Congratulations Bobby on figuring out what all of us already knew...now go get her!!!!!

The next day Tara stared at herself in the mirror. She considered herself to be plain and uninteresting and also now a future dog owner. Excitement burred within her as she draped the way too long scarf that she had knitted around her neck and slipped on her multicolour mittens.

It did not take too long for Tara to reach her destination. Entering the empty reception area she was hit by the scent of dog and cat mingled together. She found it soothing as she tugged off her mittens. In the distance she could hear the sounds of dogs. She placed her mittens on the high counter top and suddenly squealed and jumped back 2 feet before laughter took over in a big way. There facing her over the top of the counter was a large English golden laborder, broad and very stocky with a happy face and sparkling eyes. Who was looking at her with the question on its face of, ‘can I help you?’

She found herself reaching out and stroking the ridge of its nose and it’s silky soft ears. It closed its eyes in delight and allowed it tongue to lap with enjoyment. Giggles erupted within Tara as she spent several blissful minutes pampering this beast of love. When a voice from the back spoke, “Sorry I didn’t know anyone was here?” and with that the dog jumped down and padded over to it’s ball and started chewing it.

“Hi” replied Tara suddenly feeling nervous. ‘Would they think she was unsuitable to own a dog?’ she felt her insecurities creeping up on her again.
Clearing her throat she managed to speak,

“I am interested in seeing a dog I saw on your website, her name is Zuzu.”

“Ahh ZuZu, let me just arrange that for you.”

A couple of minutes later a woman in scrubs appeared and led Tara to an outdoor enclosure. Several minutes passed when the same lady appeared again but this time not alone but with a shy but tail wagging dog in tow.

Tara crouched down and faced the dog. It had gentle eyes that looked like they pleading to be loved. She knew that look.

“Hey you” she said gently reaching out and touching it’s soft dander.

The vet tec spoke, “ZuZu is a lovable sweet natured dog, who is very gentle and loves to play.”

And with that she rolled over onto her back with her paws up in the air.

Tara still crouching started to tickle her belly where upon her tail started to swish violently as she reached into the massaging fingers.


The two humans held a discussion while Zuzu lapped up the attention she was receiving, ‘was this lady going to be her new mum? She hoped so; she liked the vibe and energy she got from this lady. She was full of fun and affection, just what zuzu was looking for.’

They time was up and Tara gave Zuzu one final pat before watching her go. She felt like crying, she knew instantly that this was the one for her.

Oh -- why can't she take Zuzu home now?????????? I can't bear to think of the poor dog going back into a kennel.

kav

I agree - Zuzu needs to go home with Tara now!!!

Joy

Come on Tara, take Zuzu home with you...she's so cute!

Oh, I have to ditto everyone else. Why can't she take Zuzu home with her? She is perfect for Tara...even has her bubbly personality!

Lynn

How much of a waiting period is resonable before Tara gets approved to take Zuzu home?

That's not fair...they are perfect for each other!!!!!

OK, here goes. I know this isn't going to be the popular opinion, and I'm just as upset as the rest of your readers that Zuzu can't go home with Tara immediately, but I think it's a wise person who carefully considers being a pet owner and has the will power to resist a pair of pleading eyes in order to make sure that this is the animal that "fits" you and that you have what the animal needs. Like, enough space to let a larger animal get the proper exercise, and are you home enough to care for the animal, or can you afford to own him or her. I've known people who fall "in love" with a puppy and then are somehow surprised when that itty bitty fur ball grows into a full grown dog. Duh. I've even known people who have taken their dog to the Humane Society when the dog got too big. Excuse me, you bought a Labrador, you were expecting him to be the size of a Chihuahua?? Arrrrgh. At least they took the dog to the Humane Society and didn't do what a lot of people do... just leave the dog in the middle of nowhere with no one to care for him. Arrrrrghhhhhhh!!!

Sorry, I'll put my soapbox away for now. Partially because I know Tara will make the right decision and really because I know she'll realize she's making a lifetime commitment when she brings Zuzu home.

