"Very much," Melissa said. She peered over the counter at Mrs. Mendell's magnificent beast. "He's gorgeous."

"I'm glad you think so," Linda said, stroking the broad head of her Great Dane. "Claudius is the reason I'm here. I'm boarding him here for a few days."

"I can take care of that," Melissa offered.

Linda Mendell dropped a check on the counter. "If it's more when I return, I'll pay the balance." She winked at Melissa. "He's a very special dog. I hope you'll take a personal interest in his welfare."

"I will," Melissa promised.

"Good. If you do, when I pick him up, there'll be a nice tip in it for you."

Melissa was thrilled. A tip would help her buy more clothes for school next month. "I'll treat him like one of the family."

"Be sure and groom him every day. He loves it. In fact, he hasn't been groomed today."

"I'll take care of it right away," Melissa promised as Mrs. Mendell turned and walked to the front door.

"Bye, child," Linda Mendell purred. "I know you'll treat Claudius as your close friend." She left Melissa alone with the giant Dane.

Melissa came out from behind the counter and went to the door, watching the beautiful woman climb into the long black limousine. "God, she must be rich," she sighed, leering at the car pulling into the traffic and wondering how big her tip would be.

"Now, let's take care of you," Melissa said to the calm Great Dane who was staring at her with dark, brooding, brown eyes. Taking his leash, she led him into the back and up onto a small platform. "I'm going to have your coat so glossy when your mistress returns that she won't recognize you."

The animal, knowing what to expect, stood on the raised platform, waiting patiently to be brushed. He wagged his skinny tail as the pretty little girl returned with a coarse brush for his tan coat.