Chapter 344

The early hours at the emergency veterinary clinic passed in a blur of anxiety, medical procedures, and silent prayers. We waited in the lobby until the attending veterinarian, Dr. Donovan, finally came out to speak with us about Rusty's condition. His words brought relief, but also a new concern we hadn't been expecting.

"She's a very smart girl," Dr. Donovan said, drying his hands on a towel aft