Wave After Wave - Open

[Aria Campbell]

Aria smiled a little when Logan mentioned how animals had personalities. While most would believe it was crazy and not true, Aria believed it to an extent. Each animal was different as some could be described laid-back and others as energetic. "I can see it. They have feelings too. I was at a friend's house one time, and their dog got scolded for something. It's tail was tucked between it's legs, and it's head was bowed. The dog knew it had done something wrong. "At the same time though, that dog was always happy when their owner came home. They're smarter then what we give them credit for"

That much was true, people didn't always think animals were smart. However, they still had minds. They just worked differently. That didn't mean they weren't intelligent though. She frowned however when Logan mentioned getting food as a thank you. "Thanks, but you don't have to do that. I can afford enough meals" Aria explained. She wasn't about to let someone else use their money to take care of her, not when Aria was fully capable of caring for herself. She had done so in the past, and was still continuing to do so. She didn't need help in that area.

"As for seeing where you work, I'd have to think about that" Aria said. It wasn't that she didn't want to, but she was scared about what she would see. Sure, not all animals that ended up at the vet were there because something was wrong, some just needed vaccines or other easy treatments. However, Aria also knew that some animals that went to the vet didn't go home, and she didn't think she could handle that. It went back to the whole thing of Aria not wanting to get attached.

"I just don't think I could handle watching any animal need help or be in pain, and not be able to help them" Aria admitted. Sure, the teenager could seem a little stubborn and uncaring, but she did still have a heart. It was one she tried to protect, and being put in a situation where she couldn't help an animal feel better wasn't ideal. Aria would feel bad for weeks in that case, and she wanted to avoid that.

Logan O'Connor

[Logan O'Connor]

Logan smiled and nodded to Aria, animals were smarter and he was glad she agreed with him about it. Dogs he found knew a lot more than humans perhaps gave them credit for, the wagging tail at the end of the day. The knowing when you needed a hug from them, when to give you space and when you might not want that walk in the rain but you did it anyway and it made things better. Logan was glad he managed to work with animals as he often preferred them to the human side of things. At least an animal was a lot easier to read or so he assumed.

“Oh it’s not me.” Logan said as sure it would be but then he would let the kennel know not to let on at all. “I never doubted you could, all I’m saying is that it is their way of thanking you for the help. They might not be able to pay much if at all so a good meal is what they do instead. Trust me, I’d eat there but I’d never want to leave.” Logan said smiling though sure if he could help someone out then he would do just that. After all what was the cost of a meal for helping out dogs and maybe the dogs in return could help Aria out too.

The pet relationships worked both ways, sure the dogs got taken care of but then so did the humans too who looked after them. “Well that is where we could teach you some basics if you wanted. I mean just basic care, washing out a wound or we can show you how bandage up a paw if you ever needed to do that. Trust me if they make it to the vet there is a lot we can do for them.” Logan explained trying to make her feel a little better about it. “But even if you wanted to sit through the back where they wait after they are treated... it always helps to have someone there for them as it’s not always the most welcoming environment for them.”

Sure a steel cage and lots of other animals in the same position, he was sure he would be scared if that was what a hospital was like. “But I would never ask you to do anything you were uncomfortable with and if you’re worried about those that we might not be able to help. I would never put you through that. It is tough enough for me and I’ve seen a few things over the years.” Logan said knowing he had lost enough animals that he was all too aware that it happened and it still hurt every time he was unable to help one of them.

Aria Campbell,

[Aria Campbell]

"That's very nice of them to pay for meals, but really, it's not a problem. I'll be okay. Besides, I'll probably spend more time with the animals then trying to eat" Aria responded, though a part of her knew that the kennels would probably still try to buy her a meal. She figured she could avoid it though by eating before heading over and then just claiming not to be hungry while there.

She bit her lip when Logan said that he could show her how to do the basics at the vet and that he wouldn't put her in a situation where she was uncomfortable. That helped Aria relax a little, but she was still unsure about it. Still, maybe it wouldn't hurt to give it a shot. Aria could show up once or twice as a sort of 'trial run' and then go from there.

"I guess it wouldn't hurt to learn a few things" Aria admitted, which was true. "I still don't know if I can be in that situation though. Can I show up for like a day or two, see how I like it, and go from there?"

