A Fresh Start ( Closed for NewGame8)

[NewGame8]

"Well, I am happy that you are willing to work with Thor. I think that he trusts you, and I know that I do. Thor is a great dog and I am confident that you will be able to get him back to the way he was before she damaged him. I wish I knew what it was that she did to him, but that is in the past. It is time for me and for Thor to move forward."

Kevin sipped his coffee and watched as Dr. Riley began to work with Thor. Every once in a while Thor would look in his direction. It was almost like Thor was just checking to see if Kevin was still there. That made Kevin sad. He wondered if Thor felt like he had been abandoned by Kevin when he was sent to live with the ex. Now, Thor kept checking to make sure Kevin was still with him. Kevin whispered quietly, "Sorry buddy," hoping that Dr. Riley didn't hear.

Thor followed what Dr. Riley was doing. Other than checking on Kevin once in a while, Thor paid close attention to Dr. Riley and accepted what she wanted of him. He was such a good dog, and she was so good with him. Kevin had wondered if Thor would be reluctant to work with a woman after his bad experience with the ex, but Thor was just fine with Dr. Riley, which led Kevin to believe that they were all going to be spending a lot of time together.

 

[Girly_girl]

“With patience, TLC and some hard work I truly believe Thor will overcome the anxiety and fear he’s been feeling from whatever he’s been thru with your ex. I see great potential in Thor and believe he will be back to the dog you once knew, he’s still in there. Thank you for agreeing to let me help him, I’ve no doubt we will get your boy back to the way he used to be.” You may never find out what she did to him, all you can do now is move forward and be there by his side, and what I’ve seen so far, he’s in great hands.”

Laura smiled warmly at Kevin as she assured him she’d get his “old”Thor back to him. She could see worry and sadness behind his eyes, she couldn’t blame him for that, it was obvious Thor had been through some type of trauma which was not uncommon in messy divorces. She bent down and began rubbing behind Thor’s ears and he about fell asleep and gave him a treat. Laura had him do a few things with Peaches in the side yard without any problems.

Thor kept looking out for Kevin to make sure he was there, that made her think there was also some separation anxiety he was feeling along with everything else. After about an hour of working with him, she let Kevin know of her concerns. “Okay boy, I’m going to free you early and let you go spend some quality time with your dad.” Kevin I think it’s a wonderful idea that you work at home and able to spend a lot of time with Thor, it will surely help with his anxiety. Just a suggestion….if you’d ever like some company on walks, Peaches and I would be happy to join you and he could start getting used to being around other dogs, even if it’s just Peaches to start with.”

 

[NewGame8]

Kevin sat quietly watching as Dr. Riley worked with Thor. She had a certain way about her. Kevin noticed it, and he was pretty sure that Thor did, too. She countered any anxiety demonstrated by Thor with a calm patience that told Thor, and Kevin, that everything was going to be alright. Kevin knew it was something that couldn't be rushed, and he had no problem giving Dr. Riley all the time she needed.

He smiled to himself as he thought about giving Dr. Riley all the time she needed. He looked at Dr. Riley and wondered if the fact that the vet was beautiful and sexy had anything to do with why he was willing to be so patient. "You don't mind coming here because Dr. Riley is smoking hot," he thought to himself. The way she looked in the fitted t-shirt and the yoga pants was amazing. The fitted tee showed off her curves, and the yoga pants, well, let's just say that the yoga pants made her fine ass a target for his eyes.

Kevin had to quickly snap out of the trance when Dr. Riley approached him with Thor. He listened to the doctor tell him that spending time with Thor would really help. "Well, it is just him and me, so, we spend all of our time together. Even when I am working, he is with me. He also sleeps in the bed with me... always has his back pressed against me as he takes over most of the bed." Kevin laughed a little.

"I would welcome the company on walks Dr. Riley. I think it would be great. Thor does seem to like Peaches, and I think it would be good for you to see the way he acts when he encounters other dogs and other people. Also, if you are going out for a walk, I wouldn't mind it if you wanted some company."

