He signed off on his timesheet, then collected Hope. She refused to walk on a leash, so he had to carry her to and from his truck. If her progress continued, he’d start leash training next week, but he didn’t want to overwhelm her.
The drive to the vet’s office took longer than normal due to a disabled vehicle spun sideways in the middle of a two-lane road. No one could move on either side until a tow truck came. Fortunately, Carl had arrived near the end of the ordeal and only sat in traffic for ten minutes before it flowed.
He pulled into Eastern Vet five minutes later. Luna’s car was parked up front, and he felt better that she’d made it. She would let them know he’d be there. He hurried to take out Hope and get her inside.
Turns out, it didn’t matter because Dr. Scott was having a rare day of running behind schedule. He placed Hope on the floor and clipped the leash to her collar on the chance she decided to roam.
“Want a cup of coffee?” he asked Luna, handing her the leash.
“That would be great. Thanks.”
The coffee bar had a medium roast and decaf, along with sugar and sugar substitute packets. There was unflavored powdered creamer, hazelnut creamer, and the new addition of peppermint mocha creamer. Carl made his coffee with a teaspoon of sugar and made Luna’s a decaf with hazelnut creamer.
Luna cradled the Styrofoam cup and brought it to her nose. “This smells delightful.”
“It’s decaf. That’s what you drink, right?”
“Yes.” A narrow smile formed. “I’m surprised you noticed.”
He’d noticed a lot of small details about her, but he couldn’t tell her that. “How was work?”
“Great.” Her smile widened. “One of my coworkers quit. I wouldn’t normally be happy about that, but he was a supervisor and there’s a chance I’ll be promoted to his position.”
“That’s an amazing opportunity. When will you know?”
“I have an interview on Friday with the district manager.” She took a sip from her cup. “My immediate supervisor already recommended me, but they have to post the opening and allow other to apply before making a decision.”
“If they’re at all smart, they’ll promote you instead of hiring an outsider.”
She squirmed in her seat. “I’m the new girl so a lot of my coworkers still see me as the outsider.”
“Then you must have made quite the impression.” He touched her shoulder, long enough to show support and not a second longer. Physical contact of any kind had to be limited. “I’ll pray that it all works out in your favor.”
Cora, a vet tech, called Hope’s name. She went through the routine of weighing her and asking if there were any concerns then left through the side door. A minute later the door opened with all of the techs and Dr. Scott coming through.
“I can’t believe this is the same puppy,” Mandy, another vet tech, crooned. “She looks amazing.”
They all took turns fawning over Hope before leaving them with Dr. Scott who grinned from ear to ear. “Both of you are doing an outstanding job with her. It’s amazing what a little love can do.”
Luna scratched Hope’s ears. “And faith, Doctor. Don’t forget faith.”
“In all my years as a vet, I don’t think I’ve ever seen a dog have so many people praying for her.” Dr. Scott kneeled down and ran a hand over Hope’s back. “Even her coat has improved.”
“She loves when I brush her,” Luna said.
“Let’s see her walk.”
Carl undid the leash. “She refuses to walk if this is on her.”
“That will come in time.” Dr. Scott stood to his feet and watched Hope stand and walk. “Does she always stay near walls?”
“Most of the time,” he answered. “She goes in circles around whatever room she’s in.”
“That’s typical of dogs with brain damage. It can take up to six months for a full recovery. Seeing her progress to date, I think she’ll be just fine.” He shone a light into Hope’s eyes, then tested to see if she’d follow it. “She’s not responding well to visual stimuli.”
Luna’s face tensed. “What does that mean?”
“The trauma may have left her blind.”
