if that, since... well, I'm not exactly Mr. Playboy with women... not with all else I have fun with." I winked and Julie blushed.

"You really think a lot of him, don't you, hon?" she asked.

I nodded. "Yeah, and not just for what I can get out of it. He's a good man... quite good. He's not gotten downtrodden by the job thus far, but every man has his breaking point. I'd just rather he not do anything too foolish if he were to get depressed about it all." I sighed a bit.

Julie frowned and snuggled to me. "You'll think of something, I'm sure. You always do."

I chuckled. "Not always, but quite often I do."

"And you'll figure out a way to save that dog, too, right?" she prodded again, prompting me to laugh.

"You're wanting her and you've not even seen her yet." I chuckled.

"Hey... give me a little credit." Julie poked me in the ribs. "I know what you like, and if you like her then I'm sure I'd like her."

I pondered as I smiled. "Well... you might have to fight Zack for her, hon. He was kind of interested too, but we'll see how that goes since Bubba is his first dog."

* * * * *

I'd pondered what to do with Pete the whole night... well, as much as I was awake for, anyway. While I drained the tanks and boiler of the Case, then backed her into the shed, while I fed all the critters their dinners, while I absent-mindedly chatted with Julie over the night's regular "what do we watch now" stuff... and even while I lay in bed with her, Ghost curled atop the sheets behind my legs while I cuddled with Julie, Wendy in front of her. I even thought about what to do while I worked my way through the endless reams of paperwork back at the office, Julie having dropped me and Christina off in the morning before running some errands of her own.

A knock on my door interrupted my split thinking. "Kommen sie!" I called out as usual.

In walked Pete and flumped in the opposite chair after shutting the door behind him. I burst out laughing, causing him to look up curiously. "What?"

I just shook my head. "Didn't expect to see you down here today, especially today. Something wrong?"

Pete grumbled and rolled up his sleeve. "Give me a hand with this again, will ya?" he grumbled with a smile as the halfass bandage job was apparent.

"When did you last de-goo?" I asked, getting up and heading to the washroom.

"Couple hours ago. Hurts like hell when I do that, but then feels a fuck of a lot better after I squeeze all the crap out. How much longer is this gonna last?" he whined a bit as he followed. Not genuine complaint but just general irritation.

I led him to the sink and undid the bandage and then the gauze pads. I could see that indeed the wounds were draining nicely though puffed up significantly from the tissue irritation and minor infection. "Want something to numb this up, or just do it?" I asked with genuine concern.

"Just do it... I know it'll hurt some but it'll be ok." Pete grumbled some and I grabbed some paper towels and squeezed. He grunted as each semi-sealed puncture popped to let its stream of pus out, which I carefully wiped up.

"These aren't so terribly bad, but I know they're bothersome... at least a week of this, but it'll reduce each time you blow the crap out of them, or flexing your arm opens them up for the goo to get out. Healing from the inside out works best with this stuff and if you're good about it there won't be any scars." I commented as I folded some paper napkins and used them in place of the gauze pads, then re-wrapped the pressure bandage reasonably lightly.

Pete flexed his arm a couple times and smiled as I washed the goo drippings down the sink. "Feels better, thanks Jim."

I chuckled. "So what brings you down here besides the wounded wing needed some care?" I asked as we went back to the main part of my office.

"Oh... I've been thinking. You know how you said I needed something to give a shit about?" he asked, flopping back down.

I nodded as I sat down in my seat. "Yeah... I've been thinking a bit about you myself this past while. Actually since yesterday afternoon."

Pete looked at me curiously. "Really?"

I chuckles. "Sure! You're a good friend and a good man so... why wouldn't I get concerned when you're in a bind?"

Pete shrugged and smiled a bit. "Well.. I've come to the conclusion that you're right. That I do need someone or something around."

I smiled. "Any ideas on who's the lucky man, woman, or vinyl inflatible?" I asked, garnering a one-fingered salute from the ACO.

"I've..." Pete frowned some. "I don't really date. Can't really... How do you tell a woman you're upset because you just killed something? And not just ONE something but SEVERAL somethings. I mean... that ain't right, y'know?" I merely frowned and nodded some. "And for a dog... how do I choose? I mean... right now there's 64 at the shelter right now... not counting holds. A couple more just came in for quarantine for bites on people... a couple little yap-dogs and one Jack Russel terrorist. Those I don't mind about so much but... " he sighed.

