Ty's Friday
With a white towel cinched around his waist, he stood barefoot at the sink brushing his teeth. His reflection in the mirror was hazy, distorted by the steam from his hot shower. He tried to wipe away the fog from its cool surface with his forearm to no avail. He dressed quickly in button-fly jeans, gray cotton button-down shirt and his motorcycle boots. Lastly, he fastened his silver belt buckle, his mind tracing its rodeo design, its origins, and always, he thought of Jack as fastened his silver belt buckle. And, then, he thought of Amy.
Opening the bathroom door, just a crack, released the heat into the cool hall, dissipating the condensed water vapor from the mirror. Combing his wet hair, he leaned in, gazed at his reflection. His eyes were tired, lackluster, his face a bit ragged. His two day old beard didn't help, neither did the lack of sleep. In the closet, on the cot, he tossed and turned, it seemed all night long. He groaned knowing that today would be another long day at the conference, with work at the rescue to follow.
Not quite 5am, he headed to the kitchen, hoping that Paul had already made coffee. As he entered, the aroma of coffee overtook the Rescue's usual medicinal smell, a mixture of isopropyl alcohol, disinfectants and animals.
"Hey." Ty mumbled as he made a beeline for the coffee.
"Hey." Paul mumbled in return, seated at the kitchen table, engrossed in his phone.
After pouring the dark, hot liquid into his mug, Ty downed it black, standing at counter, facing the coffee maker that had seen better days. He poured another cup, turned around, leaned against the counter.
"Thanks for making the coffee. It's strong and hot."
"You'll need at least five more cups from the sounds of things last night." Paul quipped.
"What you mean? We hit the hay by 10:30." Ty retorted.
"Not you and Michael. Just you. You were talking in your sleep."
"Really?" Ty frowned. "What did I say?"
"How should I know? I didn't take time to decipher your gibberish." Paul went back to his phone, but then he looked back at Ty. "Oh. You might want to check on Cloud. He had a rough night too."
"Oh no. What happened?" Ty sighed.
"His fever spiked at 103 around midnight so I gave him Banamine in his I.V. His temp's gone down now but it made for a long night for him. And me."
"Poor guy. Any more drainage?"
"Some. The exudate from the Penrose has the slightest tinge. I think it's nothing but I sampled just the same."
Ty sighed heavily. "Thanks Paul. Anything else?"
"Isn't that enough?" Paul grunted, signaling the end of their conversation.
Grabbing an Honeycrisp apple from the basket, Ty took a bite, headed to check on the horses. As Ty entered the large room, Cloud's eyes fluttered open.
"Hey boy. Tough night, huh?" Cloud watched him as he read through the chart, continued to watch him as he drew to his side.
Ty crouched down by the young horse, then rubbed his forehead, in slow gentle circles, T-Touch style as he had learned from her. Cloud sighed, vibrating his muzzle, but his eyes remained fixed on him.
"Do you like that? Feels good, huh?" He smiled as the colt swished his tail once.
"Cloud. It's gonna get better. Don't give up. I'm not gonna give up." As he petted the young colt, Ty looked up at Wind, met her eyes. "I promise."
She murmured in response. He rose, went to her. "Wind. You're a good mamma. He's gonna get better. You both will." He reassured her as his hand rubbed her forehead, fingers kneaded, slipped through her mane. "Then we'll get you both back home, out in the sunshine."
She nickered quietly to her offspring, he responded with another tail swish.
After some time with horses, he made quick rounds, checking charts, putting eyes, and sometimes hands, on each patient in every room, first, the cougar room, then canine, avian, reptile, and lastly, to the feline room. Responding to insistent meow, he lifted A.K. from her cage then headed to the front reception area to wait for Michael.
Nested in the wingback, feet up, he watched with amusement as A.K. ran up and down his legs, doing acrobatics, pouncing on imaginary mice. When she tuckered, she kneaded, pawed his chest, then curled into a tight fluff ball in the crook of his neck. With his forefinger, he drew little circles on her head, between her ears. As the kitten settled into a catnap, a warm vibration from her purr soothed him, lulled him into a reflective mood, transporting him to that cold morning, riding side by side with her, his kitten's twin, tucked inside of Amy's coat. Her laugh. Her touch. He missed her.
He exhaled heavily, vanquishing those thoughts, replaced by thoughts of last night's conversation. From the very same chair he now occupied, he asked Michael about Andrew Pierson.
He paused, perplexed. "Who's he?"
