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Fur Babies
Cassandra
I’m a little afraid of riding shotgun with Mercedes. The woman is all energy and that translates to her driving as well. Luckily, Severn’s roads are relatively empty and we make it to her house safely.
“You’re a vet, so you probably already know this,” she says once she kills the engine and we both step out of the car. “But pit bulls are one the most misunderstood dog breeds ever. The kids are going to come at you fast and furious but the worst thing that will happen is getting pushed over and slobbered on.”
I’m well aware of all these things but I love that she is taking the time to explain it to me. People are terrified of the breed because of what they see in the news. But not all kids are the same and neither are all dogs. You wouldn’t punish all little boys for one boy’s actions, so why do it to a breed of dogs?
“Thanks for the heads-up,” I say with a smile. “Now let’s see if I can help your baby.”
Mercedes smiles, opening a side gate and leading the way. It happens just like she says. One moment we are alone, and the next, there are four pit bulls vying for our attention.
There are various colors and sizes, some have visible signs of abuse, but all of them are giving us those goofy pittie grins and I can’t help but bend down and give them all a little love.
“Zeus!” Mercedes calls out with a frown.
At the side of the house, beneath the shade of a large oak tree, I see a nose sticking out. I point in that direction and Mercedes takes off like a shot.
“Oh baby,” she coos, falling to her knees.
The moment I lay eyes on him, I know what the problem is. “How long has that bump been there?”
“I saw it last night,” she says, tear-filled eyes imploring me to do something. “I’m sure it wasn’t there the day before.”
I nod. “Hand me your phone,” I say, holding out my hand. “What do you have Alistair saved under?”
“Ali-bear,” she replies, already crying.
I’m trying to remain calm and efficient so as not to scare her but she knows this is serious. She knew the moment he didn’t come to the gate.
“Hey babe,” Alistair answers after the second ring.
“It’s Cassandra. You need to come home. Now.”
“What’s wrong?” I can hear him moving in the background. “Is everyone okay?”
“We’re fine. But Zeus has a spider bite that I can’t treat,” I explain. “He’s lethargic and not moving on his own. You need to take him to the city.”
“Shit!” he curses. “I’ll be there in five minutes.” And then he ends the call.
“Mercedes,” I say, sitting on the grass beside her. “I need you to get me a glass of water. If you have one, a syringe or a straw, too.”
“Why?” she sobs.
“He’s dehydrated, sweetie. I want to try and get some water in him.”
She nods several times before jumping up and running into the house. The other dogs are standing around watching us except for a tan bitch. She rests her head on my leg and stares at me questioningly.
“We’ll get him better. Don’t worry,” I say, scratching her ears.
Mercedes returns with a jug of water and a handful of bendy straws. If I wasn’t so worried I’d be laughing my ass off. She really doesn’t know how to do a damn thing in half measures.
Taking a straw, I push it into the jug. Then I place my finger over the opening above the water line and lift it out. Once I have the straw placed in his mouth, I release my finger and the water rushes out. The first two times, all the water dribbles out and my heart sinks. But the third time, he swallows. I repeat the action over and over until Alistair arrives.
“Take him to Doctor Novak. I’ll call ahead and let them know you’re coming,” I say as I move out of the way so he can pick Zeus up. “I’ll take Mercedes’s car back to the shop.”
“Thanks, Doc.” He nods before walking to his pickup.
