Groomed For Love

It’s all about Moose and Parker’s decision for now.

We sit silently with Moose for a while and eventually the vet returns, letting Parker know he needs the space for his next patient.

“Moose will be well cared for, next door in our recovery area,” he tells us.

I feel Parker tense up and worry he’s going to make a scene, not wanting to be separated from his longtime friend, but he eventually nods his head.

“I trust you doc. But are you sure we can’t just take him home? I can look after him-” Parker starts to say.

But the vet is shaking his head and pats his arm.

“I’m sorry it has to be this way, Parker, I really am. But Moose needs specialized care right now. I’ll update you in the morning,” he adds, ushering us to the door.

As we walk out, a vet nurse passes us cradling another dog in her arms.

Parker stops in front of her and asks what’s wrong with the animal.

“A stray, hit by a car. D’ya mind?” she says, pushing past Parker and me, sending another problem to the vet.

Makes me wonder, how many terrible things happen around the clock, how many people deal with them and get no recognition for all their hard work?

“Moose will be fine,” I try to comfort Parker, rubbing his back and noticing again just how much blood is on his own shirt.

“How about we get you to a hospital?” I suggest, but he shakes his head. “I’m fine,” he says in a low tone, his whole body still tense and twitching as he turns to face the doors closing behind us both.

“Then can we at least get you home so I can clean you up?” I offer, knowing he wants to stay here but can’t.

Parker stops in his tracks and grips me gently by the elbows.

“I can’t just leave him here,” he groans.

“He’ll be fine, the vet just said so,” I offer, wondering if it’s going to be an all-night vigil in the car park if Parker won’t come back to the house.

I’m okay with that though.

I kinda want to be by Moose’s side too.

“You’re right,” he sighs, leaning in to rest his head against mine.

“Let’s go home and I’ll get cleaned up. We’ll hear if there’s any change.”

Chapter Twenty

Parker

I could stay and make a fool of myself at the clinic, or I could listen to the vet’s advice.

Listen to Naomi.

It’s time to go home, nurse my own wounds, and rest.

Once I know Moose is gonna make it, there’s nothing else for me to do.

Seeing him lying there so helpless, doesn’t help me any to know all I can do is wait.

That other dog though, in that nurse’s arms. I wonder how many four legged best friends either don’t make it or never get a real chance at someone to love them.

Makes me think how lucky I’ve been so far with Moose and to find Naomi.

How lucky we all are Moose is gonna make it and the fact I’ve decided to hand in my badge.

Even my mom might finally relax a little more. Maybe. But I’m not doing this for her.

My dad, maybe not so much for quitting but he’d want all of us out of harm’s way.

“You can’t save everyone, never will,” he used to tell me. Since I was a kid and he was so right.

It’s with some relief too that we meet a uniformed officer out front as we’re leaving.

He’s just stepped out of my truck and holds out the keys for me, making a face as he reminds me he could arrest me for hijacking his patrol car.

“I think a straight swap is the best thing?” he suggests as a cleaner alternative. “I got ten hours to go, Parker, and I don’t need this but I’ll let it slide. Given what happened back there. Moose gonna be okay?” he asks me, pressing my keys into my hand.

“I think so. And sorry man, I just got caught up in the moment,” I explain.

He nods and notices I don’t have his keys in return, figures they’re still in his car which they are.

A slightly salty look and a nod before he gets in and spins his tires before leaving lets me know maybe I’ve made the right decision after all.

Quit or be fired? I think I know which I’d prefer.

“Let’s go home,” I suggest to Naomi, trying to hold back my urge to run back inside and scoop up my best friend and take him with us.

“You okay to drive?” Naomi asks me, noting my expression when I move my arm.

“I’ve had worse,” I hear myself tell her sharply, grinding my jaw as I reel from the pain I’m just starting to notice.

I reach over to her, pressing my hand into hers. “I’ll be okay,” I tell her, taking my time as I pull out of the parking lot and start to take us home.