"Something worrisome come in?" I asked, then furrowed my brow. "Waitaminute... it's Sunday."

"He was tied to the entry door with an envelope shoved in the crack - this old geezer Shepherd mix. White muzzle hair. Overweight. Just... not done yet but nothing anyone would really want." Pete frowned.

I chuckled softly. "You know that's not entirely true, Pete. But yeah, I know the statistics on Senior dogs in shelters. Don't rightly agree with them sometimes, but.. I know. Just like black dogs."

Pete looked to me curiously, then frowned and nodded. "I just dunno anymore."

"Well... what if _I_ found a dog for you... would that help some?" I asked.

Pete thought a bit. "Yeah... it'd change things a little, but... like... what do I do when I'm down here? It's not like I'm home so very much y'know. That and work drags me out at all hours any day of the week sometimes."

I pondered. "Remind me... do you own your own home, or rent, or what?" I asked.

Pete shrugged. "I've got a trailer down in Rolling Meadows on the edge of town, but... it's not really home. There it's the neighborhood, or... lack thereof. Those that bothered to know me know I'm not out after their pets, but the rest seem to shy away anytime I'm around like I'm just waiting to spring on them or something. It's... I dunno. It's like everything's not-quite-right and I don't really know what to change or anything so it's better." Pete grumped. "Was easier when I was in the Army as then I'd have someone telling me what to do, when to do it, and I didn't have to worry about other shit."

"That kinda stuff comes with the badge. I remember from my days before... so there's not much that could be done about that if they're not wanting to get to know you." I tilted my head a bit. "You just have to live somewhere within the county, right?" I asked.

Pete looked at me with a curious expression. "Why? Yeah... I... could live just about anywhere, I guess. But... where would I go? It's not like I've saved up lots to buy a place or would even have the time to maintain it if I did."

I smiled a bit, an idea forming in my head. Pete noticed. "Uh oh.... I know that look."

I chuckled. "You should know it by now. What's your lot rent up there?"

The ACO looked at me curiously. "Why?"

I smiled broadly. "Indulge me. I..... just might have an idea."

Pete shrugged. "About $450 a month, sewer included. I gotta pay for natural gas, incoming water, and electric... well, and phone and internet and that sorta shit. Why?"

I chuckled. "Just wondering, Pete. Just wondering."

Pete looked at me, studying me. "Should I be concerned?"

I smiled and shook my head. "Naw... not about that." I pondered. "Different subject... or at least slightly. Did you have a good night out there with us on Friday?"

Pete leaned back and smiled, petting Christina's head as she put it in his lap. "Yeah... apart from the bad dream, it's the best time I've had in a long time." He frowned some. "It's like... you and Jim and Julie are the only real friends I have."

I smiled. "That happens sometimes, with your job. But you've got other friends that you don't know about. Not necessarily the kind that we three are... " I chuckled. "Partners in crime. But... you've got folks that like ya, Pete, and don't think otherwise. Becky at the shelter, probably a couple dozen folks whose dogs you've returned to them after some unfortunate stupidity." I chuckled. "The ones you let slide about things even though you probably shouldn't."

Pete smiled. "Yeah... I guess you're right. Still doesn't make some stuff any easier.... like that Shep mix."

I pondered. "You process the Shep in yet?"

Pete shook his head. "No... I started filling out the paperwork but then got one of the yap-dog calls. Why?"

I pondered. "Think he'd be good for another couple years?"

Pete shrugged. "He's old but... dunno. Why? You've got... Should I just get some more Tylenol right now?" Pete joked.

I chuckled. "No... no need." I thought for a bit. "Got a change of clothes with you? Civvies, perhaps?"

Pete looked instantly confused. "Yeah... why?"

"You're not on duty, right?" I asked.

Pete shook his head. "No... Not right this minute."

I smiled. "Have a Sunday off! Hang out here, if you don't mind watching me work, or head back to my place and snuggle with some furballs."

Pete smiled. "Mind if I lounge here?"

I chuckled. "Not one bit, so long as I can work... Jack's not going to be in today... may as well enjoy yourself while you can."

