Martin and Douglas jumped when they heard barking from down the corridor; Martin wasn't pale and shaking though, which was good.
"Snoopadoop, no!" The distant voice of Dr Knapp-Shappey chastised.
"What the…?" Douglas began before a Golden Retriever barrelled into the room dragging Carolyn behind. The beast jumped on Martin's bed and nuzzled the captain affectionately.
"Hello there…" Martin giggled – giggled – as he scratched the dog's head.
"Who let that thing in here?" Douglas demanded, sounding a little flustered.
"That thing is my dog, Snoopadoop. We're using a new idea – therapy dogs – to treat Shell Shock, trauma and all that…" Carolyn explained, she noticed Douglas was as far away from the dog as his bed would allow, "Douglas… Are you afraid of dogs?"
"No! God no! Don't be… Don't be preposterous!" Snoopadoop leapt onto Douglas' bed, "Ah!" Douglas fell out of the covers and scrambled as far away as he could.
"You are!" Martin grinned, "Come here, Snoopadoop!" He patted his legs and the dog jumped into his lap. "Who's a lovely dog?"
Dr Herc Shipwright stormed into the ward, "What is that ridiculous dog doing here?!"
Carolyn straightened her posture and drew her shoulders back, "She isn't a ridiculous dog and I am trying a new idea that has been quite successful –"
"That doesn't matter! I am the senior member of staff and you are my responsibility!"
"Why? Because I'm a woman?"
"Yes!" Dr Shipwright yelled, earning a hard slap from Carolyn.
"Listen to me, Shipwright; I am the best bally doctor in this hospital, and that is why you keep me here. I have listened to all these new theories and have decided to try the best of these. Therapy dogs are the future; I mean, look at Martin. He's laughing, Shipwright – laughing!" Carolyn kept her glare as Dr Shipwright clutched his bright red cheek.
"Very well…" He said quietly, defeated as he turned back the way he came.
"Thank you Carolyn," Martin smiled as he continued to pat Snoopadoop.
"What for?" She asked, frowning in confusion.
"For telling him off and getting him to allow Snoopadoop to stay here – I really like her," Martin smiled softly as Snoopadoop nuzzled his neck and settled down.
"Yes, thank you, Carolyn," Douglas drawled.
"That's quite alright, Captain Crieff," She nodded before promptly leaving. She didn't want Douglas of all people seeing the fond smile on her face.
She bumped into Karl and Dirk on their way back from having a cigarette. "I've left you boys a surprise; her name's Snoopadoop and she's in your ward… But I think you'll have to fight Martin for her…" She informed.
"A girl!" Karl exclaimed. Dirk looked at him in that certain way, "Oh, I know Snoopadoop's a weird name; but it's a girl!"
It was as if the starter's pistol had gone when the two men took off down the corridor. Carolyn chuckled to herself; God, they were in for a surprise…
