Second Time Around by Colette Caddle

dog?’
    ‘Yes. He’s been trained especially to aid people with disabilities, physical and mental,’ Mary explained. ‘He’s incredibly gentle and obedient and wonderful with
children, even the difficult ones.’
    ‘Really?’ Suzie’s ears pricked up.
    Mary nodded. ‘Oh, yes. Dogs have a very calming effect and it’s great to watch a relationship develop between a child and his dog.’
    Suzie crouched down and scratched behind his ear. ‘Hey, Percy.’
    Wagging his tail, he nuzzled her hand in acknowledgement.
    ‘Want to see some of his tricks?’ Mary grinned. ‘Percy? Door.’
    The dog went over and closed the door with his snout.
    Aileen clapped her hands, laughing. ‘Aw, isn’t he clever?’
    Suzie watched in delight as the dog did anything Mary asked, before, on her gentle command, returning to his bed by her chair. ‘He is special, isn’t he?’
    ‘I think so.’ Mary smiled.
    ‘But why are you showing him to me?’
    ‘Everyone always wants a cute little puppy,’ Mary explained, ‘but sometimes an adult, well-trained dog can be a much better option.’
    ‘Mary has a point,’ Aileen said. ‘And, if you’re heading off to New York for a fortnight, where would you leave a puppy?’
    Suzie sighed. ‘I hadn’t even thought of that.’
    Mary gave her a kind smile. ‘Why don’t you take some time and have a think about it? We’re not going anywhere and, sadly, there are always plenty of dogs who need a good
home.’
    Suzie patted Percy one last time. ‘Thanks, Mary, I’ll do that.’
    ‘Disappointed?’ Aileen asked as they drove home.
    ‘A little, but relieved, too. And,’ she added grudgingly, ‘thanks for reining me in. Taking a puppy would have been a huge mistake, no matter how cute. I’d have taken
Percy on the spot, though.’
    ‘He was gorgeous, wasn’t he?’ Aileen sighed. ‘You’d certainly feel safe with him in the house.’
    Suzie nodded. ‘And there was something very solid and peaceful about him, wasn’t there? I’ll read up on golden retrievers and have a think.’
    ‘And you should discuss it with the family.’
    Suzie’s phone buzzed. It was a text from Sharon.
    Hey, Mum. Sorry to ask but can you look after Bobby for a couple of hours?
    ‘Ah, for Christ’s sake!’ she said crossly.
    Aileen looked over at her. ‘What?’
    ‘I have to mind Bobby.’
    ‘When?’
    ‘Now.’
    Aileen tutted her disapproval. ‘Will I drop you over there?’
    ‘Oh, no, Sharon’s dropping him over to me. That way her house stays nice and tidy and the brat wrecks my place instead,’ Suzie said bitterly.
    ‘If you’re not up to having him, say so,’ Aileen said, looking cross. ‘It’s a bit of a liberty when you’re only just getting back on your feet.’
    ‘I’ve refused a couple of times already,’ Suzie admitted, ‘and Sharon’s been driving me anywhere I need to go, so I owe her one.’ Still, Suzie was annoyed
that she would have to spend the afternoon dealing with the child. ‘I wouldn’t mind only Sharon lets him get away with murder and she’s so bloody touchy, I’m afraid to say a
word against the little fecker.’
    Aileen laughed. ‘Now that I don’t believe.’
    ‘I’m telling you, you’d need the patience of a saint to put up with him.’ Suzie saw Aileen looking at her in surprise. ‘Yes, I know. I’ve been told how I used
to dote on him but, I’ve changed.’
    ‘Don’t I know it!’
    ‘Be honest with me, Aileen. How much?’
    Aileen gave a long sigh before responding. ‘You were a pain in the arse, Suzie. You were a great mother with endless patience and you made me feel like a lousy one.’
    Suzie absorbed this in silence. It explained why her family were always whispering in corners and looking at her as if she were from another planet. They must be in shock.
    ‘Then Bobby came along,’ Aileen continued, ‘and you were besotted, regularly taking him for the weekend so that Sharon and Keith could get a break.’
    ‘I never