Aspook-tacular matchmaking

As a Halloween enthusiast down on her luck when it came to love, Cassie wasn't expecting to fall head over heels for her handsome client

- Lisa Weaver

Cassie Francini wasn’t ashamed to admit she was batty about Halloween. Her sound system played a spooky serenade for customers as they walked in the front door of her pet grooming salon, Dapper Dogs.

She was most excited for her next appointment, a black Lab named Ranger. The pup was set to take part in the charity benefit pet costume contest at the Specter Springs Halloween festival.

Ranger’s handsome handler, game warden Gavin Tonson, was new to Specter Springs. The two most common adjectives the town grapevine used to describe the bachelor were “dreamy” and “eligible.”

Ranger, squirming excitedly as he greeted her with sloppy kisses, made no secret of his joy at seeing her.

“You are such a flirt, buddy,” Gavin chuckled, rolling his eyes good-naturedly.

As adorable as Ranger was, Gavin was even more irresistible.

As Cassie bathed, dried and primped Ranger, she and Gavin chatted about their shared love of dogs and their interest in everything outdoor related. She found herself wishing she wasn’t too shy to ask him out, because she’d fallen hard for him.