"Olympic jumper on Canadian Equestrian team."
"Oh, right." He replied, not particularly plussed. "Why?"
Ty proceeded to tell Michael about the underwater treadmill testimonial from Fairfield Stables and the mention of Andrew and his horse Dandelion Wine. He added with a shrug, "Just curious."
"Fairfield Stables? Isn't that..."
"Yeah. Lisa Stillman's place." Ty said without missing a beat.
"Right. Amy's grandmother."
"Yes. Well, her step-grandmother."
"I thought Fairfield focused on thoroughbreds and racehorses. I mean, she bought two tickets to last night's ATOBA dinner."
"Exactly! So, why would an Olympic jumper be at Fairfield Stables?" Leaning toward Michael, Ty tilted his head, casting a skeptical eye as though something nefarious had occurred that warranted investigation.
Puzzled by Ty's keen interest, he nevertheless was drawn into the mystery. "Let's see what we can find out." He held his phone up, shaking it. "After all, we have the power of the internet in our hands!"
Ty laughed at his fellow detective. "Yes, we do!"
For the next hour, the two burned up a hunk of their monthly data plan, looking for relevant information, searching numerous news and equine outlets, finding several pertinent articles from leading Canadian and Worldwide sources. Even Wikipedia.
"All these articles say about the same thing. Andrew Pierson joined the Canadian Team a year or so ago, after a team member had to resign for a doping violation. Before that, he was pretty much an unknown. He's from Bromont. And, that's where the team trains. Eric Lamont is the team's coach."
"Yeah. Don't forget he's rich." Ty added.
"And. He's single, 34 years old, 6 something feet tall and good-looking...not that I noticed." He chuckled.
Ty shook his head, muttered. "He's rich."
"You said that." Michael reminded him.
"Right." Ty frowned. "Rich AND heir to a ski resort, catering to the rich and famous of Quebec and beyond. His dad was instrumental in bringing 1976 Winter Olympics to Bromont and building the Equestrian Centre."
"Hmm. I didn't find anything about Fairfield Stables." Michael said. "Did you?"
"Here's an article from Hudson Daily. Says here that the team trained at Fairfield Stables for several weeks this past spring before heading to the World Tour in Europe."
"Did it mention Lisa?"
"She's quoted here. 'I am thrilled that the team and staff chose Hudson and Fairfield Stables for their final training push before departing for the World Games. We wish them the best in the upcoming competitions.' That's it."
"So that explains the underwater treadmill testimonial. Mystery solved."
"Yeah. I guess so."
Michael watched his friend closely. "So. What's still eating you?"
Ty pursed his lips, frowned.
Michael took a wild guess. "Does this have anything to do with a certain pretty blonde named Amy who has experience training Olympic jumpers and lives in Hudson?"
"No." Ty said quickly though he nodded his head once.
"You realize that you said No but you nodded your head Yes, right?" He observed. "You've been doing that a lot lately."
Ty mumbled something under his breath.
"Did you happen to find any articles that link Andrew and Amy Fleming?"
"No. Why would I even look?" Ty said unconvincingly.
"Right." Michael bunched his lips, scrunched his nose, before he continued. "I'm just gonna say it. Ever since I mentioned running into Amy a couple of weeks ago, you've been...I don't know, out of sorts, not yourself." He paused. "Moody. What's up?"
"Nothing...and I'm not moody. See." He flashed a hideous grin, exposing his upper and lower front teeth.
"Right." Michael rubbed his chin. "I'll tell you what I think is up. You work long hours at this rescue, in a profession you excel in and love, with people who you respect and who respect you back. But, outside of work, you got nothing. No hobbies, no interests, no friends"
"What? You're not my friend?" He tried to joke.
"Of course we're friends...I'm talking here, in Vancouver..."
"Good to know."
"Ty you need a girlfriend."
"I got A.K. She's got to count for something." Ty ruffled her ears.
"I am being serious here."
"Fine. So. What's your point?"
"My point, my friend, is that you miss having someone special in your life, to share things, to talk to, to hold."
"Sounds like the pot calling the kettle black."
"I grant you that. I just haven't found the right one yet. You have." He paused, implying that Ty had. "Admit it, Ty. You miss Amy. Now you're obsessing over her, worried that she might be training, and/or dating, Andrew Pierson. A guy you've never met and until today, you never heard of."
Ty didn't respond.
"I take your lack of response as an indication that I hit the nail in the head..."
"You mentioned Andrew when you ran into Amy at the airport."
