A couple of days later, Tony and Charity were walking through the local animal shelter. As they walked along the rows of dogs, the animals were vying for their attention. They jumped up and barked, all wanting attention.

The dogs ranged in ages from young pups on up to elderly dogs. Of course, even the elderly dogs seemed to want their attention and were energetic for their ages. Charity stopped in front of the pens and looked at each of the dogs. Towards the end of the row, there was a dog setting in the cage. He wasn't begging for attention, but he looked at her.

He was a German Shepherd. He was probably a couple years old and very calm. He looked at Charity with his big brown eyes, as if he were sizing her up. Charity reached her hand inside the pin and he walked over to her and sniffed her hand. Then he moved his head so that she could scratch his ears.

The worker at the shelter watched the scene. "Bain never lets anybody pet him." He mused.

Charity looked at Tony. "Okay, that settles it, he's the one."

Tony chuckled. "Okay." He agreed.

They signed a few papers and paid for Bain. The shelter gave them a leash, a collar, a toy, and some food. Charity hooked the leash onto him and they led him out to the car. They loaded Bain into the backseat of the car, then they got in the front and Tony drove them home. Bain had his head hanging in the middle of them, leaning his head against Charity.

"Well, I think we know who is favorite is." Tony teased.

Charity grinned. She reached up and stroked the dogs neck. "Hey, dogs and kids just love me."

They soon arrived back home. They walked into the apartment. Charity sat down on the couch and Tony sat down beside her. Bain climbed up and stretched acroos both their laps, his head leaning on Charity.

Charity grinned and scratched his ears. "Whose a good boy?" She spoke to him, smiling.

Tony was happy to see her smiling such a genuine smile. She hadn't smiled much since Damen had attacked her. He was glad that they had Bain. "You know, we should get a bigger place." Tony said.

Charity looked at him. "True. Something with a nice big yard for bain and the baby to play in."

Tony agreed. "So, maybe we should buy a house?"

"Sounds like a plan to me." Charity said. Then she looked at Bain. "What do you think Bain?"

Bain barked in response, then he affectionately licked Charity's cheek.

"It looks like we are house shopping."