 

[Girly_girl]

Laura had a passion for all her patients, she enjoyed what she did and loved helping and healing, although some days were incredibly harder than others, she never showed it in the office. There was something special about Thor, all that he had going on and had been through he seemed to trust her and feel at ease with her. The 4 of them would be spending quite a bit of time together in the next few months, not that she minded. Kevin was quite easy on the eyes, but that was not what attracted her to him, his good looks were a bonus. She couldn’t quite describe what attracted her to him, but it was strong.

“Same time next Saturday? Bye Thor, I’ll see you soon, good boy!” Laura smiled at Kevin as they stood and chatted for a few minutes. She was glad that he accepted her offer of joining her and Peaches for their daily walks and he returned the same offer to her. “Peaches and I would love to have you and Thor join us.” After Kevin left, Laura set the alarm and locked up and walked the 2 blocks home, they had to pass by Kevin’s house with them being right across the street, she glanced over before heading inside.

A few minutes later she heard a dog barking nearby, looking out her front window she saw that Kevin and Thor were in the front yard. He was so good with him. Seeing Thor this way gave her hope that he would improve and he’d be back to himself in no time, it gave her a feeling that everything was going to be okay.

 

[NewGame8]

After leaving the Veterinary Office, Kevin decided to take a long route home and spend some more time outside with Thor. He figured that he would avoid the park, though. There was no reason for him to undo any of what Dr. Riley had accomplished on her first session with Thor. He walked through several neighborhoods he was not familiar with. Kevin figured that he would learn more about the small town while also spending time with Thor.

When they finally made their way back home, Thor did not seem ready to go back into the house. He started barking at Kevin; acting like he wanted to play. "We can play ball in the back yard pal; not out here. Come on, let's go out back and we can play."

Thor did not seem like he wanted to go out back. He sat down and continued to bark at Kevin. Reaching down to pet Thor, Kevin rubbed between the dog's eyes. Thor was acting strange. It was like he was trying to tell Kevin something. Kevin looked around and saw nothing. There were no other dogs around. There were no other people. Squatting down in front of Thor, Kevin took the dog's face in his hands and kissed between his eyes. "What is it Thor? What are you trying to tell me? We were always able to communicate so well before."

Thor turned his head and looked out at the street. He seemed to be looking toward Dr. Riley's house. "Do you want to spend more time with Dr. Riley Thor? Or is it Peaches you want to see? Maybe both? I don't blame you for wanting to see Dr. Riley. She is pretty hot, isn't she. You are going to be spending a lot of time with her, don't worry.. and with peaches, too."

It seemed like Thor got the message, because when Kevin stood up, Thor walked up onto the porch with him. He followed Kevin into the house, and sat by the kitchen counter where Kevin kept the dog treats. "Oh, I see how it is. The doctor gives you treats, so, you want more from me." Kevin reached into the cookie jar where he kept Thor's treats. Thor automatically gave Kevin his large paw, and then received his treat.

 

[Girly_girl]

Laura got some paperwork done while Peaches napped in her favorite spot in the living room, that’s the last thing she wanted to do on a beautiful Saturday afternoon, she decided that her and Peaches would go out in the yard and play when she woke from her nap. Her thoughts drifted back to Kevin…those eyes and smile…damn. She shook her head and came out of her trance, “Knock it off, Laura he’s your client, nothing more. Besides he probably doesn’t even think of you.”

After awhile Peaches woke from her nap and they went out in the yard, Laura grabbed Peaches favorite toys. Something seemed off as she didn’t seem to want to play, she ran around in circles and began barking, “What is it girl, what’s wrong?” Peaches ran towards the gate and appeared to be looking over at Kevin’s house, “Oh, okay is it Thor you want to play with? I don’t blame you. Don’t worry sweet girl, we will be spending lots of time with them.” Laura bent down and kissed Peaches on top of the head.

