Free Pitbull: He plays hard on the field...He plays harder off it. by Sam Silvetti Page B

our clean trainers. I was proud of my BMW M3 and kept it in almost showroom clean condition.
    We sat on a picnic bench changing our shoes and sharing a bottle of water. "What have you got planned for today," said Andy, tying his laces. "Are you off to do your weird dog whisperer shit?"
    "It's not weird and it's not shit," I said, "it's company, and they never judge me." I took the bottle from his hand and brought it to my mouth. "I sometimes think they're better than people."
    Andy slapped me on my back, forcing water from my mouth in a spluttering fountain. "You definitely need a bird, mate. You need someone to straighten you out."
     

Chapter Fifteen
    ~Emily~
     
    "Are you really sure?" I said, closing the car door. "It's a big responsibility."
    Megan closed her door and locked the car, the beeping sound of the central locking starting a cacophony of barking dogs.
    "We always had one when I was growing up," said Megan, joining me on the concrete path that led to the main doors. "And I always promised myself that when the time came to get one of my own, it would be a rescue dog."
    The Budbury dog and donkey sanctuary was a sprawling farm complex of buildings and fields that didn't necessarily stick to the rigid rules of its name. On previous visits I'd seen plenty of dogs, a few donkeys, a llama, and an ostrich. It seemed it was a sanctuary that would take on any animal in need.
    "I've heard they tie you down more than kids," I warned.
    "Well, I'll never be having kids," said Megan, "so I'll never be able to tell you if that's right or wrong." Megan was absolutely sure she'd never have children. Even as a child, she'd disliked kids, so I had no reason to doubt her sincerity. "You can put a dog in the kennels while you go on holiday," continued Megan, "I'm not sure you can do that with rug rats."
    I laughed at the image of Megan hustling her children into a dogs home, while she jetted off overseas for a two week break. The fact that I could picture it so vividly, reinforced my own belief that she shouldn't have kids. Some people were cut out for it, and some were probably better off with a dog.
    A blast of warm air hit my face as I opened the door into the reception area. A bubbly young woman greeted us. She wore a green, hair covered t-shirt, embroidered with the logo of a dog and a donkey touching noses. Scratch marks ran the full length of both forearms and she broke into a wide smile as we approached.
    "Good morning!" she gushed, "I'm Alison, how may I help?"
    She came across as somebody who actually enjoyed their job, rather than simply tolerating it.
    "I'd like a dog," said Megan, leaning on the counter.
    The girl smiled. "You're welcome to have a look around," she said, "but we'd have to do a home check before we could let you take one."
    Megan nodded. "Yes, I understand," she said, "I think it's a good policy."
    "We like to think so," said the girl. "Feel free to go through to the animals," she said, pointing to a steel door at the back of the room. "And all donations are welcome," she suggested, indicating the metal tin on the desk with her eyes.
    "Have you got your purse?" said Megan, turning to me. "I've left mine in the car.
    I sighed, and fished a crumpled note out of my jeans pocket. "I've got a tenner," I said.
    "I'll give it back to you later," said Megan, grabbing it from my outstretched hand.
    I could write that ten pounds off, Megan had a habit of forgetting her purse — at restaurants, bars, and now, it seemed — dog and donkey sanctuaries.
    "Thank you!" beamed the girl as Megan dropped my money in the tin. "Some of the dogs are out for walkies, but they'll be back soon. If you see one you like, just let me know."
    I followed Megan through the doors and into a small courtyard with a path that led to a long shed where the dogs were housed. Other paths led to fields and enclosures where the more exotic animals, and the donkeys were kept.
    Megan lead the way into the shed, the smell of dogs hitting me