“The front so I can keep an eye on her.” She kept in stride with him as they crossed the road, and then she opened the passenger seat.
Carl laid the dog in the car, but she showed little acknowledgement of being moved. “I’ll call ahead, so they know we’re coming.”
“You’re gonna make it, sweet girl,” she crooned after she’d hopped in the driver’s seat. Keeping one hand on the wheel, she stroked the dog with her other.
She’d always wanted a dog, but Manny hadn’t allowed it. Not that she could have a dog now, either. The shelter, lenient as they were, wouldn’t allow permanent canine residents although they occasionally had therapy dogs come to visit. Even if she couldn’t keep this dog, she had to get help for her. Her heart connected with the mutt, and, in minutes, she’d become emotionally vested in its survival.
Carl maneuvered a three-point turn and drove in the direction she’d been headed. Luna followed him closely, grateful that of all people, he’d been the one who came. Had it been a stranger, she likely wouldn’t have accepted help. Even knowing Carl, it hadn’t come easy.
The dog stopped moaning, and Luna’s heart lurched. She glanced over, looking as closely as she could while still driving safely, to see if she still breathed. Only once she rested a hand on the dog’s chest did she detect the shallowest of breaths.
Each second that passed brought less movement and signs of life. Luna gulped and fought back emotions. “Hold on, girl. We’re almost there.”
She didn’t know how far they actually were, only that Carl had said a few minutes and it had already been five. The dog jerked. Luna feared they wouldn’t make it in time, but then Carl turned into a parking lot.
“We’ve made it this far, sweet pup. Don’t give up yet.”
Before she’d opened her door, Carl was already at the passenger side. He lifted the dog, and Luna went ahead of him to hold the door open.
Two vet techs took the dog and carried her to the back, and the receptionist sent Luna and Carl to Exam Room One.
Alone in the room with Carl, Luna struggled to breathe. “I know you’re busy. You don’t have to wait.”
His lips curled to a smile. “I don’t mind, and, besides, I’d like to see what the doc has to say.”
“All right.”
He opened the door leading to the lobby. “No matter where I go in the winter, it’s always hot. People turn up the heat, like they suddenly enjoy ninety-degree temps.”
“I’ve never understood that.” She saw through his ruse, let herself smile.
Carl had a way of sensing when she was uncomfortable and knew how to put her at ease without ever letting her know that he knew.
The door to the back offices opened. A tall man wearing a lab coat walked in and introduced himself as Dr. Scott. His grim face didn’t bode well.
Luna clenched her fists. “How is she?”
Dr. Scott frowned. “She’s received substantial brain damage and is in a coma.”
“Will she recover?”
“I don’t know.” Dr. Scott shook his head. “I wish I could offer a better prognosis, but she’s in rough shape.”
“No.” Luna sank into the cushioned bench. “She has to pull through.”
Carl pressed a hand to her shoulder. “What can be done?”
“I’ve given her an injection for the pain already.” Dr. Scott leaned against the exam table. “From here, we have two options. We can humanely euthanize her or give her IV’s and see what the next few days will bring.”
The first choice wasn’t an option in Luna’s mind, but neither was the second. “What’s the cost we’re looking at?”
“I can run a quote for you, but it will all depend on how she does and what else comes up. Since this isn’t your dog and you’re doing a good deed, I’ll have my business manager discount my fee.”
“Thank you,” she whispered weakly, knowing full well she couldn’t afford the most basic care for the dog.
“Why don’t we let her stay here overnight and see what happens.” Dr. Scott’s compassionate tone helped soothe her frayed nerves. “Don’t worry about making a decision today. By tomorrow we should know more.”
Carl squeezed her shoulder. “Give her whatever she needs, no matter the cost. I’ll cover it.”
