Page 11 of Kiwi

"You're kidding—just like that?"

"Yep. Not that it mattered. She was a crap receptionist. Honestly, I was going to fire her before she quit. My calendar is a mess. The poor girl didn't know her ass from her elbow."

I chuckle. "Do you want me to rescue you? I'm not doing much while I'm home for the summer."

"Piper, don't play with me, child. Are you serious?"

"Yes. I would love to come back. I've missed this place."

"Oh, Piper, I've missed you too. The place is not the same without you. I'll only need you in the mornings until about two in the afternoon. I hired this sweet kid. His name is Mathew. He's a high school student attending summer school. He comes in after class."

"That will be perfect. What about today? Want me to take a look at your calendar and get you sorted?"

"Yes, please. Thank you, Piper."

"You got it, Dr. Channing. But first, can I go on back and see the fur babies?"

"Of course. I just let Rocky outside."

Rocky is an English Bulldog who was found on the side of the highway last summer. We think he was dumped there on purpose and suffered in the heat for some time. He was severely dehydrated, and the pads of his paws burnt, which can happen to animals when the pavement gets too hot during the summer. Rocky is also old and not very trusting of people, which has made it difficult for him to be adopted. I'm not surprised he's still here.

As I make my way into the kennel area, I go straight to the largest kennel in the back where she keeps Chance. Chance is a beagle who was rescued from a puppy mill a year ago. Many of the one hundred plus dogs rescued have found their forever home, but unfortunately, several had to be put down. One of those that was almost euthanized is Chance because his back legs are paralyzed. It was Dr. Channing who heard about the situation and swooped in to take him on. Dr. Channing knows a guy in Mississippi who makes wheelchairs for dogs, and he didn't hesitate to help. I love Chance and bonded with him on my first day working here. I hated leaving him behind when I left for Texas. If it weren't for school, I would have adopted him myself.

As soon as I step up to his kennel, I find it empty. I scan the other kennels to then turn to Dr. Channing. "Is Chance outside with Rocky?" I ask and start making my way to the door that leads to the small back yard behind the clinic.

"Nope," she replies, her voice chipper. "He's been adopted."

"What?" I ask, my tone sounding a little disappointed.

"Chance was adopted soon after you left for Texas. A guy came in here and asked for him specifically."

My brow scrunches as I try to think of who would have known about Chance enough to ask for him by name and then adopt him.

Dr. Channing takes in my expression. "Oh, Piper. I assure you Chance went to a great home and is very happy. I would never let him go otherwise."

"I know. I trust your judgment. I just wish I could have taken him."

"I know, sweetie, but I promise he's in a good place. Besides, his owner is bringing him in next week for annual booster shots. You can see him then and meet his new owner."

A couple of hours later, as I finish going through the clinic calendar that Erica screwed up, I can't help but think about Chance and wonder who adopted him. Taking care of a disabled dog takes time and dedication. Not that I am not happy for him. He deserves to be in a home and not spend his days here. And like Dr. Channing said, I can meet Chance's new owner next week.

With my work done, I log off the computer, grab my purse from the filing cabinet beside me, fling it over my shoulder, and walk back to Dr. Channing's office. I stick my head in the door. "Hey. I'm all finished. I was able to fix everything, and you even have three hours free tomorrow after lunch. Erica had managed to double book some of the appointments. I deleted those duplicated and moved a few things around so that you can get caught up."

Dr. Channing looks up from the paperwork in front of her and beams. "You're an angel, Piper, Thank you."

"You're welcome. I'll see you in the morning."