More than anything

"A bit like Garrick's, isn't it? Except the fur's longer." It doesn't mean much -- it can't be more than a coincidence -- but she still finds it encouraging. It's hard to imagine this particular dog trotting around the Village, if only because its fur is so improbably fine. But it still has the vague look of a 'real' dog: the sort bred by accident, or in pursuit of something besides a specific look.

The dog solemnly braces a paw against Greta's arm, as if it's about to impart grave news, but all that follows is a little sneeze. Greta echoes it with a snort of laughter. "Bless you," she says, as the dog squirms to get more comfortable.

"That's Sadie." Greta glances up to see Elise grinning down at them, and the girl crouches a moment later to give the dog's fur a fond ruffle. "She's a sweetheart. We're pretty sure she's part poodle, but we're not sure about the rest. Could be border collie, or Aussie -- that might explain the color, how it's all blotchy." She smoothes a hand over the dog's side illustratively, then cants her head a little to one side, glancing between Greta and Demelza. "Are you looking to adopt?"

"I am," Greta replies, trying not to feel (or look) self-conscious, as if she has no business doing any such thing. She knows she's ready, and Elise hardly cuts an imposing figure. Still, she feels compelled to add, "I've never actually had a dog before, but I've done a lot of reading, and I've got everything I need." She looks to Demelza for back-up, though she's not sure if it's Elise or her own self in need of additional assurance.