14
Connor and Jack went with them glad to see the old place and they soon stood in one of the large dog holding areas, dogs sitting silently waiting for permission to come forward. So controlled and so … lonely.
Maisey stood holding Walter's hand with wide eyes, not having seen obedient doggies like this, more used to mad things form the village. The other kids had realised this was an important something for her, their huge heart and vast brains making them kind enough to say they didn't want to come, knowing they really did made Walter so proud of them.
Jack had brought Hawk, his little buddy who seemed unconcerned about the doggies, more interested in the men with uniforms and stun guns, wanting to know why they didn't have real guns like in the 'fillems' his little voice so cute as he pointed and asked questions.
Jack was well pleased to see Hawk's interest in law enforcement, seeing at least one if his kids maybe heading into that line of work. If Ianto could stomach the thought.
"OK. Moo-Moo. This is important. Doggies are like people, everyone is different and it's sometimes hard to know who to like so … maybe you should ask. Walk along the line of them and see who looks happy to see you too" Connor said softly, watching his niece as she slowly walked the line, glancing back at Walter for encouragement as she looked at each dog and considered, then moved on, glancing back at them with open concern. He knew why.
"They will all find homes love" he said gently "No doggie is left here lonely. Other families of Law Enforcement will come, in time they find homes and other doggies come to wait. It's a waiting room only …. They don't wait for long like you had to. Promise. No doggie is too sad, just really really bored."
She stopped moving.
It was a German Shepherd sitting tall and proud. Almost black, his dark face was looking at her with interest, his tail breaking the rules as it moved slowly back and forth across the floor and she seemed to think as she stared at him, her hands moving and she smiled as she said softly "Hello."
The dog exploded from it's holding sit, moving to touch her with his nose in a greeting and her smile grew as she let her hands rub his head and she crooned softly to him that he was a pretty doggie.
"Looks like she chose."
"Caesar" Connor said with satisfaction as he read the file handed to him "He was a front line dog. Good. Handler has a retired already, could not take two when a new trainee has to come into the family dynamic. Three would be a pack. Good. He is used to children, other animals and loves water."
"Good. Perfect. Maisey love, did you hear that? You chose the right one" Walter said "What a great choice darling Missy Moo."
Maisey was not listening, her doggie needing her arms around him for a moment as he struggled to climb into her lap. For a big doggie … he was really soft.
And perfect.