AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Abruptly, the sound of jazzy-spa music came on. It was very close to a pop song I’d heard before but also remarkably unplaceable. I was just getting the hang of the methodical dance I’d choreographed for it when she came back on.
“Okay, hun. How about tomorrow at 11:30 am?” I could hear her furiously typing on the other end of the phone. I couldn’t imagine what she was keying in, considering I hadn’t even made an appointment yet, and I let the question distract me.
“Well, I would need to check with work, but—” I remembered the newpaw-ternity leave, plus our liberal policy for time off. Besides, I hadn’t taken more thanthree days off in the few years I’d worked there. I hadplentyof vacation days, and thanks to our lack of briefing this morning, I technically hadn’t been assigned any specific work. “You know what, that’ll do fine. Thank you.”
“Okay, Katie. Come ten minutes early to fill out the paperwork. Do you have pet insurance? If not, I can help you with that.”
Pet insurance? I laughed at the visual of a dog with a briefcase selling insurance, but it madeso much sense.“I don’t, yet. That would be great if you can. Thank you.”
“Come twenty minutes early, then. My name is Patty. I’ll get you all situated. Thanks, dear.” Click. I set down the phone. I loved nothing more than when other people anticipated what I needed, especially when I didn’t know I needed it—like Samantha. I looked over at Dolly, who was inviting me to play with her as she squeaked her toy. I went over to her, sharing the news.
“Tomorrow, you will be getting an exam just to be sure you feel your best.”
My mind flashed back to a photo my mother sent me years ago when she first took Edward to the vet. He was wearing a full-faced muzzle, with the caption,Edward loves his new doctor!She had said, “I told them this wasn’t necessary, but Dr. Lakeson insisted after Edward did a little stampede on him when he walked in the room. He’s such a misunderstood little guy. But it really makes him look like abad boy. I think I’ll get momma’s tough guy that spiked collar, after all.”
I picked Dolly up and held her with one arm, carrying her around the house. I think I really liked Samantha. She was the type of person I needed in my social life. It was a little out of my character, but I decided to return her earlier text with a phone call.
“Hi Samantha, it’s Katie.”
She seemed a little caught off guard, but not in a bad way.
“Hi Katie! How is everything going with Dolly?”
I realized now that she probably thought there was an issue that might onlybe resolved by myreturningDolly.
“Oh, everything is wonderful. You were right. She’s exactly what I needed. I can see that now.”
Samantha let out a sigh of relief. “Thank you, Katie. You don’t know how happy that makes me to hear it. And I really do thank you for everyone you’ve sent to us and your church. You’ll be happy to know we have adopted twenty-six pets in the last 24 hours! That means open kennels, so we can officially accept more pets. For the first time in a year, we have more going out than coming in!”
I remembered this woman was crying in her car just a day ago, and I told her she was making a difference. My prayers had been answered.
Dear Jesus,
Thank you!
In your name,
Amen
Samantha sounded busy in the background as the bell on the shelter's front door rang. “I’ve just had some more carriers delivered from a donor!” She excitedly exclaimed.
“Well, I won’t keep you, Samantha. I just wanted to say I will see you on Friday.”
Samantha paused. “Oh yes, about that, Katie. You see, we’ve had such an influx of adopters this week—that class will have a few more people than I originally thought. Of course, I will still be here, and I promise I will have your seat reserved!”
Was it painfully obvious how socially awkward I was that she felt the need to say that? Regardless, I was relieved to hear it.
“That's wonderful! Thank you for reserving my seat. I’ll be there with bells on.” The first time I used that phrase and wasn't being sarcastic. I should get a T-shirt to commemorate the moment.
We hung up, and I texted Frank about missing work tomorrow because of Dolly’s appointment.
He texted back almost immediately, agreeing I needed to take the day off, and said I should just take the rest of the week, plus next Monday, since I worked today and it’s a new benefit andrule. I didn’t want to argue with him, and his use of emojis in the text seemed so joyful that I just gladly accepted.
Well, I wouldn’t want to break the rules. Thank you (dog emoji).
He replied.
Thx, see u next week (dog emoji) (dr emoji) (tennis ball emoji) (thumbs up emoji) (dog emoji).
