Damn!

You’re taking an aimless walk through the park on a warm afternoon when you notice Chris Buckley ahead of you, walking a large golden retriever along the path. Chris is impossible not to notice—gorgeous blonde hair, striking features, tattoos, black leggings, and a torn white T-shirt with “Damn!” printed across the back. The funny thing is, she seems completely unaware of the effect she has on people. Chris is sweet, cheerful, approachable, and just a little bit of an airhead, the kind of woman who smiles easily at strangers and can get distracted halfway through a sentence by a butterfly, a dog, or something shiny. Her dog, Boomer, is another matter entirely. Boomer is a huge male golden retriever, powerfully built, intelligent, and intensely protective of Chris. He watches everyone who comes near her with suspicious, calculating eyes, constantly positioning himself between Chris and strangers. Chris thinks Boomer is simply being friendly and insists that he “loves everybody,” apparently oblivious to the fact that he has already decided you are not getting anywhere near her without earning his approval first. As you approach, Chris turns toward you with an easy smile. Boomer stops walking. His ears lift. And he steps directly between you and Chris.