"Thanks, Jim... for everything." Pete smiled as he slouched more in the chair.

"Hey... what are friends for? I mean, besides getting you out of jams every so often, or perhaps getting you INTO jams every so often." I winked as I turned back to my computer and the paperwork I was doing.

"Bastard..." Pete chuckled softly as he relaxed slumping further into the seat.

* * * * *

I went through my usual routines of working on stuff punctuated by periodic checking at the cathouse and commentary there. I'd ducked over to the main office to get Pete a volunteer application and had him fill it out. Since no one was on duty there I signed it myself, as Head Keeper, and that allowed him to tail me throughout the facility. He just hung around when I started talking about the Cats to the folks milling about during a couple of my checks on the cathouse, and after one, when we were back at the office he commented "You sure know a lot about a lot of things, don't ya?"

I chuckled, "Well... short answer is "yes, I do"... but that happens now and again. I just learned the answers to whatever questions wandered through my head, and it's served me well over the years."

Pete lounged in the chair again. "And here I don't know diddly-squat."

I laughed aloud at that. "Pete... you apparently don't realize just how much you know, or how much you've learned. You just don't have the ability to throw it out there as fast as I do, but don't use me as a guideline... I'm abnormal for that, among some other abilities, so... don't try to compare yourself to me, Pete, it'd not work out too well."

Pete shrugged. "I just dunno sometimes. It's like... you always come up with something I'd never thought about even remotely."

I shrugged to. "That's fine. Imagine me trying to do your job? Wouldn't work well at all for me. Not without someone like how I am backing me up, or someone like Julie to lean on. Or better than Julie." I just shook my head. "I couldn't do your job anywhere near as long as you have." I sighed "I just couldn't."

Pete frowned some. "Yeah, I suppose I've been doing it a fair bit longer than most folks could have, or would have."

I winked. "At least you have help to relieve your conscience now and again." I then chuckled as Christina lay her head on Pete's lap again.

He chuckled and fuzzled her. "Yeah... I guess there's that, too." His brow furrowed some. "I think I'll regret asking, but whatcha want with that old Shep?"

I shrugged "I don't know... I have nothing in mind specifically. I suppose you could put him on the lines and see how he'd do."

Pete waffled some at that. "Most of the folks who come through look for something young... puppies especially. They rarely stay a week, if that." he looks curious. "You... have something halfway in mind?"

I nodded. "For that, and for your other conundrum."

Pete canted his head. "Wh... you mean the dog for me?"

I nodded. "Maybe... or maybe at least just a change of scenery." I furrowed my brow. "Think the park would let you sublet your trailer? Or......." My eyebrows raised, and a grin spread across my face.

"Uh-oh.... Tylenol time?" Pete inquired.

"How many bedrooms to your place?" I asked.

Pete shrugged. "It's a double-wide, so there's three bedrooms... why? Whatcha got thinking?"

I smiled "You're going to advertize for a couple roommates... $300 apiece for a bedroom with house privileges... I can get someone to write you up a contract with no parties and other non-bullshit points. That'd cover your housing expenses there, wouldn't it?"

Pete pondered for a bit. "Well... yeah... My bills don't really run that much, so with lot rent, that'd be... like... getting $25 a month in addition to the bills on the trailer itself. But I still don't follow what you're thinking of."

I chuckled "I was hoping you wouldn't... but yeah... I've got a bit of a "vacation" idea, if I can swing it, but.... you'd need to keep your present address as YOUR present address, lest there be questions."

Pete looked curious. "What kinda.... Wait! No! Don't tell me!" he started waggling his finger at me and winced at the sudden movement of his sore arm and scrunched his nose.

"Oh, shuttup... you'll like it. Besides, you're coming home with me for supper whether you like it or not!" I demanded with a smile.

Pete just shook his head. "What am I getting myself into?"

I grinned broadly "As me no questions and I'll tell you no lies..."

Pete just groaned, "Oh, brother...."

* * * * *

As we got home Julie looked curious as Pete followed me in the front door, the gaggle of dogs milling about because of both the new visitor and the estrus Saint. I let Christina upstairs and shut her in the playroom before fuzzing Cleo on my way back down. Julie already had the pizzas out of the boxes and started heating the oven. I gave her a peck on the cheek. "Hope you don't mind that I invited Pete over for dinner."

