Chapter One: Mongrels Are Not Befitting A Lady

I really thought I'd only be dealing with five dogs today. I mean, there's no way I'd ever complain about how many dogs I take care of, but I just can't figure out why there are so many. Normally it's only around five or so, but now there's just so many... I simply shrugged and continued walking through the park, trying to arrive at the dog section without stumbling too hard over my own feet. Gracefulness was definitely not in my genetic code. I didn't really care about the looks of pity or disbelief I received from various passersby, though I can't say I wasn't relieved when I finally reached the fenced off area and allowed the canines freedom. Neatly folding the fourteen leashes, I sat on one of the many benches meant for pet owners. Even though the wind was soft, my hair gave way easily and fluttered mercilessly in my face until I gave in and put it up in a pony tail.
Peaceful. Just the way I enjoyed my days. Many people thought that dog care taking was hectic and probably insane, especially with how many dogs I normally took in one day, but I would have to disagree. The only reason my job would be hectic would be if the dogs didn't listen and that was certainly never the case for me.
I lovingly watched all of the dogs play together, occasionally someone else's companion trotting over to say hello to the group. I quietly pulled out my book and began reading, my mind at ease regarding the dogs. Suddenly, however, someone sat next to me and normally that wouldn't have been a problem, I enjoy talking to people, but this person made my skin shiver with something, though it wasn't fear or uncertainty but rather mystery and curiosity. I chanced a glance over and had to suppress a surprised gasp. What a beautiful man! He had such long silver hair that was pulled back into a low ponytail, tied off with an old fashioned hair cloth. He had such enchanting golden eyes which, upon following their direction, were fixed upon two Retriever puppies, one golden, the other black. Unfortunately, I apparently lingered my glance for too long, as he slowly turned his gaze to me. I quickly looked back at my book, feeling his eyes burning into me.
"Why do you care for so many mongrels? They're not befitting a lady," he murmured smoothly and suddenly, eyes tracing my body without a hint of embarrassment.
I rubbed my arm where my banded tattoo lie, used to people belittling me for it. "Mongrels? Well, that's not fair," I mumbled. "I don't consider any dog a mongrel. It's such a... poorly-thought of term," I murmured.
"But I do not use the term incorrectly. You willingly choose to be around filth?"
"They're not filth," I said a little more harshly than I first intended. "There's no such thing regarding dogs and puppies alike, however humans are an entirely different story," I growled, standing and shoving my book in my purse. The dogs lined up for me so that I could attach their leashes.
"Hey, you run that doggy daycare called Chance, right, young lady?" an older woman inquired, coming up to me while holding a Yorkie.
I nodded, offering a small smile. "Ah, what gave it away?" I chuckled.
"Actually it was your demeanor, the way you so expertly handled those dogs," she said fondly. "I've heard great things about you. I'm afraid that my children want me to go to a nursing home soon and well, I just have no one to look after my baby, Yorkshire," she sighed sadly. "I've also heard rumor that you... take in orphaned dogs?"
I nodded. "I would be more than willingly to look after her when you are unable to," I responded.
"She's... she's not long for this world, so she won't be much of a bother. I don't have much, but I can pay-"
"Nonsense. That would unfair of me. Besides, she would never be a problem anyways. She'll be welcomed into the family as if she were my own."
"Would it be a problem should I wish to come visit my Yorkshire?" she murmured softly.
"Of course not," I smiled happily. "If you let me know where you end up, I'll drive her over myself."
"Ah, you're such a sweet young lady! Here is my number and since I can get yours online, I will definitely be contacting you shortly. Thank you so much, my dear. Oh yes, forgetful me... My name is Agatha Johnson."
"And mine is Remy," I said lightly and watched her leave with her yapping Yorkie.
I gave everyone a treat for sitting so still and quiet before turning and leaving. Several times I was aware of people taking pictures of my and the dogs, but I really didn't care. The more they spread the word, the more business I receive. I just decided if I left it alone it would be okay, in any case. Upon arriving home, however, a certain someone was sitting on my door step, doing homework.
"You know you're not supposed to be here if you have homework to do," I lightly chastised the college freshman.
"Woah! Hey! Didn't even hear you," she laughed nervously, gathering her books and shoving them into her bag. "Sorry, it's just that Sota has a bunch of his friends over and it's hard to study with all that noise," Kagome murmured, opening the door for me once I handed her me keys.
"Well, I suppose that's fine then," I murmured calmly, releasing the dogs so that they could move about freely. "How's school going, anyways?"
"Oooh, it'd be going way better if Inuyasha wouldn't drag me every where," she grumbled, setting her bag on my dining room table.
"Oh yeah? And why might he be going that?"
"I don't know, but Hojo thinks we're more than friends and obviously we're not, I'm mean why would we be? He's so annoying," she rambled. "I mean, I don't think we could ever be more than friends. Not that I would want to! He's crude and rude and totally selfish! Hojo, on the other hand is so much better! He's nicer and more thoughtful and-"
"Are you dating Hojo?"
"Well... no..."
"Well, if you think so highly of the boy, maybe you should," I suggested, quirking an eyebrow.
"You know what? Maybe I will," she huffed, crossing her arms.
