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September pulled into her usual parking spot at Doc Eugene’s veterinary hospital. In the back seat, Shadow whined with anticipation. He loved the staff, in part because they offered bacon-flavored treats.
She hadn’t wanted to leave Lia alone at the Corazon estate but had no choice. September felt protective of the younger woman, but had no right to offer any advice, even if they were cousins. Lia didn’t know about the relationship, though, and September wouldn’t dare overstep to say anything. Mom had secrets she hadn’t shared. Some family secrets were best left hidden.
Lia’s stories pushed the boundaries of belief, though. “What do you think, Shadow?” He barked, paw-dancing on the back seat and anxious to go into the building. “You recognized Lia, didn’t you?” She’d often wondered how he’d survived the flood. Coincidence followed September, she felt drawn to the younger woman. “Let’s see if you recognize Karma, too.”
Although the Rottie momma wouldn’t be interested in anything except her babies for the foreseeable future, September’s curiosity prompted the visit. Now, with the fantastical story fresh in her ears, and Lia otherwise engaged, she wanted to meet the police-dog-to-be. And ask Doc Eugene a couple of pointed questions, besides.
“Hey September. Hiya Shadow, how’s the big boy?” The young receptionist grinned when they entered, and then frowned with worry. “Is Shadow okay?”
Shadow woofed his own answer, and pranced to the front desk for a paws-up greeting over the counter. His tail wagged double time.
“How’s that for an answer.” September laughed, and shrugged an okay for a treat. “Can you tell me if Karma had her puppies yet? That’s Lia Corazon’s Rottweiler.”
The girl wrinkled her nose, and fished out another treat for Shadow. “Lia called earlier. Nobody’s brought Karma in.”
“Is Doc Eugene around? Love to bend his ear for a minute.” While Shadow munched and the receptionist hurried to the back, September leaned on the counter.
Doc Eugene bustled in, drying his hands on a towel. “Busy day here, September, what can I do ya for?” One of the best veterinary cardiac specialists in North Texas, Doc Eugene also ran a general practice. He held a special affection for Shadow, since he’d come from the last litter bred by the veterinarian’s wife. “Macy doing okay? The staff still misses that kitty.” He came around the counter into the waiting room and took a knee to interact with Shadow on the dog’s level.
“Macy hasn’t had a fainting spell in months. The medication has him back to his bouncy pestering self.” She loved watching Shadow turn into a puppy at the man’s attention. “Macy teases Shadow into chase games, and they run laps around the house. I worry it’s too much for Macy.” The cat had knocked over a stained glass lamp during a recent romp, just as Mom walked in, and also liked to bat at pictures on the wall. Mom had not been amused. “I really need to find my own place soon.”
The veterinarian gave Shadow a final pat on the dog’s tummy, and stood up. “You know the prognosis as well as I do. Macy’s already outlived most cats with the condition, so he may buck the odds.” He softened his tone. “If he tolerates exercise well, let him have some fun. As long as further signs don’t develop, aim for quality of life. We can adjust the meds as we go.”
“Okay.” She’d suspected as much but hoped for better news.
“Have you contacted Macy’s breeder? They should have done testing. We talked about this.”
September ran a hand through her hair, still getting used to the short bob. “Macy came from a breeder in South Bend.” Actually, the cat had been a gift from her longtime abuser, Victor, the cause of her PTSD. He awaited trial for murder, so she’d never have to worry about him again. Because of the bad associations, she’d put off any follow up.
“Any responsible breeder will want to know.” He turned back to Shadow. “This boy looks good. Finally healed, and I bet he’s a whole lot more comfortable now.”
She hesitated. “I’ve got a hypothetical for you, Doc.”
“Oh goodie.” He smiled and rubbed his hands together like a cartoon character relishing a treat. “Asking for a friend, I take it?”
She laughed. “Let’s say it’s for a couple of friends, including Lia Corazon.”
His eyebrows lifted. “Karma’s due to whelp anytime.”
“Right. So if canine gestation takes 63 days—”
“More or less, yes.” He waited.
“That means she bred back in August, right about the time she got caught in the fire.” September waited for his nod. “The thing is, Shadow nearly got caught in the fire, too. And there are witnesses that saw him and Karma together.”
“Witnesses? Together, how. Oh, you mean?...” He grinned widely.
She held out her hands, with a “what can you do?” gesture. “Lia believes Shadow fathered Karma’s pups, but that can’t be true, can it?”
He rubbed his chin, then strode to the counter and looked at the paper appointment book. He flipped back several months, and pointed. “Here’s the date Shadow had surgery.” He flipped forward a few pages. “And here’s when we admitted Karma for smoke inhalation, two weeks later.” The corners of his eyes crinkled, and he spoke to Shadow. “You dog, you!” He laughed.
Shadow woofed and wagged, looking very proud of himself.
“So it’s possible?” September wasn’t sure how she felt about it, but couldn’t wait to tell Lia.
“Viable sperm remain in the system for up to a month following castration. So yes. It’s unlikely, but possible. If they were together, Shadow may have fathered Karma’s puppies.”