It didn't hurt to ask, and Aria hoped that Logan didn't mind. Aria really did love animals, and she wanted to help them, but she was also still unsure. It was why she wanted to try it for a few days, just enough to get an idea of what it would be like, before deciding if she wanted to help out more or if she wanted to just stick to the kennels.

"I understand if I can't, but I just think doing a sort of trial run would help me decide" Aria added as an afterthought.

Logan O'Connor

[Logan O'Connor]

“Yeah, usually that way with me too then it gets to seven at night and I start to wonder why I am so hungry.” Logan said smiling, eating and work it rarely went together and most of the time he forgot to do so. Not healthy he knew that but then when there were less and less hours in the day he felt, it was a fine line between remembering and doing the ten million other things he was supposed to be doing. Food was just that sometimes, a thing he wanted but a snack bar would do the same job for an hour or so.

Logan nodded when Aria asked if she could try it for a day or two. “Sure you can, it is like anything see what you like and what not. That is fine with me after all it would be nice to see a new face around the place too.” Logan offered glad that she seemed alright enough to do that. It was hardly the most glamorous place to work but the feeling of doing some good. It worked out for him so it might for her.

“Trial run it is then and there’s no harm in it. Think of it like careers day, figuring out what you like to do day by day. After all it is not like everyone knows the first day they arrive at school or leave it. Me I was really into football, did it for a few years that ended and now I’m a vet. Not exactly the career I had planned out but then it is the game of life.” He said grinning, “You never know what is around the corner and besides if you don’t like it then at least you know then right?” He offered trying to be positive about it. After all the door was open there no matter what.

Aria Campbell,

[Aria Campbell]

"Right. If I don't like it, then I won't have to take biology or anything else relating to that in college" Aria agreed, though it wasn't like she was going to go to college. "It'll save me from having to waste money and time there"

If Aria did end up liking it though, then she supposed she could spend more time there. And as much as Aria told herself she wouldn't end up liking it, a small part of her knew she would because there would be animals. "And if I do end up liking it, well I'll plan my classes accordingly"

It felt weird saying that, partially because Aria wasn't sure exactly how college and classes work. However, she could pretend and act like she knew. "So what's your favorite animal?" Aria asked. While she loved a majority of animals, Aria was definitely more of a dog person. There was just so many different breeds, and they all had different personalities. Not to mention that dogs were loyal to their owners.

"I prefer dogs. It doesn't matter what kind, though I generally prefer the bigger breeds. They're just so filled with energy and joy. And they love their owners. They're truly man's best friend" Aria explained. While Aria herself had never owned a dog, her friends had them and she loved being around them. There were several times where Aria would visit a friend and their pet dog would come running to the door, greeting Aria and her friend.

Logan O'Connor

[Logan O'Connor]

Logan laughed and nodded. “Exactly we can narrow down this list for college in no time at all.” He said smiling as he nodded again to her. “Yeah nothing worse than working a semester to find out you don’t like it. Better to find out now than later right? Besides if you get to find out with fluffy cute animals too, what could be better.” So sure there were a lot of things that people might think were better but Logan was all about the animals.

“Listen if you do end up liking it then you go to classes because the practice will always be there. For you, I’ll even open after hours so can hang around while I finish up paperwork or something. School first.” Logan said not wanting it to interfere with her education. He was trying to help her out and becoming the guy that had her leaving school to play with animals and help out. Yes it was likely much safer that she do her school work then animals.

“My favourite is a cat, mostly because of their attitude. No nonsense, their owners are told what to do and generally the cat is in charge.” Logan said grinning, “Second to that a dog because man’s best friend and all.” A dog had the ability to wag a tail and make things okay no matter what sort of day you where having. When she said she preferred dogs he grinned, dogs were great and kings of the pet world.

“They are man’s best friend and they look after their owners too. I think out of all the animals dogs are the ones that give and receive just as much. Cats are more takers, like that favourite spot on a sofa, the warm spot on the floor. You know the drill, then they have this look as if when you go to move them, they dare you to even touch them.” Logan said grinning, “Cats own their owners.”