"I did?"
"Yes. You said she was talking to someone with an A name. You said Andrew."
"Maybe I did. I don't remember. Who cares?...For Pete's sake, she told me to tell you Hello twice, once at the airport. So. Pick up your phone and call her. Say Hello back."
He sighed heavily. "I can't." He said barely audible.
"Ridiculous. Of course you can." Michael huffed conveying his annoyance. "You're not a pubescent boy whose afraid of girls. Are you?"
"Here's the thing. When she broke up with me," He swallowed hard. "She asked me not to contact her."
"So what? That was then, how many years ago? She probably said that out of anger or hurt. Now she's reaching out to you." He put his hand on Ty's shoulder, a fatherly gesture. "It's your turn."
He ignored him, looking at phone instead. He scrolled to her name, to her last text, the one he had memorized long ago, read it aloud. "Listen, to this...'Ty. I've decided to move on with my life. I truly wish you only the best in yours. I ask that you do not contact me or my family. Love always. Amy.'"
"She broke up by text? Interesting...regardless. You do realize that she clearly still loved you when she wrote that. Right?"
"Yes." He said with a quiet voice.
"Ty. You still love her, don't you?"
Michael's question echoed in his head as the sound of front door unlocking jolted Ty from his thoughts, pulling him back to the present. The vintage bell rang as the door opened. Celina entered, carrying a couple of bags of supplies, then flipped on the light switch. With A.K. curled in his arm, he quickly rose from the chair to help.
"Hey Celina." He said. "Let me help."
"Hey Ty." She smiled. "Nah. I'm good. I see you have your hands full anyway. Hey there, A.K." She put the bags on the reception counter, took off her sweater, then hung it up on the rack.
"Hear anything from Mirna?" Ty was anxious to hear.
"Well. She's back in town but spent a better part of the night with Joe at the ER." Celina began to unpack the bags.
"Broken ankle?"
"No. Thankfully. Pretty bad torn ligament, he'll be out of commission for a while. He's on rest, ice, compression and elevation."
"Geez. That's terrible." He ruffled A.K's head. "Guess it could have been worse."
"Yep. Mirna's on her way. She should be here any minute. She'll update us." She looked around. "Where's Michael?"
"Good morning Celina. Ty." He entered the reception room from the hall, his hair still wet from his shower, cup of coffee in hand.
"Hey Michael." She smiled. "Sleep good?"
"Yeah. I did. Mirna's couch is way better than Ty's." He winked at Ty.
"No doubt." She bantered without missing a beat. She pulled a bakery box from one of the bags. "Want a bagel? Got cream cheese too."
As the two men descended on the box of bagels, Mirna opened the front door, ringing the bell, walked in, closing the door behind her.
"Am I late for the party?" She laughed, shrugged off her jacket, hanging it on the coat rack.
Paul entered the reception room, his coat already on. "Damn. Knew I should have gone out the back door."
"Hey Paul. Bagel?" Celina asked.
After a round of greetings and an update on Joe, the topic turned to the dinner at UC.
"Dying to know, Mirna. How was the dinner?" Michael asked.
"The event was outstanding. You did good work, Michael." She smiled at him. "The room was packed, maybe 400 or so people. Excellent silent and live auction offerings."
"Good. And, your presentation?"
"Fine, fine. Received a very warm welcome and reception. Standing ovation at the end of the talk. Come to think of it, one young lady gave a standing ovation before I even started!" She grinned.
"No surprise there." Ty smiled.
"How about the food? Any good?" Paul asked, his mouth full of a raisin bagel, cream cheese clinging to the stubble on his chin.
Mirna laughed. "I must say. The dinner was delicious. Beef Tenderloin and scalloped potatoes. Those thoroughbred people sure know how to dine."
"Did you get to mingle much before you had to leave?" Celina asked.
"Some. I sat with Baljit Singh and his wife Prisha. And, the other department heads. Lovely folks."
"Any more donations?" Despite his dislike of fundraising, Ty went right to the heart of the matter.
"Now. Ty. Remember, I didn't have time to mingle with donors." She cautioned, trying to temper his general pessimism on the topic. "But, before I left, the silent auction yielded 100 dollars. It's a start, a good one. But, I suspect donations will trickle in as will the phone calls, emails and letters."
"What I can do?" Ty asked seriously.
"Well, you could call and thank donors." Mirna didn't let his offer pass.
"I think I can handle thanking our one and only donor." He said with a bit of sarcasm.
