His tail wags wildly from side to side. I pull a few bone-shaped biscuits from the cabinet and set them in his bowl. Not wasting a moment, he devours them. Only crumbs remain by the time I’m settled back on the couch. Max whines for more, but when I don’t give in, he huffs and plants himself on his bed. He knows I mean business.
As I reach for the remote, my phone chimes. I expect it to be Dylan, but to my surprise, it’s Fernando.
Fernando: Hola, Dr. B. I’m sorry to bother you. Does that offer for help still stand?
I thought I made myself clear on the phone. Or else I wouldn’t have given him my number. I start typing.
Ava: Yes. What’s up?
Fernando: The cat has finally come out of hiding, but he’s covered in mud. He must’ve snuck outside somehow when I wasn’t looking. I know cats can bathe themselves, but is mud something they can eat?
Yikes. Mud and cats do not mix. I sit taller.
Ava: In small amounts, mud is okay, but in large amounts, they need help. How bad is it?
Fernando: Let me send you a photo.
It pops into our thread. The brown goop is so thick that I can’t make out what color the feline is.
Ava: This poor little one is going to need a bath.
What I don’t mention is that if it doesn’t manage to come out with shampoo and water, the cat will have to be shaved. Which is no fun for anyone.
Fernando: That’s what I was afraid of. Do you know if any groomers are open this late?
Ava: I doubt it. Even if they were, most groomers don’t do cats. You’ll be better off bathing the cat yourself. You’ll need warm water, and if you have it, some cat-friendly shampoo.
Fernando: I think I saw some dog shampoo in the bathroom, would that work?
Ava: It’s not a good idea. Dog and cat shampoos technically do the same thing, but the ingredients in dog versions can have some harmful effects on a cat’s skin.
I chew on my lip. Fernando is clearly in over his head. Even for an experienced person, giving most cats a bath is a workout. Not only do felines usually hate water, but unless you hold them the right way, it’s easy to become a human scratching post.
Ava: I’ll tell you what, why don’t you bring the cat down to the clinic and we’ll clean him up there.
Fernando: That would be amazing! Do you have any openings for the morning?
Ava: No appointment required. Doctor’s orders. Are you in Grizzly Springs, Sequoia Valley, or Lake Wakahanra?
Fernando: Sequoia Valley.
Ava: Then it should be easy to get to my practice. The address is 2200 State Highway Three in Sequoia Valley. Is a half hour enough time for you to get there?
Fernando: You mean you’d be willing to meet us tonight?
Ava: Yes. We don’t want that cat being muddy any longer than necessary.
Fernando: Are you sure? I don’t want to ruin your evening.
I stare at the ice cream sitting on my coffee table. My evening was already a wash.
Ava: You won’t be. I’m not doing anything.
Fernando: Then I’ll be there in thirty minutes.
Ava: See you there.
Izip through central Grizzly Springs and make it to the clinic in twenty minutes. The parking lot is empty since the other shops in the strip mall are closed. I grab my usual spot right in front of the door. There’s just enough time to flip the lights on and prep one of the exam rooms before the front door jingles open.
