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Rowdy, in all his childlike wonder, was oblivious to the tension on the ride to the veterinary hospital. “I figure a real small dog doesn’t make much sense for protection,” he was saying.
“Ya never know,” Toben argued. “They call them ankle biters for a reason.”
Rowdy giggled.
“Let’s wait and see what there is.” Poppy laughed, too—no way to resist their son’s giggle.
“It’s a big decision, Rowdy.” Toben nodded. “You need to trust this dog. You need to know he or she is going to take care of you.”
“How will I know?” Rowdy asked.
“Instinct,” Toben said. “Most of these dogs were dropped off by previous owners. Some were animals that were injured and left. Lots of college kids around here adopt animals, then turn them loose or dump them when they realize they don’t have the time or money to take care of them.”
“Poor things.” Poppy’s voice was wistful.
Toben nodded. Animals were family to Rowdy and Poppy—he knew that. To leave one behind was unthinkable. “So make sure they’re the right one before you pick. Some of these guys have all but given up on finding a forever home.”
Rowdy grew serious for the last bit of the ride.
The three of them arrived at the hospital when it was dark. He entered through the front doors, nodding at the three students at the desk.
“They’re still open?” Poppy asked as they walked through the staff-only entrance. “Can we go back here?”
“Yep. They’re fourth-year students. They have to take emergency-duty shifts, just like med students.”
“Take a lot of schooling to be a veterinarian?” Rowdy asked.
Toben nodded. “But that’s good. It’s a big job, so you have to know a lot.”
Rowdy nodded.
“My cousins Hunter, Fisher and Archer are all veterinarians. And your aunt Tandy is studying real hard to be one, too.” He winked at Rowdy. “That’s why they know me around here.”
Rowdy nodded. “You ever want to be one?”
Toben shook his head. “Can’t imagine not spending most hours outside. Or in the saddle. It makes me sad to think about it.” Which was true.
He led them into the break room. Fisher was on emergency duty tonight and had been the one to tell them to come on over, no matter how late.
“Well, Rowdy, it’s plain to see who your daddy is.” He held out his hand to the boy. “I’m your cousin Fisher. Nice to meet you.”
“You, too, sir,” Rowdy said, shaking his hand. “I got a little of Ma in me, too.”
“That you do, Rowdy.” He smiled at Poppy, offering his hand. “Fisher Boone.”
“Poppy,” she said, shaking his hand—that same sad look in her eyes. “Thank you for having us here, now...”
Fisher nodded. “Dogs don’t keep business hours.” He grinned. “Or cats or lizards or any animal, for that matter.” He led them down the hall, leading them through several rooms with cages, medical equipment and anything a veterinarian could possibly need. “I’ve got a few real friendly ones you might want to meet.”
But Rowdy paused by the first cage. “Who’s that?”
Fisher backed up. “She’s a sweet thing. But she’s a little skittish.”
Rowdy dropped to his knees. “Hey, girl,” he said. “Hi.”
Toben watched his son, his small hand extended toward the black dog huddled in the corner. “She okay?” he asked, hoping Fisher understood what he was asking. No way he was going to let his son near an unpredictable animal.
Fisher nodded. “She’s shy. A real shadow, follows real close, real quiet.”
