“I didn’t think it would be this hard,” Shelby admitted when Carol had taken the Great Dane away. “There’s more involved than I’d realized. You have to know you’re getting the right dog. You could have him for years.”

“I guess I’ll come back in a few weeks,” Aidan said as he stood. “Carol said they get new dogs in all the time.”

The door opened and the volunteer walked in with a small white dog.

“I know, I know,” she said with a slight shrug. “He’s nothing like you described. But I couldn’t help thinking maybe he was the one. This is Charlie.”

“He’s adorable!” Shelby dropped to her knees. “Hi, Charlie.”

The little dog, stocky, with kind of short legs and a white curly coat, trotted over to her. He sniffed her fingers, then licked them before heading to Aidan.

“He’s really small,” Aidan said doubtfully. “I don’t want a puppy.”

“Charlie’s nearly five,” Carol said. “He’s full-grown. He’s a bichon frise. They’re friendly, happy dogs. Their history is as entertainers. A lot of bichons worked in circuses.”

Shelby giggled and Aidan winced. “I don’t really want that kind of pet.”

Carol pulled a small dog treat out of her pocket and handed it to Aidan. “Give him this. Have him sit first.”

Aidan took the piece of dried meat and held it in his hand. Charlie immediately sat.

“Good boy,” Aidan said. “Can he do any other tricks?”

Charlie raised both paws and waved them. When Aidan didn’t give him the treat, he waved them faster as if asking, “What else do you want from me?”

Aidan grinned and handed over the bit of food. Charlie took it politely and swallowed it, then jumped on the sofa, next to Aidan.

Man and dog looked at each other. Aidan let him sniff his fingers before petting him. Charlie’s coat was soft and his body was solid. His eyes were dark brown and he had a happy, doggy grin.

Shelby hugged him and got a quick kiss in return. “He’s really friendly. That’s good for when you take him into your office. I’d be worried that a dog like Jasper would scare customers, but Charlie would totally charm them.”

Aidan had to admit the little dog was cute enough and seemed pleasant to be around, but he was so small...and kind of girly.

“I don’t know,” he admitted. “I was thinking of something more...”

“Macho?” Shelby asked, raising her eyebrows. “You are such a guy.” She turned to Carol. “Can we take him for a walk?”

“Sure. Let me get his coat.”

Aidan held in a groan. “He wears a coat?”

“He’s small and short. The snow would cover him. It’s fifteen degrees outside. Of course he needs a coat.”

Carol returned with a blue cape thing with Velcro straps. She showed them both how to put it on Charlie. The dog stood perfectly still, except for his wagging tail. When he was covered, he jumped down and led the way to the door.

Once they were outside, Charlie took charge and followed what must be a familiar path. He sniffed a lot, stopped to pee a couple of times, then marched on purposefully.

“I couldn’t take him skiing,” Aidan said.

“You couldn’t take any dog skiing.”

“Okay, but what about snowshoeing? He’d disappear in the first snowdrift.”

“Put him on a sled and pull him.”

Aidan frowned at the mental image that suggestion planted in his brain. “I thought dogs were supposed to pull people—not the other way around.”