“You’re such a good boy.” She praised, stroking her fingertips along his velvety ears. “Such a tame dog, and so soft.”
The fact that he let her touch him astounded her. She was the whole reason he was injured. If not for her, he’d probably be at home with his family curled up on someone else’s bed.
“I’m so sorry, doggie.” She said softly. “I didn’t see you.” Lucy slid her palm over his head and along his spine. He was beautiful, his dark coat shiny, those eyes brilliant blue. “The vet said I can’t give you anything for pain, but I wish I could.”
She made another round, sweeping her hand along his soft fur from the top of his head to the midpoint of his body.
“He said human painkillers were toxic for most dogs and we have to wait until he sees you to give you anything like that. But thank goodness for the internet, right?” Lucy smiled, petting along the dog’s flank again.
Thanks to Google, she’d been able to get the telemedicine visit with a veterinarian from Española. It was a few hours’ drive down the mountain from her, but much closer than Santa Fe. She planned to take the dog to see Dr. Gomez in the morning if the storm had passed by then.
“God, it’s really coming down, isn’t it?” She shuddered as what sounded like hail hit the house and another boom of thunder crashed outside. “I don’t like storms.” She shared, even though he probably didn’t understand her. “I lost my parents in one.”
She focused on the dog, watching her fingers slip through his dark fur as she shoved memories of that horrible day from her mind, the turbulence, the fear.
“If you weren’t here, I’d totally be in my bathtub.” She admitted.
The dog shifted, curling in on himself toward her.
“Are you cold?” She stroked his head again, being careful to stay away from his muzzle. He’d been docile so far, but those teeth were sharp and the internet had said to keep your hands away from dogs’ mouths. “I’ll be right back.”
Lucy shuffled out from under the covers, realizing the difference in temperature outside her blankets.
“Poor baby.” She cooed as she walked over to the fireplace, knowing the dog must be miserable. “It’s cold outside the covers.”
She’d thought with his fur he’d be warm enough, but maybe with his injury he needed things cozier. Lucy shifted the grate and got to work. In no time, she had a cheerful fire laid and burning bright.
“How’s that, better?” She glanced back at the dog. “Oh my gosh, you’re so cute!”
He’d laid his head down on the mattress, covering his eyes with his paws like a child counting for hide-and-seek.
“I’ll bet your family taught you that.” She grinned, making her way back to the bed. “I hope you’re not scared, too.” She slipped under the covers again, scooting back over to the dog. “Would you like more pets?”
He lifted his head as he made a chuffing sound and thumped his tail.
“I’ll take that as a yes.” She giggled, reaching out to pet him.
He’d done that same thing when she’d fed him tonight, too. She hadn’t been sure what dogs ate outside of packaged dog food, but a quick internet search had let her know they could eat quite a few of the same things humans did.
She’d made them roasted lamb, baby potatoes and green beans. The dog had seemed to love the food, making that sound with his breath and wagging his tail whenever she’d checked in with him. He’d even licked his plate after both servings.
Lucy switched off her lamp and slid back over toward the dog, wrapping the blanket he was lying on around him before snuggling under her own.
Now she understood why people enjoyed having pets. The companionship was nice. Honestly, the only reason she wasn’t hiding under a blanket in her bathtub right now was because of the dog. She couldn’t wait for him to see the things she’d ordered him while she’d cooked dinner. Toys and pillows and treats that would help him feel more at home while he recovered from the accident.
A pang of guilt swept Lucy as she thought more about the situation. This dog must be someone’s beloved pet. He was so well-mannered and calm, so kempt and soft. There was no way he was a stray. While it was nice having him with her, Lucy wondered who he belonged to and if they were missing him.
She wished she could keep him.
As though he sensed her dismay, the dog nudged her hand with his muzzle, making a different sort of sound that ended in a little whine.
Lucy pet his head again, murmuring soothing things to him in case he’d made that sound because he was hurting. He may not be her dog, but she was the reason he was here, and she wanted to take care of him.
He made a sort of purring sound as she stroked his velvety ears and Lucy chuckled. She’d had no idea dogs could purr. Man, she had a lot to learn about pets, didn’t she?
While there was a lot about dogs she had zero clue on, as she pet this one, there was one thing she knew for sure.
She liked having him with her.
