10

Otto laughed as Buster thumped his head against his leg while he hosed down the kennel. Ever since he’d gotten back to the ranch, the dog hadn’t left his side. The mutt didn’t seem bothered at all by the drama that had gone down the other day.

Either that or he was soaking up all the attention.

He was a little on the skinny side, so Derrick had him on a protein rich diet. Buster was a mix with some terrier in him, which made him both smart and a handful. In the two days that he’d been here, some of the bad habits he’d developed with his previous owners had become obvious. He wasn’t house trained and he’d chewed up the boots Gage left in the kennel. Even basic commands were ignored.

So he hadn’t been trained properly, or fed well, but he was high-spirited and friendly. Which Otto could deal with. He’d already started leash training, but let the little guy run a bit within the fenced in area of the training grounds. He’d managed more difficult dogs, but a less dedicated owner would have given up all too easily. And obviously had, rather than seek out an experienced handler.

Cases like this frustrated the hell out of him. Maybe Buster’s owners didn’t have the money to care for him anymore, but as much as he hated some shelters, turning him in would have been kinder than leaving him in the woods.

Hating on the people who’d abandoned Buster wouldn’t do him any good though. Otto just hoped Rip knew what he was getting into, adopting the dog.

They hadn’t talked over the last couple days, but Rip had texted once, asking how Buster was doing. And not much else. Apparently, he’d rescheduled the meetings with his students’ parents the day after he was released from the hospital. Otto respected how dedicated the man was, but he couldn’t help feeling the distance.

Maybe he was overthinking things, but he couldn’t see Buster fitting into the man’s life.

He didn’t bother considering if he would either.

Saving the man had fucked with his head. Sure, they’d flirted a bit, but that didn’t mean anything. He wasn’t looking for a relationship. Or a date. Sleeping in the hospital room had been a moment of weakness. He hadn’t wanted Rip to be alone.

And now he wasn’t. Life could go on.

Thankfully, neither Derek or Gage mentioned anything. Buster got along well with their dog Matty and they’d accepted him as a new member of their weird little family. Just like they’d accepted Otto when he’d applied as a trainer with only a few years in his teens volunteering as experience.

The military had been his one and only goal. He wasn’t smart and no one expected him to amount to much, but once he enlisted he’d proved he was good at something. He’d made friends, men and women who became closer than blood, and finally had a reason to look forward to his future.

Until a training exercise fucked up his knee so bad, he couldn’t meet the basic standards anymore. Going from driving an AAV to a desk job—not that he qualified for anything but recruitment—didn’t sit well. He’d come home, pretty depressed about his prospects until he’d gotten a head’s up about the Anchored Service Dogs program. Putting in an application had been a shot in the dark. He’d gone to the interview, expecting nothing.

And found a new home.

Aside from Derek, all those who worked for Anchored were veterans. Doctors, trainers, hell, the people who’d renovated the barn. Gage worked hard to make sure there was a job for everyone. He’d given Otto a place to live when he had no other options.

The man was a damn saint.

When he’d come here, Otto wasn’t sure how much he could contribute, but he’d been fine cleaning the kennels for room and board. Within a month he’d been walking the dogs and teaching them basic skills. And they’d taught him just as much. Working with more experienced trainers, like Gage, showed him he could read animals and teach them. Make them feel comfortable and safe.

His life wasn’t over when he’d left the marines. He still had a lot to offer.

Rolling up the hose, Otto grinned as Buster barked at him and raced from his side to the jacket he’d hung by the door. He arched a brow as his phone buzzed.

“Expecting a call?” He rubbed Buster’s head as the pup pressed against his side. The little guy had a thing for phones. Usually, it was Gage’s that sent him pouncing around and yipping up a storm.

Pulling the phone from his pocket, Otto checked the number. He took a deep breath when he saw it was Rip.

“Hey. True story, Buster totally knew it was you.” Otto chuckled as Buster rose up on his hind legs, placing his paws on his chest. “I think he misses you.”