Requiem For a Wolf
Chapter Ten: No Place Like Home
Betty Baxter looked at Rose as the wolf disappeared back into the dark. "Well, I'll be!" She exclaimed. She went back inside, returning with the remains of the nights chicken dinner, sitting it on the bottom step.
"You look like you haven't eaten in days. If you eat this, I won't have to save it for tomorrow or throw it out." She said to the wolf. Pulling her coat tighter around her neck, she selected a chair on the porch, and waited.
Rose's ears perked up at the smell of the chicken. Her earlier attempt at hunting had gone unrewarded and the rumbling from her midsection emphasized that fact. She rose, slipping out onto the lawn.
Driven by a hunger strong enough to over ride caution and the smell of the woman sitting nearby and the accompanying fear, she moved slowly forward, ready to bolt at the slightest movement.
She sniffed the chicken and when she didn't detect any thing wrong, grabbed a chunk of chicken and ran back to the safety of the bushes. The chicken tasted so good, juices ran over her muzzle, dripping into the snow. She devoured every crumb quickly, licking the cold juices that had dropped into the snow. The chicken had eased her hunger but yet her mid section grumbled; demanding more but the only source was sitting beside the woman. The woman disappeared inside the house, returning shortly. Rose saw her put something in the platter of chicken.
The enticing smell of the chicken lured her to creep forward until she stood in front of the platter of chicken, now cold but smelling so delicious. The gravy the woman had added to the chicken was warm, sending flumes of steam into the air. She looked at the chicken then at the woman then back again at the chicken.
The chicken never stood a chance.
---------Xxxxxx
"We're open all night," The pimply faced kid looked bored, Stifling a yawn. "What can I getcha?"
Scooby couldn't believe his luck! An all night pizza joint! The kid didn't appear to be surprised that he was taking an order from a talking dog.
"Two large, double cheese."
While Rose was devouring the chicken and gravy, Scooby lay dreaming of an all night pizza joint on an examining table at the emergency pet hospital. Two doctors stood over the sleeping dog. Dr. Richardson, lead veterinarian on duty tonight, observed Dr. David Case as he expertly placed the drain tube into the wound, stitching it into place. Selecting another needle, he began placing the sutures in place, closing the wound.
The dog had arrived over an hour ago, Dr. Case had ordered anesthesia. When the dog was asleep, the aides cleaned the wound, preparing the area for the doctors.
This wasn't the first time Dr. Richardson had worked with the second year intern. Dr. Case was going to make a good veterinarian. He was smart, efficient and had a caring heart for his patients. If he was deficient in any area it was with his people skills. Dr. Richardson had considered taking Dr. Case on as his assistant after he finished this year of internship; the glaring lack of sympathy for the humans involved had caused him to defer the decision.
"That should do it." Dr. Case tied off the last suture, "Alice can do the bandaging."
'Yes, good job as far as the animal is concerned but what about the anxious owner in the waiting room?' Dr. Richardson waited for David to say something; when he didn't, he sighed, disappointed.
"Good job Dr. Case. Why don't you take a break and talk to the owner? I'm sure he'd like to know his pet is going to be okay." Dr. Richardson said instead, "we have plenty of room if you want to keep the dog overnight...for observation."
"Very well." Dr. Case glared at the other doctor, ripping the gloves off his hands, "It was a good thing he was in good shape, looks like he's had a rough couple of days. If what we were told is correct."
"You doubt the owners statement that he ran off?" Dr. Richardson looked unbelievingly at Dr. Case.
"It wouldn't be the first time..." Dr. Case walked away.
--------Xxxxxx
"Mr. Rogers?" Dr. Case walked into the waiting room. It wasn't crowded, only a few people waiting.
"I'm Mr. Rogers," Shaggy said, "but every one calls me Shaggy. How is Scooby?" Shaggy, Fred, Velma and Daphne gathered in front of the doctor, their apprehension apparent.
"I'm Dr. Case, Mr. Rogers, Scooby will be okay. He's coming out of the anesthesia now."
Dr. Richardson had followed, listening to the exchange before entering the waiting room; maybe it was time to give Dr. Case a lesson in 'people 101'.
"I'm Dr. Richardson, I assisted Dr. Case. I can assure you that Scooby Doo is resting comfortably."
Velma had taken an immediate disliking to this Dr. Case and didn't care if he knew it or not.
"Dr. Case, does the name 'Scooby Doo' sound familiar. He's been in the papers and on TV." Sarcasm dripping with her words.
"I don't have time to read papers or watch TV, Miss." he replied, biting back the thought that he detested people who used notoriety to get preferential treatment. Dr. Richardson thought this would be a good time to step in before Dr. Case got decked.
"It's Mrs. Rogers if I'm not mistaken. Dr. Case, perhaps you should take the time to read the papers; may I have the honor of introducing Mr. and Mrs. Rogers, and Mr. and Mrs. Jones, otherwise known as Mystery Inc or 'those meddling kids'." David Case didn't miss the order even if Dr. Richardson was smiling when he said it.
"We aren't kids any more, but we do meddle from time to time." The implication being that Velma would gladly do some meddling for Dr. Case. She didn't think he would like her idea of meddling.
"We are a little crowded tonight, I think he can go home after the anesthesia wears off. We did give him something for pain so he's going to be drowsy; what he needs now is rest and let his body recover. I'd like to see him in a few days to check the stitches and how well he's healing. We will have to remove the drain tube at that time." Dr. Case looked nervously from Velma to include the others.
'Not the best, but at least he didn't get punched,' Dr. Richardson admitted, 'It's a start.'
--------Xxxxxx
It had begun to snow, fluffy flakes drifted down to give the lawn a fresh coating. It was almost midnight when the van pulled into the driveway and parked. Two brown eyes watched as the woman opened the door to the house and everyone tumbled out of the van. They watched as Scar's master and a blond headed man carried a limp Scar into the house. Her ears perked up when she heard the woman say something; she stepped out of the bushes, every sense alert.
"Tom, let the guys get Scooby settled. I want to show you something."
"What you want to show me?" Tom put his arms around his wife.
"Take a look at that 'wolf'. If that isn't one of Duke and duchess's pups, I'll eat my Sunday-go-to meeting hat!"
You mean...can't be Betty, she's been gone for two years!"