‘Do we need fluids?’
Pete nodded. ‘Yes, initiate an intravenous. Do you know how to?’
Verity smiled. ‘Of course.’
‘Along with a urinary catheter. We don’t want him feeling the need to stand and urinate. We need to keep his stress levels to a minimum. I’m going to check for organ injury and signs of trauma then take bloods. I’ll get him sedated then we can take radiographs, check the leg for breaks, get abdominal and chest views and verify the heart and lungs are without complications.’
* * *
It was soon clear the back leg was broken. With the help of Verity, Pete aligned it to the best position for healing and placed metal implants around the bone to support it and keep the broken parts together.
‘Do we need another metal pin just there?’ asked Verity.
Pete nodded. ‘We do.’
They worked mainly in silence, doing everything they could to help Jimmy.
‘We need to keep him here tonight for observation,’ Pete said once they were done. ‘Let’s move him into the large crate. There’s plenty of soft padding and he won’t be able to move too much. We can provide water in a clip-on bowl.’ He pointed to the corner of the room. ‘I’ve got observation cameras still linked up to my phone so I can keep an eye on him throughout the night. It’s warm in here and we can keep the lights low.’
They moved Jimmy together and watched him for a moment before cleaning up and sterilising all the equipment and the table.
‘It’s going to be around twelve weeks recovery, which is going to be difficult for Jimmy as I’ve seen the way he races across those cliff tops.’ Pete smiled affectionately at the dog. ‘He’s going to be okay though, I’m glad to say. I have to admit I wasn’t sure there for a minute.’ He turned towards Verity. ‘You were very calm and efficient. Anyone would be lucky to have you as part of their team.’
‘Thank you, that means a lot.’ She hesitated for a moment. ‘Can I ask you something?’
Pete nodded as he washed his hands at the sink in the corner of the room.
‘Cooper, have you ever worked with him?’
Drying his hands before stepping out of his scrubs, he smiled. ‘I taught him everything he knows. He was my apprentice for many years. He works hard and is a bloody good vet. I offered to make him a partner in this surgery but he was hungry to go it alone and I don’t blame him. It was probably for the best as I think we might have butted heads and I’d have got on his nerves.’
‘Why do you say that?’
‘Because I’m stuck in my ways. I like routine and at my time of life I’m not open to change, whereas I know you youngsters like to come in with all your new ideas. But my motto is, if it’s not broken, don’t try to fix it. Still, Cooper has done very well for himself and even if we were never partners as such, I can’t think of anyone better to take over this place. Why do you ask?’
‘Because I’ve been thinking…but it may just be a pipe dream and I probably can’t…’ Verity knew she was trying to talk herself out of it while also wanting someone to tell her she should definitely do it.
‘Probably can’t what?’
‘I saw Cooper is advertising for staff, for this place.’
‘He is.’ Pete narrowed his eyes. ‘He’s going to modernise it a little first but he’s hoping to open this surgery in the next month. Are you thinking of staying?’
Verity blew out a breath. ‘This is going to sound…’ She paused and then tried again. ‘I feel a little daft saying this…’
‘Never feel daft, it’s better to get stuff off your chest than keep it in. Just say it.’
‘Am I good enough?’
‘Good enough for…’
‘To apply for one of Cooper’s jobs?’
A huge smile spread across Pete’s face.
‘You’re more than good enough.’
‘But could I stay? Could I leave everything behind?’