Tina

PS... After having said all that, I just wanted to add that I know there are legitimate reasons for having to give up a pet. Circumstances change and we can't always control them, but I just wanted to put in a word for responsible pet ownership.

Wish words tina.....


ZuZu yawned as she stretched out in her enclosure. She could gently hear the fall of snow on the roof above as the wintry chill spread throughout the building. Snuggling up into a small ball she rested her head on her old rubber bone and closed her eyes.

So soon she had drifted off to sleep and into the dream world where she found herself happily snuggling up to the petite lady with the bouncy step and equally bouncy hair. Playing out in a meadow, chasing a ball and sniffing out bunnies, to climbing up on the woman’s lap and washing her face with joyous licks. Even in her sleep she found a grin on her face to be found.

Bobby stood on the doorstep pondering on what he was about to say, what excuse he could use for being there at this time at night on a Friday night. As he mumbled to himself the door swung open and a surprised Tara yelp and leapt back clutching her chest.

“Manning, what on earth are you doing here? Is everything okay?”

“Yeah everything’s fine!”

“Good, good. Then why are you here?” she asked as her heart thumped in its sac.

“Emmm” he stuttered before realising she had her jacket on. “Oh are you off someplace?”

“Yeah the supermarket.”

“Oh really fancy some company” he grinned showing his dimples as he dug his sweaty palms deep into his pockets.

Tara held this confused look before answering with a swift nod and, “If you really want to!”

“Cool” he replied stepping aside to let Tara pass.

Tara was glad for the cold snowy wind as it hid her blush spectacular.

Is Tara going after some dog food and supplies? Nice to have Bobby come along with her since he loves dogs too! Now, is something going to happen between the two of them? That is, Bobby and Tara?

Lynn

So, what exactly was Bobby's reasoning for showing up on her doorstep? Something drove him to be there and it's kinda sad that he doesn't even know what it was.

Sigh...what a wonderful addition to grocery shopping...and think of the benefit of having Bobby around to reach things they annoyingly store on the top shelf!

kav

I would have loved to have Bobby go with me last night to the supermarket!! Actually, he can go wherever he wants with me!!! LOL

Now, maybe Tara will tell Bobby about Zuzu and Bobby will go get her!!!

HAPPY NEW YEAR, EVERYONE!!!

Joy

<--------- avatar is in fact the real ZUZU.... maybe you have seen her picture elsewhere say on the owner's avatar....hehehehe. She's my american doggy and my own doggy was very curious about her smell on my clothes when i last came home from the states. She is such a gentle, sweet natured dog who truly loves to snuggle more than anything else and i had the privelge of being there when her owners picked her and collected her from the animal shelter. What a day!!! Well enough said, on with the story!!!





The store was quiet and Christmas tunes hummed quietly over the intercom system. Side by side they entered the warmth of the building. The ride over had been stiffly made up of small talk of no importance. Bobby effectively avoiding being asked the question of why are you here while Tara struggled to stop herself from swooning. The last time they had been together, alone that is outside of work a kiss had happened. A kiss that still consumed her dreams and a touch that would always linger. A kiss that no other could ever match.

Swinging a cart round Bobby looked over at Tara and felt his breath being caught in his throat. She was beautiful. There she was by his side in nothing but tracksuit bottoms and her MIT sweater, her hair hurriedly and loosely piled on the top of her head and never before had she appeared so radiate. He could not draw his eyes away he wanted to stare lovingly at her for an eternity and more.

Tara cleared her throat as she stared at Bobby staring at her. “Do I have something on my face?” she questioned rubbing the corner of her mouth self-consciously.

“What oh no” Bobby stuttered shaking his head and clearing his own throat at the same time. “What do you need?” he asked pushing the trolley slightly ahead and breathing slowly out thru his mouth.

“Doggy stuff!” she replied walking in the general direction of that aisle.

“Doggy stuff?” queried Bobby hurrying after her.

