Which just went to show, didn’t it? She couldn’t even win an argument with her mother. These days, losing was the one thing in the world Ruby did best.

Chapter 6

“Hello, everyone, and welcome to the inaugural West Coast Canine Classic meet and greet.”

A female voice rang out loud and clear over the high school gym, which held about a hundred dogs and twice as many of the humans attached to them. It spoke well of this year’s candidates that Spencer’s co-judge and vet partner, Eva Johnson, didn’t have to resort to shouting or a microphone. The dogs were so well trained that they immediately hushed when she spoke.

“We’d like to take this opportunity to welcome everyone and remind you that neither you nor your animals are being judged today. This is about getting to know the other dog-show entrants to share tips, tricks, and, if either you or your animals are single, phone numbers.” The diminutive brunette laughed, which meant the entire room laughed with her. She was that kind of person. “My two fellow judges and I are here to observe and answers questions, but don’t feel like you need to show off. We won’t bite. Hopefully, none of your little darlings will either—and if they do, we claim no liability for the damages.”

That earned Eva another laugh. Spencer would’ve liked to point out that she was serious, and that any dog caught misbehaving or acting aggressively would be immediately banned from this and all future events, but Eva didn’t give him an opportunity. Which was just as well, since he was already the least favorite of the three judges. Everyone adored Eva, who was one of the friendliest people Spencer had ever known, and Lawson, a large-animal vet who’d been at school with them, was equally beloved. He was almost as big as the horses he took care of and had the personality to match.

Spencer, however, was the judge who’d memorized the rulebook. Color, coat, conformity…he knew them all by heart. He even carried a ruler in his pocket to check the fur length on certain breeds. As soon as people saw him whip it out, they were known to run screaming from the room.

Lawson rubbed his hands together and cast a glance around the high school gym where the meet and greet was being held. It was the same location they’d used for the registration, but there was a lot more activity this time around. Not everyone participated in these informal events, but they were always well attended. Dog-show people loved nothing more than an opportunity to show their dogs.

“Where should I start?” Lawson asked. “The hounds? The terriers? Who am I kidding? We all know I’m heading straight for the toys.”