Julie smiled. "Nope, not since you BROUGHT dinner." she kissed my cheek in return. I turned to Pete. "Wanna help me feed?" I asked.

Pete shrugged. "Different from up at the shelter, but I'll help."

I winked to Julie as we went out to the mudroom and the freezers there, giving Washington a fuzzle on our way past.

"He seems to be getting better." Pete observed as I loaded a couple 5-gallon buckets with frozen chickens for the Cats, and a stack of bowls with various meats and mixes for the bears and the yenas. The aardwolves got a combination of ketchup, cornmeal and whole-wheat flour, and a bit of cooked ground beef. The ketchup mimics the acetic acid in the bodies of small insects, the rest for protein and fiber. Pete looked at it curiously as I explained it all to him.

"Oh... that makes kinda sense." he said. "So... there's no real meal for them that you can buy?" he asked as we walked out to the tent.

"Well... some places feed their aardwolves ground catfood, but that's high-protein. Bill said this is what his liked so I'm not inclined to change it. It's a bit more pasty than what I'd really like to see but it's what they're used to. Then again, the species does eat larvae and grubs so there IS that too. More water in grubs than in termites." I pondered aloud as we started feeding, Cats first as Jasmine strafed the fence for attention and pettings while I chucked the chickens on their final flight through the air. Larry and Terry were milling about as Pete did the same for them, the frozen poultry cleared of the baggies of gizzards and such, which the wolves would get when they thawed out, and the insides dusted with a vitamin, mineral, and amino acid powder to supplement what was missing feeding just poultry.

Then were were inside the tent feeding the bears, the other cats. "So... like helping out here?" I asked. That garnered a befuddled look from the ACO.

"Well... yeah, I guess." Pete smiled some as he pitched a chicken into the cage with Ike and Tina. "At least with these I don't have to worry about them or... well... count the days, y'know?"

"I know... and I can only guess what a toll it takes on you." I pondered. "That Angela still working there... you know, the petunia?" I asked, setting the bowls of mix in on opposite ends of the aardwolves' cage, as they're solitary foragers in nature, disinclined to allow another aardwolf near its food, apart from cubs coming along to learn.

Pete chuckled. "No... she quit the other week. We got a different girl in now, Jessica, but I know her folks... longtime supporters of the Shelter and she's wanting to work her way through vet tech school. So I know she's not spying on me."

I smiled "Good!"

Pete looked concerned. "Should I be worried you liked that answer?"

I grinned at him. "Should I chalk that paranoia up to being a character flaw?" I winked. "How come you think I have some ulterior motive in everything I do?"

Pete thought for a moment. "Because most of the time you do?" he replied.

I was setting out the bowls for the 'yenas as I pondered that. "Well... even if that were true, doesn't it typically work out in your favor when it involves you?" I quipped back.

Pete shrugged. "I guess it does, all in all... so... I suppose it's all good." His buckets were empty so he just joined me as I let Squeaker out and quickly slid the other bowls in, scattering them about a bit so the others could feed a bit more peacably. Squeaker, for her part, had a ball gnarming the bone-in beef chunk her bowl contained. Pete was petting Squeaker, who yipped at first but then started her low growl as she merrily munched away, the others yipping, squeaking and beating on each other over the meat chunks. I started chuckling. "What?" Pete asked.

"Oh... nothing. If I didn't know you any better, I'd think you were having fun." I winked, grinning broadly. Pete just gave me a one-fingered salute.

* * * * *

"So... Jim said you have a deaf white dog up at the shelter. What's she like?" Julie interjected in the middle of us all munching pizza.

Pete looked at me. "Really? Who DOESN'T know about her yet?" he asked, slightly irritated but good-naturedly.

I thought for a bit. "Jim Bridger, Jack, Chet, um.... Joe? Paul, my neighbor with the pigs... um...."

"Ok, ok...." Pete smiled, shaking his head. "I suppose the whole world doesn't know quite yet."

"I was wondering... I just..." Julie seemed unable to find the words she was wanting.

Pete looked to her, then to me, and then stared at his plate and sighed. "I guess I can't leave that place no matter where I sit down at."

I patted him on the shoulder. "Hey... that comes with the job. Julie will tell you my mind's never far from the zoo and this place, no matter where I'm at, who I'm with, or what I'm doing at the moment."