“Yeah” she answered as she started to browse thru the various collars and leads that were available.

“But Tara you don’t own a dog?”

“Not yet but tomorrow I will.”

“Pardon?”

“Her name is Zuzu and she is beautiful. She is so sweet and gentle and is looking for love. Just like me!”

This simple statement caught Bobby heart.

“You getting a dog where from?”

“The shelter. She is only 1 and has never really had a proper home.”

“What type is she?” He asked tossing in some rawhide.

“A vizsla pit bull mix”

“Woo- I have no idea what the first one is but a pit bull. They are a bit mental aren’t there?” he said touching her shoulder gently.


“They are just misunderstood, a little bit like me and a viszla is a Hungarian pointer and are also called Velcro dogs caused they love to snuggle.”

“You are serious here”

“Like the flu” she replied with a broad grin.

Her eyes sparkled with a passion and fire that only once before had Bobby seen and that was the look she had when she was about to have a wonderful experience. Well he hoped it was as wonderful for Tara as it was for him.

“Well do you want company tomorrow?” he asked chucking in a pack of three rubber balls.

“Do you want to come with me when I pick Zuzu up?”

“Well I like dogs and I have nothing to do and..”

“I would love for you to join me and to meet Zuzu.”

“It’s a deal then”

“Deal”

As they headed to the check out with a piled high cart, Tara asked as she rummaged thru her bag.

“why did you come over again I can’t remember?”

Whistling was head as Bobby emptied the cart.

I think its great Bobby is going with her, that way Zuzu gets use to him too )

Looks like Tara might me getting a dog and a guy, all in one day! Whooo Hoooo!

Tina

I love that Bobby is going to go with Tara to get Zuzu!! And, I have to chuckle at the way he keeps sidestepping her question about why he is there!! Bobby, you are going to have to answer that question soon!!!

Joy

Two very cute posts!!!!! I can't wait for more ails!!!!

Bobby and Zuzu all in one day? Sign me up, please!

This is Zuzu dancing for joy! Only one night left in the nasty kennel (no offence Humane Society, I know you do your best) and then she's going to a forever home...and it looks like Bobby and Tara are headed in that direction too.

kav

I think Zuzu looks like the most beautiful dog in the whole wide world. And I think the only connection she has to a pit bull must be in her face... because her temperament seems to be more on the Vizsla/hound side of things. You know... if I really knew her, of course...or something.... *whispers insistently* My baby is NOT a pit bull....

BABS you make me laugh....


The following day came with an icy wind and flurries of crystal snow. Shivering Tara walked out to a grinning Bobby.

“You ready Luv” he asked causing violent shivers of pleasure to pass thru her right down to her numb toes.

“Sure” she replied tugging her hat further down.

“Let’s take my car so that you can be with Zuzu on the ride back.” He suggested holding the passenger side door open for Tara to enter.

“Thank you” she replied grinning up at him. She felt inside heat up as she climbed in. The drive was quiet as Bobby concentrated on the increasing snowfall while Tara watched the flakes twirl and dance on the light breeze. Sighing she leaned her head back.

Bobby watched her from the corner of his eye. Her eyes danced just as much as the snow falling in his headlights. She seemed excited and blissfully happy. He felt honoured to be a part of this event.

In no time they had pulled up into the car park of the shelter. Tara literally bounced out of the car clutching her bag full of the necessities. Bobby couldn’t help but laugh at the sheer excitement she was exhibiting.

Zuzu nose prickled with the familiar scent. She was here the kind lady was back! Her tail started to wag violently as she gave an excited back. Her whole body started to go like a sidewinder.

“Hi” said Tara, “I am here to collect Zuzu.”

“Welcome back. I have the necessary forms for you to fill in.”

15 minutes were spent filling in the boring yet required sheets upon sheets of forms. Finally Tara placed the pen down and grinned up at Bobby.

“Thank you very much. I’ll get someone to bring Zuzu out to you.”

