I pulled up to an old style motel, hoping they'd allow Alejo inside with me. I roll my shoulders, then I rolled down the window a bit so Alejo would have some air while the car was off. I kissed his snout and chuckled when he licked my cheek.
I smile and walk in the lobby of the motel, humming softly.
"Welcome to Best Western.".
"Do you allow pets," I ask.
"We allow service animals.".
I nodded slowly, feeling a little hurt, then my mind went to the two sets of dog tags under my shirt. I wasn't about to leave Alejo outside in a hot car, but I didn't want him discriminated against.
I curled my left hand into a fist when I felt it shaking. I turned around and went back to the car, opening the door and giving Alejo a hug. He returned it with his two front paws perched against my shoulders.
"I'll find us a place to stay, Alejo," I whispered to him, "one we'll both feel like we belong in.".
"Excuse me, Miss," the lady from the front desk asks.
I jump a little and lock eyes with her, mentally cursing for my voice being shaky, "Y-yes?".
"Is this beautiful Belgian Malinois your service animal or comfort animal," the lady asked me.
"Yes," I say, rubbing Alejo's face.
"Then he can come in.".
I hook Alejo's leash to his vest, then I softly clicked my tongue at him. Alejo hops out of the car and sits at my feet as I grab my bags. He wagged his tail, then he grabbed his own little bag.
The lady from the desk led us inside and I signed for a room, hoping the neighbors in the rooms beside me were silent or respected sleep. Alejo whined softly, pawing at my leg.
I shook my head at Alejo and crouched down, "You can jump on the bed soon.".
Alejo wagged his tail at me, then he trotted beside me as I walked to room 107. I opened the door and step in, soon letting Alejo off his leash. He patrolled around the room as I laid down his puppy pads and his bowls.
I then filled his bowls with food and water before laying on my back. I closed my eyes for a moment before I decided to drive around town.
Alejo lazily looked up at me, then he wagged his tail slowly. It was his way of saying I'd be okay on my own for an hour or two, but I could tell he wanted to come with me.
I change, then head back put to my car with Alejo.
Can anything go wrong tonight?