he who hesitates is toast

"Someone will be," the volunteer agrees. Bucky slides the zipper and works a couple of fingers into the small space to pet Alpine while he listens. "He's one of ours who's available for placement, hoping to find his forever home."

"How long has he been with you?" he asks.

"Almost a month now. Sometimes it's hard to place these guys, even when they're sweet like this fellow is, aren't you?" the volunteer says, snapping the leash into place.