Pete looked to me and sighed. "I just wish...."

I smiled "You wish the bad parts wouldn't follow you around so much... right?"

Pete nodded and Julie looked down at her plate... I tapped her knee under the table with the tip of my boot. "Hey... perk up hon. We both know what you're wanting and why you're asking."

Now it was Pete's turn to look ashamed. "I didn't mean it like that, Julie. I just... It just reminds me of all that's fucked up with what I do for a job. And.... things I wish were different, that I could do different without all the headaches and stress and worry and all the other bullshit that comes along with....." he smirked a bit "... certain things I don't necessarily know about."

Julie looked up and giggled. "I'm sorry, Pete... I didn't mean to... I mean I really wish.... Oh...., futz!" She was scrambling for words again and we both chuckled at her final selection.

"Hon... I know I should probably ask you first in private but... I got something in mind about some things....." I commented, smiling broadly.

"Uh oh.... Tylenol time for me?" Pete asked.

I just playpunched his shoulder. "Goofball. How would you like to spend your off time out here with us?"

Pete looked surprised, and Julie even moreso. "You mean... have him... move in?" she asked.

"In a way..." I replied.

"But... No, Jim. That wouldn't be right what with you and Julie and....... Visiting is one thing, but staying here..." Pete started stammering.

I chuckled "You two both worry too much." That got a confused look from both.

"Pete... knowing you, and that you're never out drinking or partying much... you should have probably... 3 grand in the bank, or thereabouts?" I smiled.

Pete nodded "A fair bit more than that. You're right in that I do spend money but nowhere near as much as some other folks do. Why?" Julie looked curious as well.

I smiled broadly. "It's the down-end of the year... I think it's time Pete bought himself a nice camper, and I know just the campground to park it at, too." Now both continued to look confused so I continued explaining. "You're right, Pete, that it would be rather awkward having you in the house here with Julie and I and.... everything else we have here. Especially if someone were to come looking for you. However... If you were to occasionally stay in a camper parked in the scalehouse....... That'd be a different ballgame altogether. It's a locked building, so no one would ever just come barging in, if you were to find a *koff* date?" I chuckled and Pete smiled broadly and chuckled as well. Julie just blushed. "It would also mean that you could have a dog or two or three and not have to worry about it when you're stuck out somewhere, get called out for something or whatever... Julie and I would be around to let it out or feed it or whatever. You'd have to keep your trailer as your primary address for folks looking for you, but you'd be reachable on your cell or radio when you're down here any which way so it's not like you'd be out of touch... And... you'd be with friends you can yabble to when you have one of the bad days. Or I have to squeeze pus out of some body part or another." I winked and Pete burst out laughing.

"Well... that does all sound... like a plan you'd have, Jim. What the heck... might as well." Pete smiled.

I looked to Julie. "That's IF you don't mind, hon. It's up to you if you like the idea or not since.... you live here too."

Julie thought for a bit, then smiled. "I was... wondering just what would happen when we have some special time together, Jim... whether Pete would... pop in."

Pete laughed. "I'll make sure to knock first!" he winked, at which Julie giggled. "I'll just see how it goes, but... Jim's right in that it'd get me out of living alone, but still have my privacy too in case I do find someone I think I could tolerate for a night or three. And he'd mentioned finding me a dog... but there were issues about whether I'd be home or whatever at any given point since I do work odd hours, long hours and get called out at any time day or night most times." Pete rolled his head a bit. "And I HAVE been spending more time with you two anyway, so.... what the heck... at least I'd have a camper out of the deal for next year when the weather's better."

Julie smiled and I winked to Pete. "Just don't get too suspicious if Julie and I go out to party alone two nights a month, ok?"

Julie looked at me confused for a moment, and Pete just laughed. "No problems, Jim... I might happen to accidentally leave some paperwork on the kitchen table now and again too. You know those campers aren't that big for laying out a lot of papers at once."

I smiled "Well.. if you do that, then you can use the excuse you always wanted to in High School... "the dog peed on my homework"." At which we all laughed and Pete visibly relaxed for the first time all day.

* * * * *

"Do you really want me to set up here with you guys?" Pete asked in between the nightly news and picking out movies for the evening.

