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“Great.”

Max walks past where the treats were, reaches his head out and sniffs my shoe. I slowly move my hand to him, and he gives it a sniff.

“Do all the sniffing you need, bud.”

Once he realizes I am not a threat, he lets me pet his head. Then he lays down against my leg, so I join him and lay down. He can be the little spoon. I scratch his side and he turns, showing his belly so I give him belly rubs.

“Wow, you’re like a dog whisperer,” Max’s owner says.

“It’s all about getting down on their level.”

I give him a few more belly rubs then sit up. I pull the leash from my neck and slide it over his head. He doesn’t mind at all.

“Alright, bud. It’s time. You’re strong and courageous. Let’s do this,” I tell Max as I stand up and he does the same.

“I’m going to take him to the treatment room to administer the shots and give him a look over. We will be right back,” I tell her.

“Ok.”

“Let’s go big guy.”

I leave the room and walk to the treatment area with Max. We do a couple walkabouts around the big treatment room, just gaining his trust a little more before I have to check out his teeth, take his temperature, then give him a shot. I like to do this in the treatment area because I don’t want the pet associating their owner or even the exam room as something negative. I can be the “bad guy” and then return them to their safe space.

One of the nurses has everything set up for me. I bring Max over then get down on his level again.

“Alright bud, I’m going to check your chompers.”

I get the physical exam out of the way before I give him the shot.

“You didn’t even flinch. What a tough guy you are. Your mama will be so proud,” I say to him as I give his head scratches.

I take him back into the exam room. Let his owner know how good he did and that I don’t have any concerns either.

“He looks great. Whatever you’re doing, keep doing it.”

“Thanks, doctor.”

I squat down, give Max one more pet on the head and he gives my cheek a lick. Even though I was the one prodding and poking, I take a lick as forgiveness.

“See ya next year, Max. Be a good boy.”

I wave bye, leave the room, grab the next chart and head into the room. I appreciate the days when I can go from one visitor to another without having to take a minute to gather myself. Some days I question my decision to become a vet, but then I get to meet pets like Max, who brings all my reasons back to life.

I love days like this.

Chapter Ten

Lily

“Aguy,really?”sheasks.

“Yeah, his name is Dr. Walker, but he told me to call him Ethan.”

I don’t know where this excitement is coming from in my voice. The man is probably married. I didn’t notice a ring, but I know a lot of vets usually don’t wear jewelry while at work.

“What else? Tell me everything that happened.”

“Nothing really. I dropped off the stuff. We made small talk.”