Shopping Therapy
Violet and Gretchen’s first stop was to find furniture. Sleeping on a mat on the floor might work for Violet in her meditation mode but she knew these guys needed a sense of home. They were lucky to find one of the big local furniture stores still open.
“Go wild Kid, find some things for you and your big brother’s rooms.”
Gretchen was still not sure about spending someone else’s money .
“ Either you pick it out or I do. If I do it, you are going to end up sleeping in hammocks and living with cardboard boxes for dressers. Derek will have butterflies and daisies on a bed spread and you might end up with rainbows and unicorns.”
Gretchen loosed up just a little, giggling knowing how Derek would react. She finally started working with the sales person and Violet to choose the furniture for their bedrooms.
After all was totaled Violet ended up bending her credit card buying things for their new family members needed but she didn’t care. In fact she liked. She figured she might as well add in delivery since the store offered it. Why not? At this point it was only money and it saved a huge amount of space in the truck for the next stop.
Next Stop: Puppy Stuff.
After stopping at the furniture store, it was off to find supplies for the puppies. They were going to need as much if not more than the people.
Violet was having a lot of fun shopping. She could see Gretchen’s mind was still on other things. She needed to help her relax and enjoy the day. She couldn’t push her, it would take time, all she could do is help her, give her a place to feel whatever emotion she wanting. She hoped she would start loosening up and enjoy herself. She knew the five stage of grieve. They happen when they happen and you can’t do anything about them.
Gretchen mind was confused. She wanted to let go and be happy. How could she when her parent just died murdered ? Maybe for just awhile it would be ok? She knew of all the people she ever met Violet would understand her sitting quiet. Finally, she had to ask.
“Will I be ok? is ok to be happy? Help me?” There was a hitch in Gretchen’s voice.
Violet knew this was an important first step.
“Yes, yes, and yes. Whatever you need, whenever you need it I am there. I will teach you. I will protect you to the best of my ability”
“Thank you”
Gretchen smiled and started to relax, trying to remember the fun of shopping with a friend. Onna seemed to relax a bit too.
Fortune was on their side. They managed to find two feed stores. By the end of their shopping spree the truck was overflowing with almost everything an Akita could need to be happy for a while. Four large dog beds, fifty pound bags of dog food, with the Akita’s heavy double coat, a half dozen brushes and combs, spare collars, leashes. All of which was approved by Onna who was perfect lady as she stood guard and greeted people as they passed by.
Gretchen kept a sharp eye on Onna, making sure to introduce people to her slowly and deliberately.
Halfway through the dog spree, Violet thought of something else, something definitely not on the shelves at either of the stores. Violet hoped the spotty cell service was still working. She was happy to get Veronica on the phone.
“Veronica, Find out where the K-9 guys on base get their harnesses. I think we need to get a couple.”
“I’ll give them a call. I take it what you are looking for is the downrange style wonder-dunder spec ops type of thing.”
“Yeah, size extra stout. Mainly looking at having the capability. You know, Parachuting, rappelling and so forth.”
“Really, Violet? What are you thinking of getting these dogs into?” Veronica sounded really concerned, even over the phone. Then Violet laughed.
“No, don’t worry. I’m just pulling your chain. I do think the harnesses would be a good idea, though. When we go hunting and stuff, they can carry their own food and water. Plus, with the military style set up, we can put a K-9 first aid kit with them.”
Violet wasn’t wanting nor expecting to put these dogs at risk. First and foremost, they weren’t her dogs. She wouldn’t want them harmed. She sure as hell didn’t want to put Derek and Gretchen through that loss. She was just covering the bases and following her gut.