Bobby rested a hand on Tara shoulder and gives it a little squeeze. He felt his own excitement treble just with being beside Tara.

This bundle of joy burst out of the door and with its whole body wagged its way over to Tara and jumped up on her. Tara kneeled down and cuddled the bundle of fur and found herself at the mercy of a wet tongue. Bobby found himself crouching down as well.

Zuzu sniffed the air and found a fun smell that made her happy and when she turned her nose to the source she found a rather large man with a kind face. She placed her paws up on his shoulders and gave him a very wet and warm kiss on his cheek. Giggles and hearty laughter erupted from both the humans.

“I think she loves you,” commented Tara thru the giggles.

“Well what is there not to love?” laughed Bobby.

‘Exactly’ thought Tara as her heart swelled with the delight that was clearly seen between dog and man.

Bobby attached the collar while Tara clipped the lead into place and together the two exited the shelter.

Zuzu looked over her shoulder and watched with a surreal joy the doors closing behind them. She was even more excited, for she was getting two for the price of one to love and adore.

The ride home was comfortable as lady and bitch snuggled up to one another in the back seat of the car.

Zuzu watched the exchange between the humans. She was a smart dog and she could recognise true love in the midst of fog and she was relaxing in the waves and flow of real love that were pouring out of each of them.

Excitingly she pulled Tara up the garden path as she sniffed the snowdrops and inhaled snow as she went. Bobby walked them both up the door.

“Well I had fun.” He honestly admitted.

“Thank you so much for coming”

Zuzu sat patiently watching them both. “Why are we outside and not inside? I really want to see my new home.”

“Bye Tara” Bobby said stepping backwards and heading down the path. Tara pushed her key into the lock.

“Where are you going?” barked Zuzu. “Come back.”

Seeing him reach the kerb beside his car Zuzu tugged on the lead. Tara clung on tightly and found herself speedily racing down the slippery path.

“Bobby” she squealed. Bobby turned around from his car at the exact moment to catch the flying agent and her new dog. Holding the crumpled woman in his arms he smiled down at her partially hat covered face while a dog sat obediently at his heels.

“You okay?” he laughed pushing the hat slightly off her face so as to see the eyes that enticed him with every look. He found himself staring deeply into the eyes and the glow of her rosy cheeks was just begging to be touched. His finger slipped down to her cheek and brushed against the soft skin while a new flurry of snow started to fall.

“You are beautiful,” he said softly as their eyes held onto each other. “May I kiss you?”

Tara blinked back tears of happiness and said in a croaking voice. “Yes please”

He lowered his lips and slowly brought them upon hers. Holding the back of her head he tenderly kissed her with all his heart. The kiss was slow and gentle and highly intoxicating. She pulled herself closer to him and moaned quietly as the kiss deepened. This was real.

Zuzu happily sat there trying to catch snowflakes on the lolling tongue. She was happy! She had someone to love and someone to love her and obvious she was surrounded by love.

Everyone had someone to love…..

FIN



thank you all for reading this...

Awww.... such a sweet ending to a sweet story. Happily ever after endings are my favorite! Which reminds me of a movie I saw recently...

Zuzu was so cute with Bobby!! She's also very smart and managed, in just a short while, to get Tara and Bobby together!!!

I think the three of them are going to make a very happy family!!!

This was wonderful, Ails!! Thanks for sharing!!!

Joy

That was a wonderful read. Elsie and Simba give it a two thumbs...er paws...up. I love the way Zuzu got them together in the end!

kav

That was a lovely ending to a lovely story. The three of them I imagine will be very happy together.

Sairs

1/1 - Page 5 - Post #65 - I'll have to echo Joy...Bobby does a great sidestep dance! But I think he is about to learn a forward-step dance!

And I know Zuzu will fall in love with Bobby!

1/3 - Page 5 - Post #73 - That was a lovely ending to a lovely story. I'm with Babs...I love happy endings and this happy ending in particular!

Lynn

That was so cute!