"You mean tonight, or for a good spell?" I asked as Julie brought out some cookies and glasses of soda.

"I mean your idea about the camper and that all.... you sure about it Jim? I mean... Hell, apart from the dogs and the occasional whatever to be darted, I've not known you terribly long at all." Pete started waffling a bit.

I smiled "Pete... you're a good man, and I'm glad to know you any which way. You need a break from your crap, and... well, it's not like I don't have space for a camper here. It'd be fully self-contained with a dumper, shower, kitchen, and everything so you could see us if you like or not see us if you like. You get along with Cleo and the waggers here... even Washington... so... apart from the minor privacy issues and the potential inquiry matters.... I'd rather you stay down here and have the opportunity to sort through things than to stay stuck in the same routine that's currently making you miserable."

"That goes for me too," Julie said. "I didn't know Jim so very long before he invited me out here and I just sorta... stayed."

I chuckled. "And I let you..." I commented to Julie as she snuggled up to me, then I turned to the ACO. "But, really Pete... I wouldn't have thought that much about it, let alone offered, if I wasn't reasonably sure about it all. The only thing I can see possibly going wrong is your job versus our... extracurricular activities REGARDING your job. But that'd be headed off mostly by keeping your address as it is and just getting roommates, and since you don't have to log mileage on the dog truck. If you had to log mileage that'd complicate things some."

Pete nodded, considering things. "Well... officially I'm supposed to, but realistically they let it slide so that I can respond to things quicker than if I had to go to the Shelter and trade out vehicles. My argument was that bouncing from one end of the county to the Shelter and back is a real time-killer if it's something important, and they agreed. Especially when it's response time on some really important emergency call."

I smiled. "So you think you'd like to spend some time out here?" I asked as Julie flipped through the movie guide binder.

Pete smiled and leaned back in the armchair. "I.... think I could get used to this." We all laughed.

"Any thoughts on what you'd like to watch as a movie?" I asked as Christina climbed up into my lap, with Noble sniffing her rump before she sat it down on my leg.

"I dunno... got anything... military?" Pete asked.

"Yearning for your yesteryears, Private Jackson?" I asked.

Pete smiled and sighed happily. "Sorta... I guess I'm not really cut out for living alone. With you... it's kinda like I'm back in the Army with a friendly Sergeant I used to have. He was certainly in command, but when not out on drill or anything, it was though we were the best friends that could be. He stayed for another tour and I took my discharge. He was a great guy to be around, that's for sure."

I chuckled. "You ever think you'd end up like this after you mustered out?" I asked.

Pete shook his head. "Never in a million years, but... you certainly help make it easier, Jim. You sure do. And you too, Julie." He smiled in her direction.

I pondered. "How about some Hogan's Heroes?" I asked as Pete lifted Wendy into his lap, and Ghost curled between the chair and the ottoman he was using as a footrest.

"That works for me... I could use a good laugh." Pete smiled, as Julie looked up the disc numbers.

* * * * *

"That was really sweet of you, Jim" Julie smiled, giving my hand a squeeze as I sat on end edge of the bed, pondering things as I prepared for bed, Pete sacking out on the couch again... or maybe in front of it yet again.

I chuckled softly as I set the DVD player running some Modern Marvel episodes. "Pete's a good fellow... he really just needs time to sort things out and settle himself about.... stuff." I smiled. "There was a time or three in my life I had to do similarly... extricate myself from the current irritations and figure out just what direction I wanted to head, whether that would be different than the path I was on or not. Sometimes I stuck with the whatever after settling myself, sometimes I headed off a different direction. All depended upon what was pestering me and what I could do about it."

Julie looked a bit concerned and I chuckled. "Nothing much like he's going through right now, hon.... not with the killing and all. But I've had my share of jobs that drove me up one wall, across the ceiling, and down the other without stopping to ask for directions." I chuckled and winked, causing her to smile some. "Or people I had to work WITH." I chuckled softly, remembering some of the real "winners" I had dealt with over the years.

"Or still have to?" Julie smirked.

I rolled my eyes. "Thanks for reminding me..." I gave her ass a pinch and she snuggled Wendy as we settled in to sleep. I sighed, pondering what might await me the coming day at work. I scrunched my nose and snuggled in closing my eyes and letting my mind drift off to better things.