It seems that the animals you get for free sometimes are the most expensive to own. But, by the time you realize it, they have a hold on your heart and you'd sell all you own to keep them well fed and cared for.
It was time for Lucas to get his stitches out. The ligament repair on his left hind knee had been successful, and he was returning to his pre-op friskiness. I bundled him into the back seat of my car, being sure to lift his hindquarters so he wouldn't have to jump up.
As I backed the car into the driveway, he wriggled between the front seats and proudly assumed the "shotgun" seat on the right. I smiled as I stroked his head. He is a sweet creature and it distressed me greatly to hear his whines of pain the night he returned home with the meds wearing off. But, his recovery had been swift and without complications and it was time to see his friends down at the Veterinary Hospital. Although he faced weeks of limited activity, at least the haircut he had was beginning to grow back. He looked like a Poodle that had been clipped in the dark.
After the ten minute drive, I swung the Lexus into the Vet's parking lot and found a spot close to the door. I stepped out and just caught Lucas as he leapt for the ground.
"Dammit Dog!" I cursed, "You'll re-injure yourself, be careful." He looked at me with that expression of "Whatever you say," and tugged on the lead as we walked to the Reception Room.
The room was deserted as we walked in, Lucas's toenails beating a tattoo on the slick linoleum. Pulling him close, I leaned over the counter and caught the attention of the receptionist. She was a young woman, perhaps 25, with short blonde hair and a nice smile.
"Lucas is here to have his stitches out," I announced quietly.
"Fine, Mr. Phillips, please take a seat. Dr. Lee will be with you in a moment."
Lucas scrabbled his way to our seat and I sat with him leaning against my legs.
"Excuse me," I asked the young woman, "I don't believe I've seen Dr. Lee before."
"She's filling in for Dr. Dean," she replied.
"Great," I said and leaned back in my chair, idly flipping through the pages of "Cat Fancy." Lucas busied himself greeting anyone who came through the door. He seemed to really enjoy his visits to the Vet. As it turned out, I would enjoy it, too.
"Lucas Phillips!" came the announcement from a Vet tech.
I threw my magazine down and let Lucas lead the way to the examining room. The Tech swung the door open and ushered us in.
"Dr. Lee will be with you in a moment, Sir".
I thanked her and sat down in the lone, straight-backed chair. The room was sparse, a shiny linoleum floor, a sink and vanity on one wall, a chart of dog breeds on the other, the other two walls had doors. The space was dominated by a large, stainless steel, examining table. The room smelled of disinfectant, and the hum of the air conditioner almost drowned out the sound of dogs barking that filtered through the door on my left.
After what seemed like an hour, the door swung open and a woman in surgical scrubs breezed in.
"Hello Mr. Phillips," she smiled, "I'm Susan Lee. I see you've brought your boy for his stitch removal."