Aria Campbell,

[Aria Campbell]

"Oh come on, what's the problem with skipping a few classes every now and then so I can see some animals? I'm sure they would value my time and presence more then any college class would" Aria asked, only half joking. It wasn't like Aria was ever going to step foot in a college class.

It was nice that Logan was offering to keep the practice open after hours so Aria could visit. "Thank you, and as nice as that is, I'm going to have to turn it down. You shouldn't have to stay longer then needed. I'm sure your family will want to spend time with you, and you'll want to get some sleep too." Aria responded. The last thing Aria needed was to feel guilty for keeping someone away from their home just so she could spend a few more hours with animals.

Aria smiled a little when Logan mentioned liking cats. "Cats are a little too demanding for me, and like you said they own us. Sure, they can be sweet but they're too independent. And they don't want you to pay any attention to them unless they ask for it. If you try to do something, like read or do something on the computer then they come and sit down on you so you can't do anything except pay attention to you." she explained. It wasn't that Aria had anything against cats, they were still adorable and Aria did enjoy their company. However, they weren't the kind of animal she wanted to own.

"Dogs are different though. Sure, they'll follow you around. But they don't jump on top of you when you're busy. Instead they'll lay down beside you on the couch or curl up at your feet. And when you go out, you can take your dog with you. Can't do that with a cat unless you want to get hurt. And another thing about the dogs is that they'll do anything to please us and make sure we're happy without expecting anything in return except for love and a place to stay" Aria said, shrugging her shoulders.

She had always preferred dogs and their loyal personalities. "I just love dogs, and if I could, I would own one" that much was true. If given the chance, Aria would own a dog without any hesitation or regrets. However, she wasn't capable of owning one right now and Aria wasn't sure if she would ever be able to.

Logan O'Connor

[Logan O'Connor]

Logan laughed though he was unsure if she was entirely joking about that. “Now I know they would appreciate your time more than a college class but you can help them more by going to college and understanding the mechanics of how they work. I know they would appreciate it if you could help them more as well.” Logan explained trying not to entirely discourage her from college though maybe offering for her to be at the practice was a bad move on his part. Giving her an excuse to ditch college but then practical experience counted for a lot as well.

“It’s nice that you would think that but my brother, we don’t really get on and my parents well they are doing their own thing these days. Two kids grown and out of the house, usually just meet up for dinner once a week.” Logan said grinning, “The perks of being an adult and working you don’t get much time for a social life and sleep is overrated at times. Besides it’s no issue, I’m usually there late anyway catching up on paperwork so if you see the light is on then it’s me there.”

Logan smiled and nodded, yes she had described cats in the best way possible. They owned the owners and you could never do anything without one. “Now you see why I have to work late, you get a cat roaming around and it takes forever to type or they type things for you and send that email out of just jjjjjjjjjjjjj’s.” Logan joked though he had done that on occasion, a cat and keyboard never mixed well though it was funny to see sometimes.

“Now don’t go selling me into being a dog person or I would never have a place on my couch.” He joked, “Dogs are great and you’re right they love without expecting anything in return. Special animals and man’s best friend.” Logan had always wanted a pet but when he was younger they could never afford one and now he was older he was always at work. The funny part about that was he could never leave a dog at home all day or a cat for that matter and he all too often wanted to adopt his work. It was the downside of what he did.

“Me too, I’d love a dog or a cat of my own but time just never seems to work out for me.” He said with a sigh, “But there are a few long stays at the kennels, I’ve a favourite called Wilf, a little terrier who chews a lot so people never seem to keep him long. He keeps coming back but he’s like my adopted dog. So I’m sure we could find one for you too.” He offered not sure if she wanted that but he knew there were a few dogs that for one reason or another would never get a permanent home other than the kennel which they ran along with the staff there. He always liked to think of those dogs as the boss dogs, the ones that knew how it all worked and helped out the newer recruits. If that was possible in the dog world.

Aria Campbell,

[Aria Campbell]

"If you're sure that it's not a problem, then I guess I'll stop by some after hours" Aria promised. It would probably be better that way too. It meant less people would be around, and that Aria could spend as much time as she would like with the animals.