"Ty. Every fundraiser starts with the first donor. They should be commended above all for being first, for being willing to help." She gently chastised him.
"You're right."
"But, seeing that you have only one donor to call, you might as well call everyone on the guest list as well." Mirna delegated deftly.
"We will divide and conquer that chore." Celina suggested.
Ty mouthed, Thanks to Celina.
She touched his arm. "When we're done with that, we should also call donors from prior years too."
"Always thinking Celina." Mirna said. "Do we have a listing?"
"Of course. Its on a spreadsheet." She tilted her head toward the monitor on her desk.
"Ty. As an alumni of a previous program, you can speak to the benefit, positive impact of externship and their past contribution has had on you. And on our work."
"The externship changed my life." He smiled though a jolt of regret pieced his chest.
"I can help too." Michael volunteered.
"Thanks guys."
"Kerry, Chip and I can help too." Celina added.
"Very good." Mirna asked. "How's the conference?
"Excellent, actually." Michael said.
"Yeah. Better than I expected. Lots of hands on learning." Ty added.
"I understand that you met up with Claire. How is she doing?" Mirna asked, while Celina, standing beside her, crossed her eyes.
Ty cleared his throat, swallowing a laugh. "Yeah. She didn't have a place to stay, so she's at my apartment." Ty explained. "Hope you don't mind that we crashed here. I gave Michael your couch."
"Heavens no, I don't mind. You two are always welcomed." She looked over shoulder at Celina, before she continued. "I'd love to see Claire. Maybe Saturday night for a late dinner with us all. Ty, could you arrange that? Roscoe's or the like is fine."
"Mirna, I'm happy to help arrange the dinner. But I'm gonna have to decline attending. Michael and I had already planned a guys night out. Our last night and all." He looked to Michael for backup.
Michael nodded. "That was our plan."
"Well, Ty." Surprised at his decline, she acquiesced nevertheless. "Of course, I understand. We'll arrange the dinner."
"Thanks. I'll text you and Celina her contact information. Unless you'd rather Paul make the arrangements."
"Count me out." Paul muttered, his lip curled.
"No, no. Celina and I can figure it out." She tried to regain her footing. "So, what's on tap for today?"
"Ty and I are registered for an equine trauma class today." Michael replied.
"Speaking of equine trauma. Mirna, before I head out, we need to do rounds. Especially on Wind and Cloud." Brian was getting a bit impatient to leave.
"How are they doing?" Mirna asked.
"Rough night for our colt." Paul added.
She sighed heavily. "The Chief will want an update. He needs to weigh this in his decision." She said rather matter factly, referring to the cold clinical calculation that was sure to happen. Without skipping a beat, she moved on. "How's our cougar?"
Reading Mirna like a book, Ty spoke up. "Mirna. Cloud is stable now and seems to be on a positive trajectory moving foreword. Brian did good work. I read the chart this morning. Given evidence, I believe that Cloud will continue to steadily improve, back to full capability."
"Both of you have done excellent work. I know that and so does the Chief. But, he needs to weigh costs against benefits at this juncture. We all know that the probability of that colt returning to usefulness without ongoing physical and behavioral issues is low. The daily cost of Cloud's medical care alone would easily fund one or more replacements."
"I hear you. Could you ask him to hold off on any decision until Sunday?" He pleaded.
"I will try, but that's doubtful that he will."
"Mirna. Please do not euthanize him while I am at the conference. If that is his decision, I will perform the necessary steps when I return tonight. Please."
"Okay. Ty." She appeased him.
"Thank you."
"Well, guess I need to get back at it. Everyone, have a good one!" With the wave of a hand, she left the group, following Brian down the hall.
Ty caught Michael's eye. A sadness mixed with steely resolve connected the two, their posture straightened as they nodded to the other in unison.
Celina witnessed their pact, but didn't comment.
"You two better be getting on. I don't want you to miss any of the conference. Can't practice if you don't have those continuing ed credits." Celina warned.
"Yeah. We need to head out. The conference doesn't start until 8 but we're picking up Claire at 7. Knowing her, she'll be late." Ty handed his kitten to her, then instructed the grey and white fluff ball. "Now A.K. be good and take care of Momma C. today."
"She will. No doubt." She said. Petting the kitten into a happy purr. "How's the vote going for Chip?"
"Still second, but Claire is pretty good at getting the male persuasion to go her way." Michael chuckled.
