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‘This is Dougal. He was left at the gate of Wagging Tails Dogs’ Home. I’m helping out there for my aunt.’
The vet nodded and as he held his stethoscope to Dougal’s chest, he frowned, his eyes darkening with concern.
‘Anyway, he had a note with him that said he was poorly, but his owner couldn’t afford to take him to the vet.’ She paused as Dougal began coughing, before taking a long shuddering breath. ‘Do you think he’s got kennel cough?’
Folding his arms, the vet frowned once more. ‘I don’t think so, although without further tests I wouldn’t like to completely rule kennel cough out.’
‘What else could it be?’
‘Without even weighing him, it’s obvious he’s severely underweight and undernourished. His ribs are visible, and his fur is in poor condition. It could be a simple case of neglect or one of a number of issues, from the easily treatable to the not so.’
Poppy stroked Dougal behind the ears. Why was life so cruel? This little pup had been born and likely bought with the best of intentions, and now he had been either neglected to the point he was barely surviving or allowed to get so ill he’d been given up. Whichever it was, the owner was responsible. She flared her nostrils and blinked as the sting of tears hit the back of her eyes.
‘As I said, it may well be treatable, but we’ll need to run some tests to determine what it is exactly. And you have no idea how long he’s been living with this condition?’
‘No, he was dropped off this morning.’ She glanced at the clock on the wall. ‘Just over an hour ago, actually. Everything I know is in this letter.’ She reached into her pocket and passed him the scrunched-up piece of paper. ‘Here you are.’
‘Of course.’ He laid his hand on her arm, his hand surprisingly warm despite the surgery being on the chilly side, before taking the letter and quickly skimming it. ‘You’ve done the right thing, bringing him here.’
Nodding, Poppy looked across at him. His eyes were a deep shade of brown, the kind that drew you in, comforted you.
‘Thank you.’
‘Right, I’ll go and get the necessary equipment and we’ll draw some blood.’ He looked at her, his eyes locking with hers, his mouth drawing into a quick smile.
She watched as he walked out of the room and then looked down to where he’d placed his hand on her arm. He knew how to reassure someone. That was obvious. And the way he’d looked at her? Was he flirting? She shook her head, a low grunt of a sarcastic laugh escaping. What was she even thinking?
Looking back down at Dougal, she whispered, ‘You’ll be fine, sweetheart. Just be a brave little boy and we’ll get you feeling better.’
‘Here we are,’ The vet said, coming back into the room. ‘Now just hold still, pup, and it will all be over soon.’ He drew the blood before Dougal had a chance to realise what was going on. ‘Right, I’ll hurry these through and all being well, we’ll contact you tomorrow with the results. In the meantime, I’d advise keeping him separated from the other dogs in your care. Just until we know what we’re dealing with.’
‘Great. Thank you.’ She stepped back as he lowered Dougal to the floor. ‘Come on, Dougal. Let’s get you back to Wagging Tails and get you comfy.’
‘Nice to meet you. And hopefully, we can get him healthy soon enough.’
Holding the door open for her, he smiled.
‘And you.’ She caught his eye before turning and focusing on Dougal.
Back out in the waiting area, she looked through the large windows towards Aunt Flora’s car and paused. ‘Do you want picking up?’ she asked Dougal. ‘It suddenly seems a long way to the car.’
She gently scooped up the small cockapoo who immediately flopped his body against her, his head laid against her shoulder. Nodding her thanks as a man holding a cat carrier held the door open for her, she stepped outside, shivering against the cold and immediately wishing she’d put her cardigan back on instead of leaving it on the car seat where she’d used it to wrap Dougal up. She’d been in such a hurry after talking to Alex on the phone that she hadn’t even thought to throw her coat on. Her sole focus had been on getting Dougal here.
‘Excuse me. You’ve not paid yet.’
Was that aimed at her? She turned around and looked at the receptionist who was hanging out of the doorway, her arms wrapped around her middle.
‘Me?’
‘That’s right.’ The woman held the door wide open, signalling Poppy to go back through.
‘Oh, I’m from Wagging Tails Dogs’ Home.’ She shifted Dougal in her arms.
‘That’s nice.’
Smiling, Poppy began to make her way back towards the car again.
‘I’m sorry. Excuse me, but payment needs to be made before you leave.’ The woman’s voice was apologetic but stern.