The idea of having an unofficial pet did sound nice as well. Aria could visit the dog whenever, up until it got adopted that is, and really that wasn't such a bad idea. She could spend time with the dog, make sure it got all the care it needed, and on the day it was adopted Aria could give the new owners any information they would need about their new family member. The only hard part would be saying goodbye. It would hurt, and Aria didn't like that thought, but she had to remind herself that it would be better in the long run. Whatever dog she got attached to would benefit greatly from Aria spending a little extra time with it. "Having my own sort of unofficial adopted dog sounds nice. I'll definitely keep my mind open when I visit them. It would probably help the dog some too."

That's when another thought entered Aria's mind. "Could we visit them now?" she asked, looking up at Logan with wide eyes. It wasn't often Aria begged or pleaded, but the thought of being able to visit the kennel now and spend some time with the animals there wouldn't leave her alone.

Logan O'Connor

[Logan O'Connor]

“No problem at all, like I said I work strange hours so sometimes it’s easier to be open later when things are quiet.” Logan explained, he could get a lot done in what he liked to call the quiet hours of the night or morning whenever he managed to grab a few of them. After all animals that were recovering or just hated kennels usually preferred a human presence around to reassure them.

Logan knew it was tough giving up the animals, especially the ones you bonded with but then good side of it was that the more time you spent with them the more you learned. Like what food they preferred, so instead of a new owner going through the dry food wet food, any food dance until they hit on the right thing. It was much easier to start out right from the get go and easier for the animal too. “It does trust me, think of it like a human. If you know a human hates eggs and you try and feed them eggs everyday then it’s going to be a nightmare pretty quickly but if you know that human well enough. You know what they eat and what they like, you become best friends with them much faster.” Logan said grinning.

Logan could see her wide eyes as he grinned and nodded. Yes he was sucker for puppy eyes and hers, there was no way he could say no to those eyes. “Sure we can.” Logan said as he packed away his lunch as he motioned to his truck. A Ford Raptor. It was practical and sure it maybe was hardly a city car but it got him places and made sure he would never be stuck.

Aria Campbell,

[Aria Campbell]

Aria smiled when Logan said they could go over now. "Thank you" she said as she walked over to Logan's truck. Aria had wanted to run over, but she knew that she needed to work on her patience so she walked.

"How far is the kennel from here?" the teen asked, looking up at Logan. It was clear that Aria was excited and wanted to spend as much time as she could today with the animals there. She was trying to contain it though and remain calm. The last thing they needed was Aria running around and being hard to keep up with.

"And do you know how many dogs are there right now?" Aria continued, wanting to desperately play with several of the dogs and get to know them. She also wanted to help them find homes and get out of the kennel. "And what time does the kennel close?"

Realizing that she was probably asking too many questions, Aria stopped. "Sorry. I guess I'm a little excited" the teen admitted. 'Little' was an understatement though. It wasn't often Aria could spend time with animals, so she was beyond excited. 

Logan O'Connor

[Logan O'Connor]

Logan smiled and nodded watching her, he had expected a run or at least a pushing power walk but she seemed very patient in his eyes. Well maybe it was an act but then it was nice to see. Then when she asked how far the kennel was, well the excitements he had for the trip was clear as he walked with her. “Only a short ten minute drive if that.” Logan answered deciding that making out it was any longer was a bad idea.

“There are around twenty there at the moment so far as I am aware, I’ve to check a few over and I think they got a puppy in last night too because I’ve to vaccinate one. Or that was what I was told, might be old news now but it was what I knew yesterday.” Logan explained smiling, yeah she seemed excited over going to the kennels. It was a nice place really, despite the dogs there that might never get a home.

It was a calming place and a place that you could genuinely relax and enjoy the day without the outside pressures of life in general. “The place closes to the public at six but I’m sure we can make arrangements for you if you wanted to visit later on too.” Logan explained though he saw she stopped with the questions as he grinned. “Yeah only a little?” He questioned before he shook his head, “And not to worry, I’m glad to see someone is happy to go there as I am and ask any questions you want to.” Logan added.

“It’s way better than college for hands on experience if I’m honest.” He added as he reached out to open the door to his truck for her. “Mind your head and watch your step.” He explained though the inside of it was pristine, well apart from the dirt on the floor mats but then that was the same with any car. He was a vet not a valet so his car was lived in and used feel to it.