"No doubt." Celine snarked. "Just so you know, the whole situation with Joe has Mirna rattled. Right now she's thinking we need another vet."
"Please tell me she's not looking at Claire as a possibility."
"Okay I won't. You might want to rethink dinner." She suggested.
"Thanks Celina for the heads-up." Then he added. "We do need more help, for sure. Another vet tech would be ideal, not another vet. We can't afford that...unless she's planning to shitcan me."
"No. Never." She smiled. "Have a good day gentlemen."
Buckled into their seat, eyes focused on the road ahead, both men were engrossed in their thoughts as Ty drove to his apartment.
"What's the plan?" Michael finally inquired, breaking the silence.
"The two would make an excellent case study for your behavioral health students and for Gelman's wound care class." Ty laid out the benefit of his plan first.
"I agree."
"Possible benefit for the research department."
"Possible. But I'd rather not have them used as Guinea Pigs."
"Agreed. But, we definitely need to keep them together." Ty required.
"Yes. Otherwise Cloud's prognosis is negatively impacted. And Wind's." Michael rubbed his chin. "Are they ready for transportation?"
"Cloud isn't. Maybe by Sunday but doubtful. But, I know you have class on Monday."
"Virtual class from the road?" Michael laughed. "Michael's Mumblings across the Miles."
"Technology, ain't it grand?"
"You'd have to drive the 13 1/2 hours back alone."
"No sweat. Hey. Have you ever heard of Ride Boards for hauling horses?"
"Yeah. Its a thing with students."
"I'm gonna look into it and see if I can find someone who needs a horse hauled to Vancouver. That could pay for gas. Maybe get some company too."
"Good idea."
"If that's not in the cards, I can always pick up hitchhikers. I've done that a time or two." Ty half smiled.
"Hitchhikers, huh?" Michael sighed. "Do you think Mirna can spare you at the rescue?"
"I've got some vacation...regardless, I think we're getting ahead of ourselves. The Chief should be fairly reasonable. Dr. Singh is the lynchpin. Do you think we can get a meeting with him?"
"Maybe?" Michael didn't sound confident. "I'll work on that. I want to talk to Gelman first."
"We may have to come up with some funds."
"Probably. I have some savings. Gwenie can do without a new saddle for a little while longer."
"Me too. I don't need a motorcycle anyhow."
Michael broke into a grin. "You know Ty...Life should not be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well-preserved body...
Ty laughed. "but rather to skid in broadside in a cloud of smoke, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming "Wow! What a Ride!""
"I remember that poster on your wall in your campus apartment. The one with the Harley?"
"Yep. A classic ride with a classic quote from the classic Hunter S. Thompson!" They both laughed.
"Sounds like we have the making of a half-baked plan."
"The best kind."
Ty pulled his truck into a parking space in front of his apartment building.
"Let me call Claire." He dialed her cell, but after 3 rings, it went to voicemail.
"Great. She didn't answer." He said, unbuckling his safety belt. "Wanna wait in the truck, or come in?"
"I'll wait. I want to see if I can a hold of Gelman and get an appointment with the Dean."
Ty nodded, exited the truck. Frustration filled him when his front door opened to the darkness and silence of his apartment inside.
"Claire. Are you awake? It's time to go." Ty yelled hoping for a response, receiving none.
"Damn." He muttered as he made his way to his bedroom, its door closed. He knocked loudly on her door, then yelled. "Claire?"
Nothing. He knocked again.
Nothing. He knocked one more time.
"Claire. I'm coming in." He opened the door slowly, not exactly sure what to expect, but he had a good hunch.
Soundly asleep, Claire was tucked under his grey comforter.
"Claire. Wake up. We're gonna be late." He said standing at the door.
Her eyes suddenly opened. "Ty? Oh my gosh."
She scrambled out of bed, pulling the comforter with her. Standing beside the bed, a mere five feet away, trying to blink the sleep out of her eyes. Her hair was mussed, wisps swept across her face, curls spiraling down her shoulders. As she tried a stifle a yawn, her eyes closed, her pale lips parted into a soft OOO. A satisfied smile slowly spread across her lips.
"Mmm. I slept good. Your bed is so comfy."
"Glad to hear. You need to get a move on. Michael's waiting in the truck."
"Okay. Sorry. I overslept." She said sincerely.
Stretching, the comforter fell away, revealing her usual sleepwear. Unabashedly, she wore nothing, without provocation but taunting him just the same. He had seen it before, almost everything, her breasts, stomach, hips, butt, legs, even her dark curly triangular patch. She was athletic, trim, toned, taut. Not an ounce of extra, not a pinch of softness either.
