Read Online The Lucky Dog Matchmaking Service by Beth Kendrick - Free Book Online

guest this morning is Lara Madigan, cofounder of local dog rescue group Lucky Dog,” Claudia said into the camera. “Lara is more than just a rescuer—she’s a canine matchmaker who will handpick the perfect dog for your family.” She consulted her note cards and turned to Lara. “What are some of the things you look for when considering which dog should go with a new client?”
    Lara took a deep breath and tried to speak slowly and clearly. “Oh, lots of things. I consider a family’s schedule, discipline style, and activity level. I would never recommend a low-energy dog like Linus here to a marathoner, or an emotionally sensitive breed like a Doberman to a household where there’s a lot of chaos and yelling.”
    Right on cue, Linus started snoring.
    “So you have a set list of criteria,” Claudia said.
    “Yes, but in the end I usually go with my gut.” Lara tilted her head and tried to explain. “Pairing a dog with an owner is sort of like pairing a wine and an appetizer—sometimes the most unexpected combinations turn out to be the best. When I first started the rescue group with my friend Kerry—hi, Kerry!—I tried to quantify everything with surveys and checklists and interviews. But eventually I realized that people aren’t always good at predicting what they want in a dog. Honestly, it just comes down to chemistry.”
    Claudia leaned down to give Linus a little pat. “So are you equally skilled at human matchmaking? Did you help all your girlfriends meet their husbands?”
    Lara laughed. “No, my skills are strictly limited to finding canine soul mates.”
    “You’re a trainer as well as a rescue worker—correct?”
    Linus’s warm, solid body draped across her feet felt very comforting, and Lara started to calm down and enjoy her moment in the spotlight. “I’m not a certified behaviorist, but I do have several years of dog training experience. Most behavior problems aren’t difficult to address. But you have to know what results you want, and you and the dog have to work together. Discipline is always a team effort.”
    Claudia addressed the camera directly. “We’re going to do something extra special today. I’ve asked Lara to work her magic and find a dog for me, right here on the show.”
    Lara forgot about the lights and the crew and the commercial break coming up in exactly sixty seconds. She squinted slightly and tried to see past Claudia’s stylish silk blouse and dazzling white smile and poised public persona. None of that mattered to a dog. She was waiting to catch a glimpse of the soul underneath.
    “So, Claudia.” Lara crossed her ankles and settled back against the cushions. “Tell me about your childhood. Did you have a dog growing up, and if so, what kind?”
    * * *
    “Thank you so much.” Claudia gave Lara a quick little hug when they wrapped the segment. “You did great. And I can’t wait to meet Lola.”
    “You two are going to hit it off,” Lara predicted. “I can feel it.”
    The producer strode over, giving them a thumbs-up. “We’re already starting to get calls from potential adopters for Linus.”
    “Already?” Lara tugged the sleepy pooch to his feet and scratched him behind the ears. “Well, they’ll have to fight for him. He’s a good boy. Who’s my good boy?”
    Linus thumped his tail, his jowls quivering.
    “By the way, how’s it going with Peter?” she asked Claudia.
    “So far, so good.” Claudia held up crossed fingers. “You know, he’s not really my type, but it’s very refreshing. He’s sensitive and stable. And of course Murphy is adorable. Do you think he and Lola will get along?”
    “I know they will. Up until two weeks ago, they were housemates.”
    After exchanging air kisses with Claudia, Lara headed out to the parking lot. As she helped Linus into the back of the station wagon, her phone rang. “Hello?”
    “Why didn’t you tell me you were going to be on TV? Your eyebrows look like caterpillars and your cuticles