They spent most of the afternoon running around the backyard playing with Peaches favorite ball and frisbee, she loved spending her time with Peaches. Gathering her leash and harness up, it was time for their afternoon walk, as soon as they got out the gate Peaches nearly dragged Laura over to Kevin’s house. “Peaches no, we can’t always bother these nice people!” Before she knew it Kevin was peeking out the door and started laughing, unknown to her Thor was also making a commotion.

 

[NewGame8]

Kevin decided to check his email despite the fact that it was Saturday. He never really had a day off, but he knew there was nothing too pressing. If there was, he would have received a phone call. After checking his email, and finding nothing worth spending time on a Saturday on, Kevin walked around the house to take inventory of things he wanted to do to his new house. He had some things rolling through his head, but now decided to put the list on paper.

As he was moving through the living room, Thor started barking. When Kevin looked at him, Thor went to the front door and sat down. "We were out all morning pal, you don't need to go out now. We will go for another walk, later." Thor started barking again; now, turning his body to face the front door. "Is somebody there Thor? Kevin went to the front door and opened it. There was nobody there, but Dr. Riley and Peaches were across the street.

"Come on now. You can't be serious. You were barking because the doctor and her dog are out there? Thor stood up, his big tail swinging in a wide arc. "So, you want to go for a walk with them, is that it?" Thor barked at Kevin. It was as if he understood the question and was giving an answer, and that answer was a definite, "yes."

He reached for Thor's leash which was next to the front door and then Kevin called across the street to Dr. Riley, "Care for some company on your walk?" He saw the doctor wave and heard her say, "yes." Putting the leash on Thor, Kevin walked across the street and met up with Dr. Riley. "Thor knew you were out here and was making a scene. When I opened the door I saw you and Peaches and Thor basically told me he wanted to join you. So, where are we going Doc?"

 

[Girly_girl]

Laura was somewhat embarrassed about all the commotion that Peaches was causing, she could appreciate that Peaches wanted to have Thor join them on their walk but she was sure Kevin had more important things to do then spend all day with them. Of course she didn’t really mind the company, Laura didn’t really have too many friends left in town. While she was away at vet school and then working at the clinic in the city, they all got married and started families and eventually moved away, so having Kevin to talk to was nice.

Peaches and Thor walked side by side in front of her and Kevin, Thor seem relaxed and at peace on their walk. “I know of this lovely little out of the way park, not too many people go there, it’s quite peaceful and quiet.” Kevin told her to lead the way and they talked quietly along the way, within a few minutes they arrived and sure enough there was nobody else around. The dogs laid at their feet and just relaxed in the warm sun as Laura and Kevin got to know each other.

“Sorry about all the noise Peaches was making, she’s very social and she seems to enjoy Thor’s company, it’s not often she’s around other dogs due to being at work with me most of the time.” For a moment she got lost in his mesmerizing eyes, and found it difficult to pull her eyes away, Kevin probably had beautiful women staring at him every time he went out. As attracted as she was to him she kept herself guarded, as he was still newly divorced from what sounded like a difficult woman and she was recovering from an abusive relationship.

 

[NewGame8]

They walked and talked as the dogs led out in front of them. The two dogs stayed side by side. It was like they had been walking together forever. "It almost looks like Peaches and Thor are out on a date, doesn't it? I guess that would make us the chaperones. I need to make sure that Peaches doesn't try to take advantage of Thor." He laughed as he looked down at Dr. Riley.

While sitting in the small park with the dogs at their feet, Dr. Riley and Kevin talked quietly. There was something about her that Kevin was attracted to, and it was way more than the fact that she was smart, beautiful and hot as hell. She could actually hold an intelligent conversation. That was something that had been lacking in his marriage; there was no engaging conversation that ever took place.

He loved hearing how Dr. Riley had decided to go for it and open up her own practice. She was a risk taker, and he really liked that. Someone that was not happy with the status quo, and was willing to do something about that was someone to be respected and admired. Putting that on top of what she had done to become a vet just made the sexy woman sitting with him even more attractive.