I chuckled lightly. "Just make sure that's what you really want, yeah?" I murmured, calmly heading over to start doing the dishes. "Kagome? Would you mind feeding the dogs? I'll be out in a moment to help, but in the mean time their separate foods are in containers and labeled there on the counter," I murmured, nodding my head to the pile of various containers and baggies.
"Sure thing!" she agreed eagerly, getting straight to it. "Is Shippo coming over?"
"Not today. He's seeing a new foster family," I mumbled, trying to hide my sadness.
"You come you haven't just adopted him by now?" she inquired, glancing over warily.
"The system has been fighting me. I didn't want to tell Shipping in case things went sour," I sighed lightly. "I don't want to get his hopes up,' I mumbled.
"Why is it so hard for you to adopt?" Kagome asked, concerned.
I paused for only a second before I simply continued putting the dishes away. It was hard for me to talk to anyone bout, even Kagome...
"Do you want to stay for dinner?" I murmured quietly, glancing over at her.
"Sure, if it's okay with you," she replied happily. "Ugh, did I tell you about how Inuyasha totally interrupted my history 101 class the other day?"
She had, but I told her that she hadn't and to continue. I listened to her ramble angrily about that incident and several incidents before hand about how Inuyasha is always interrupting her classes or her studying or just about anything else, only to show her something simple or stupid. I smiled lightly as frustration turned into annoyance, and then into delight. A soft smile soon appeared on her own face. When she slowly stopped talking, I chuckled lightly.
"Are you sure it's Hojo you want?" I inquired almost playfully, eyebrow quirked as I dried my hands to help her.
"What? Of course! Not like there's really else that I have in mind," she mumbled, laughing nervously. "Is this it for food?"
I nodded. "The rest are allowed to have regular dog food," I murmured calmly.
On our way out back, I paused upon seeing the same man from the dog park watching the dogs in the fenced in area. I murmured to Kagome to go on a head while I quietly went over to him.
Noting the dog carrier, I said, "Good afternoon."
"I didn't expect you to be civil after what transpired between us," he commented.
"I don't have time to hold grudges against ignorant people, especially if they're willing to learn," I responded calmly, quirking an eyebrow. I glanced down at the carrier. "Your puppies?"
He nodded slightly. "Ah and Un... purebreds."
"Cute names," I commented, smiling a little bit. "And Retrievers are known to be quite intelligent. You'll have no problems training them, I can assure you that,"
"Actually, I would like you to train my girls," he said suddenly.
I paused once again, thinking it over. "You want your purebreds around my 'mongrels'?" I murmured playfully.
He narrowed his eyes only slightly, but I certainly noticed it. He obviously didn't like the idea, but from the way he was dressed, I could only assume he worked a lot and for most of the day, at a stressful job. Some people can't handle coming home to urine and feces all over the place from untrained dogs and who has time to train puppies if they work all the time?
"Yes," he finally confirmed after a few moments of heavy silence.
I offered a happy smile and nodded.
"How much is payment?"
"Nah, I don't do payment. All I ask is that if you're feeding them different food than what I feed my own dogs, you bring it yourself and without fail. Also, I need to know if they have a feeding schedule oh and their own bowls. Oh yeah, and if they have a walking schedule you'd like to make..." I listed off, counting on my fingers.
"Quite... a lot of work," he murmured. "What food do you use?"
"For puppies I use Feudal Puppy Chow and for adults I used the adult version," I responded.
"Mm... I will bring their food and bowls, as well as their leashes. You can keep them over night, can't you?" he inquired.
I nodded. "Bring them around whenever you're next able," I smiled lightly. "I'll either be here or at the dog park."
He started to speak, however a vibrating sound coming from his pocket stole his attention and he turned as he answered the phone, not saying another word to me as he left.
"Wow... he's so beautiful," Kagome murmured quietly.
I let out a soft chuckle and simply shrugged. "Looks don't make up for such a brash personality," I mumbled.
"reminds me of someone," she murmured distractedly.
I just shook my head, smile still playing at my lips as I distributed the food to the hungry dogs. Several water sources, chew toys, dog houses and plastic fire hydrants were spread throughout the yard. It really was dog heaven. Kagome brought out her homework to finish it up at the picnic table out in the fenced in area. I, too, brought out one of the college books I read in my spare time. As my mother always said, knowledge never hurt anyone, so I've taken up buying college books to read. Most of the time, I've taken a liking to law books, but right now I was reading a premed book.
"So, why did you say he didn't have to pay?"
"The same reason why no one else has to pay," I responded calmly, turning a page.
"Hm... sure did _seem _like he had the money," she mumbled.
"Kagome, you _know _I didn't start this for the money. You _know _I don't really need it," I snorted lightly. "Just because someone looks like they have money, doesn't necessarily mean they do, by the way."
"But he's... such a jerk..."
"So is Inuyasha, but you willingly hang out with him nevertheless," I pointed out, smirking lightly up at her.
"Ah, well that's- that's different!" she grumbled, crossing her arms and looking away.
"In any case, what do you want for dinner?" I murmured.
"Oh I was hoping you could make that excellent salad and rice balls that you do!" she suggested eagerly.
I nodded. "Of course I can," I smiled lightly. "I'll go get it started," I murmured, standing up and heading inside.
Quiet. It was quiet. I sighed gently and thought about the beautiful man. I never caught his name... I smiled lightly once again. This ought to be interesting.