a heavy-looking cast on her left leg. "Have a seat.”
Mindy looked to be around thirty, pretty and self-assured. Her warm, brown eyes made Shelby feel at ease. The cottage was tastefully decorated in bold colors and natural wood. A massive desk under the far window had two computers on it. Mindy turned and faced the black and white dog who was in a perfect sit. The dog quietly whimpered in excitement but waited for Mindy’s command.
“Karma, release," Mindy said.
The medium-sized dog perked up its ears and came tearing over to Shelby. She petted the dog's coarse, wavy fur. “She’s a beauty. What breed?"
"She's mostly border collie and who knows what else?" Mindy said as she carefully sat in a soft chair and put her foot up. "I rescued Karma a couple years ago. Still a puppy really. She’s just over three years old.”
Shelby scratched behind Karma’s silky ears. The dog licked her hand then rolled over to have her belly petted. “And so adorable."
“We used to do a lot of running in the park and she's used to a high level of activity. Her new circumstances are making her restless and bored."
“I bet,” Shelby said. Mindy’s workout capris and sleeveless top revealed a toned body that was used to regular exercise.
Mindy got right down to business. "So, tell me a little about your experience with dogs.”
"Well, I just started walking dogs here in town. But I used to help on my grandparents’ farm with all of their dogs when I’d spend the summer there. I also did pet sitting for a neighbor back in Las Vegas. Now I walk my grandmother’s doxie-poo, Scarlett, every day.”
“Dogs are pretty special,” Mindy said. “Not everyone understands that.”
Karma dropped to the floor and laid her head on Shelby’s feet. “She does have an interesting name,” Shelby said.
Mindy’s smile lit up the room. “In my Indian culture,” she said, “we have certain beliefs. I used to have this colleague at work who would constantly complain what bad luck it was the day he got his dog. He left her alone all day and she chewed and barked, disturbing the neighbors.”
Shelby grimaced, hoping the story did not have a tragic ending.
Mindy continued. “A few weeks before Christmas, I asked him if he ever walked the dog or played with it. He said no, and he was going to take her to the pound that weekend.”
“Oh no,” Shelby said.
Mindy’s voice got fierce. “I was not going to let that happen, so that night I went to his house and offered to take her. He handed her over without reservation. Karma has been my best friend ever since. What was bad luck for him was good karma for me. Hence the name.”
Karma stirred at the sound of her name and looked up at Shelby. “You are one lucky pooch,” she said. “I’d be happy to start walking her anytime.”
“When are you available?” Mindy asked.
“I can start tomorrow with long walks, short walks, once a day, twice a day…"
Mindy laughed. "Why don't we start with three days a week for now? What's a good time for you?"
"Probably mornings," Shelby said. “It’s cooler.”
"That works. Do you know what you'll be charging yet?"
Shelby shrugged. "I haven't thought about it. You're my first paying client."
Mindy squinted, as though in deep thought. "I believe the standard dog walking charge is fifteen dollars an hour if that works for you?”
"Oh, that would be awesome," Shelby said. “How about I offer you a weekly discount plan of forty dollars for three hour-long walks a week?”
“Done. Let’s start tomorrow." Mindy lifted her bandaged leg. "This darn thing. I miss running too."
Shelby looked at the woman in front of her. Her long hair was pulled back in a ponytail. She hadn’t told her how she’d injured herself and Shelby did not want to pry.
"I'm sure you'll feel better soon. In the meantime, I can keep Karma happy and play with her anytime you want."
"That will help. I'm really pleased to meet you, Shelby. And I hope to see a lot more of you." Mindy got up on her crutches and walked Shelby to the door.
Karma followed, her tail wagging. At the door the dog made a low whine and looked up at Shelby with expectant brown eyes.
"Look, she's already wanting to go with you."
"Good dog," Shelby said, petting her soft ears. "I'll see you tomorrow."
She galloped down the steps and walked the few blocks home, humming to herself. Her first client and more money than she'd ever