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Nick shook his head. “It’s a nationwide database. You could post Sniper’s photo for free. If his owner has already posted a photo of him as being lost—or does so in the future, image recognition software will show close matches.”
“Several of my clients located their dogs through that very database.” Dr. Bailey smiled. “I wish more people knew about it. But there are other good websites, as well.”
“What vet care does he need right now?”
The vet pursed her lips. “Many of the rescue groups provide some veterinary services. So if he is given to one of them...”
“But they’re all probably run on donations, right? So I will consider this mine.”
“Alrighty, then. Before doing anything, we need to run some baseline bloodwork to make sure there’s not an underlying disease causing him to be malnourished.”
Adisease?Lucy bit her lower lip.
“He also needs a heartworm test because it’s so prevalent here. If he has heartworm, I’m afraid the treatment is quite expensive. If he doesn’t, then he needs to start a prevention protocol right away.”
“Of...of course.”
“Kathy will be back in just a minute to get started, if you’re onboard?”
“Absolutely. Right?” Lucy looked up at Nick for confirmation, and he nodded.
“Since he’s a stray, he also needs to be dewormed and started on flea and tick protection,” the vet added. “I always give a discount to rescue groups, so I’ll give it to you as well.”
“What about vaccinations? He must be behind on everything a dog should have.”
“His immune system might already be dealing with a lot, but I’ll check his labs. As soon as he’s a bit stronger and healthier, we’ll get those vaccinations started.”
She started out the door and then turned and looked at Nick. “If you ever get tired of vacation and would like to get back to work, we desperately need more vets in this clinic. Just give me a call.”
* * * *
BACK AT THE GATE TOher Airbnb complex, Lucy shifted Sniper’s leash to her left hand and offered Nick a handshake. “Thank you for being such an incredible friend. I might not evenbehere if not for you.”
“I—” Nick hesitated, as if wanting to say something more, then reluctantly accepted her hand. “Glad to help. Are you going to be all right?”
She nodded. “There hasn’t been any more trouble, so I’ve probably worried over nothing.”
“Do you have plans for the rest of your stay?”
“I’ve got an SUV reserved for some day trips to explore the island. Now I need to check on places that are dog-friendly.”
“You can always find that out online. If you need a temporary place for him, I’m in a rental not far away and it has a small fenced backyard. Just let me know.”
“That’s such a kind offer.”
“By the way, I thought you were amazing back at the vet clinic.” A slash of dimple deepened in his cheek as he gave her a quarter smile. “Most folks wouldn’t want to be bothered with a stray dog while on vacation. They’d drop it off at the first opportunity. But you have gone above and beyond.”
“I’m just glad his heartworm test was negative and that the labwork shows he’s relatively healthy. She said he could come back to start his vaccinations in about a week.”
She felt a warm glow settle over her as she watched Nick wave farewell and start down the sidewalk. But she felt a measure of regret, as well.
Her late husband had been a successful lawyer, but he’d spared little time for the kids’ activities, and he’d had no tolerance for any sort of house pets. He’d refused to let either child have so much as a hamster.
After his death, she had tried her hardest to parent well on her own.. Sunday school. Help with homework every night. Encouragement. Trips to the zoo, to plays, and the symphony. Cheering the kids on at their sports events. Piles of bedtime storybooks. Lots of laughter and silliness, too. Andlotsof pets.
It did no good to dwell on the past and imagine what could have been. After being married to Jason, she treasured her independence and never wanted to be married again.
But whenever she met someone as caring and thoughtful as Nick, she sometimes wondered.