Aria Campbell,

[Aria Campbell]

"If we're being honest, anything is better than college. Especially real life experience" Aria stated as she got into Logan's truck with ease. That much was true. Aria learned a lot more from the real world then what school could ever teach her. So what if she dropped out of high school and had no plans on attending college? All she lacked from it was the knowledge of how to find the diameter of a circle and other little things like that. In Aria's eyes, she didn't need school. No, the real world would teach her far more valuable lessons. "All I'll learn in college is what I'm supposed to do instead of actually doing the thing. Why spend time in class when I could just get the hands on experience and leave it at that?"

Aria couldn't help but smile a little as she got buckled in. "I don't get to spend a lot of time with animals. I can't have one at my place, so the only time I get to see them is when I'm with friends who have pets" she explained. "So of course I'm excited."

"How old is the puppy, do you know?" Aria asked. She loved all dogs, and age didn't matter. However, Aria did have a soft spot for puppies. They were so young and they could do the 'puppy eyes' perfectly. They were also so full of energy and just wanted to play all day.

Logan O'Connor

[Logan O'Connor]

Logan laughed as he nodded to her. “Yeah you really can’t beat real life experience though some of it isn’t all that great trust me.” He replied shutting the door behind her as he went to get into the driver’s seat. School had taught him a little but life experience came from just being out and a part of life in general. He learned more outside of the books than he had done with his head in them despite the fact he had managed to make a career out of it. School was great but then life was better in a lot of way.

“Oh hands on experience is great but college can teach you a lot too, not always from a classroom but the fun of life can be found there. The people, the general range of emotions and of course the freedom to stay up to 6am and not have to hear your parents getting on that you need to keep the music down.” Logan said with a grin though most of his college years were spent on a football field trying to impress whatever coach he had or scout for the team.

The fun had lasted a few years before injuries and life and everything else got in the way of trying to figure it all out. Buckling himself up as he started the engine glancing across to see that Aria had buckled herself in. “Wow I can’t imagine not spending time with pets. Didn’t have much time for one when I was younger but now, I love them all apart from the snakes... I have no idea how people can see a snake as a pet.” Logan stated as he pulled the truck out of the car park.

“About fourteen weeks, old enough to be bouncing around and be getting into everything. Still has that new puppy smell though and very cute from what I’ve heard.” He added grinning, dogs were great and puppies. They could melt hearts and anyone who said no to a puppy was a crazy person in his mind. They were too cute to be true but yes there was a puppy there.

Aria Campbell,

[Aria Campbell]

Aria shrugged when Logan mentioned the experience and freedom that came with college. Maybe in a different life, the sixteen year old would've looked forward to college. She'd probably be counting down the days until graduation and then move in day at college. However, that wasn't the case. Aria already did whatever she wanted. If she didn't want to go home at night, then she didn't. Though Aria knew it worried her foster mother when she did that.

"I mean, I guess. But I already have a lot of freedom. There's only so much you can tell a sixteen year old to do" Aria explained. "I pretty much do whatever I want, whenever I want. It's great"

"As for not owning pets, it is what it is. Where I live, they don't allow them. And even if they did allow a dog or a cat, I still wouldn't be able to own one. I move around too much, and the constant change in environment wouldn't be fair to the animal. So I make due with what I have, and that's friends who have pets"

That much was true. Even if Aria could have a pet, because she was in the system it wouldn't be fair to the animal. Aria could handle changing homes, because it was expected and she knew when it would happen. An animal though, as smart as they were, couldn't understand the constant moving. Besides, a pet deserved a permanent home. Not several different ones.

Aria chuckled a little at Logan's comment about snakes. Aria didn't have any problems with snakes, but she definitely wouldn't want to own one either. "I'm with you on that one. I don't have a problem with snakes, but I would never own one. They're not for me. Spiders are also out. There is no way you'll ever get me to hold a tarantula or any other type of spider."

Her face brightened up when Logan mentioned the puppy's age. At fourteen weeks, puppies had a lot of energy and were really playful. "That's good" Aria replied, smiling. "It probably means that they're eager to play and run around right now"

Logan O'Connor