While they talked, Kevin shared what had gone wrong with his marriage; she loved money, well at least she loved spending it, they never talked, she loved going out with her rich friends, and was constantly complaining that he never talk her on European vacations. "I guess that the trips to the Italy, Germany, and France didn't count in her little mind. In order not to have to deal with her ever again, I agreed to a large cash settlement, and she kept the proceeds from the sale of the house as long as she agreed to receiving no alimony. Out of spite, she fought for, and won, Thor. Thankfully, he is back where he belongs."

Kevin could not believe that he shared all of that with Dr. Riley. After all, he didn't know her that well.. although he wouldn't mind knowing her a lot better. She was a neighbor and his vet. It wasn't like they were dating or anything, but there was just something about her that made it easy to open up to her. "I am sorry Dr. Riley, that was way too much information."

 

[Girly_girl]

"It almost looks like Peaches and Thor are out on a date, doesn't it? I guess that would make us the chaperones. I need to make sure that Peaches doesn't try to take advantage of Thor."

“Yes…yes it does. They seem quite fond of each other. Yes I guess that would make us their chaperones.” When Kevin burst into laughter she couldn’t help but join him, he had a contagious laughter you couldn’t help but laugh with him. “My Peaches take advantage of Thor? She’s a good girl.” Laura gave Kevin a beaming smile as they continue their way to the park, sitting on a bench as the dogs laid at their feet and dozed.

They each took turns in revealing glimpses into their lives, Kevin’s ex wife selfishly spending his money and treating him badly and then taking HIS Thor and causing some trauma and damage to him now causing him to act out and not his usual self. “You didn’t deserve that, neither did Thor, if there’s anything I can’t tolerate it’s selfish people…the bad ones anyway. You can be selfish in good ways. Here I am, I’ve never even been to Europe, I hope to someday though.”

Laura looked deep into Kevin’s eyes, saying quietly,”No, Kevin it’s not too much, it tells me you feel comfortable with me, find me easy to talk to and maybe trust me to share that. I’ve never been married but I my partner of many years was emotionally abusive to both Peaches and I, he stole from me. Actually Peaches saved my life, she got me through a very emotional time in my life.” Kevin’s eyes were on hers as she now told her story, listening to every word. Looking at him, feeling a little insecure, “Wow, aren’t we a pair.” She looked away for a moment, “ Sorry about that… I figured since we were sharing.”

 

[NewGame8]

Sitting there, listening to Dr. Riley share the story of her relationship and how she had been mistreated, Kevin was surprised that she had divulged so much information. Of course, he shouldn't have been surprised after everything that he had shared with her. "I am sorry to hear that you and Peaches were mistreated Dr. Riley. Nobody deserves that..." He almost said "especially someone so attractive and smart" but he held back. He didn't want it to sound like he was flirting with her.

“Wow, aren’t we a pair.” ..... “ Sorry about that… I figured since we were sharing.”

Kevin chuckled a little. "Well, I guess we sure are something, and there is no reason for you to apologize Doctor Riley. I had already shared my horror story, it was only fair that I let you share yours." He smiled at her as he looked into her eyes. She was a strong woman who had come out of an abusive relationship on top, but he had a feeling there was a part of this woman, deep inside that was still hurting. She deserved to have someone who was good to her. Kevin stopped there. he almost said to himself that he could be the one to be good to Dr. Riley, but he didn't, because he didn't know whether that was something the attractive vet even wanted, and if that was the case, why even think it?

Suddenly, Thor sat up. His ears shot up and he was definitely in protection mode. Kevin was concerned that this was Thor's anxiety coming out, but then Kevin saw it.... a dog, untethered. No, not untethered, but someone had dropped the leash. It was a pitbull. Thor was now standing and inching in the direction of the other dog. "Easy buddy. I know what you are doing. Just relax." The pittie stopped and stood there looking in Thor's direction. Then, a man came running up and grabbed the dog's leash. He apologized profusely and led the dog away. Thor relaxed and, after the pitbull was out of sight, laid back down next to Peaches. "Now, he wasn't too bad there. That is what the old Thor would have done. Look, you are already having a positive impact on our lives."