He averted his eyes, but not before seeing her fully. Brusquely, he turned away before his male faculties could react to her nakedness.
"Claire. Get your clothes on. We're gonna be late." He said sternly. "You have 5 minutes or we're leaving without you." He said as he left the room.
"You're still no fun." She pouted, then laughed as he pulled the door closed behind him.
Somehow she managed to get ready in seven minutes, two minutes past her allotted time. She walked into the living room, dressed in worn, weathered bush garb, head to toe in tan and khaki. Yet, somehow despite the mannish clothing, her spirited, wily femininity underneath, transcended the fabric, presented itself to the world. From her fitted pants that clung to her hips and butt, to the safari cotton shirt, unbuttoned to reveal the valley between her breasts, Claire flaunted her wares in her usual juxtaposition way.
Ty stood by the window. Trying to occupy his mind, to settle his natural urges, he focused on his phone, reviewing his conference schedule.
"I'm ready." She said.
He did not turn to her. "You're two minutes late. Let's go." He said, opening the front door, letting her pass through first.
Clear skies, light traffic and seemingly aligned street lights accompanied the three on their short journey to the conference centre. Inside the main ballroom, they found seats middle center with Michael sitting between them. Around them, the crowd's roar had diminished considerably from the day prior, as the audience appeared smaller, or at least, less enthusiastic.
Dr. Morgan Steele took the stage, to a smattering of clapping mostly from the front rows. Standing behind the podium, he tapped the microphone to test its volume, piercing the air with electrical garbage. The audience let out a collective groan.
"Guess this thing's on." He muttered, cleared his throat, then launched into his speech.
"Welcome back veterinarians! How was your first day?"
The audience responded with energetic applause and a few shouts unintelligible to everyone but the shouter.
"Great to hear! Let's get started. Our speaker today needs no introduction...Dr. Eugene White is a pioneer in the research of swine tail biting, a abnormal, vexing and serious problem within the commercial swine industry. Variability in frequency and severity of tail attack are correlated to the level of swine stress, boredom, and discomfort. The lower the swine stress, the lower the incidence of tail biting. Nevertheless, any injury to the tail can cause financial and animal welfare issues, resulting in reduced weight gain and increased medical cost, culling, and carcass condemnation. Dr. White hails from..."
As Dr. Steele's introduction morphed into the presentation itself, including a graphic, squealing video of aggressive tail attacks and resulting horrifying injury, Ty and Michael were oblivious, locked in their own whisperings about Wind and Cloud, their likely predicament, and an emerging plan to rescue them. Though Claire leaned into their planning, she couldn't hear over the speaker, squeals from the video and groans from the audience. Unhappy, she sat back in her chair, arms crossed over her chest, eyes closed.
A burst of clapping around them drew Ty and Michael back into the conference, their attention to the podium.
"Before I release you to your registered sessions which are sure to be outstanding, I have a few housekeeping issues."
"First, if you haven't voted already, today is your final day to vote for your favorite vet tech and vet through our conference website. During breaks and lunch, large mounted screens will project pictures of vets and techs across Canada doing great work. As mentioned yesterday, the vet who receives the most votes will get a free admission to next year's conference. The tech will receive a free stethoscope. As to not bias the outcome, we will not post rankings for the remainder of the voting which ends tonight at midnight!"
"We will announce the winners during tomorrow's opening session."
Ty leaned over Michael, whispering to Claire. "Claire. I really need your help. Chip was in second place last night. I would love to see him win...could you use your charms?"
She smiled brightly. "Yes. You know that I can."
"Thank you!"
"Tonight we have a special tour at the Greater Vancouver Zoo at 6. All are welcome. As mentioned yesterday, there are two special limited attendance demonstrations. Hana, the 11 year old Siberian Tiger and Felicia, a 3 year old river otter will both undergo their semi-annual examinations. Exams will include anesthesia, chest, abdomen and dental X-rays, a full abdominal ultrasound, blood samples and vaccines, and a dental cleaning."
"The five winners for Felicia, the river otter, demonstration are John Moseley, Sue Markiewicz, JoAnna Mott, Ryan Nash, and Samuel Smith. And, the five winner for Hana, the Siberian tiger, demonstration are Dee Bishop, Clyde Hall, Richard Campbell, Felix Plessy and Tyler Borden. Congratulations winners. Please see the main conference information desk to pick up your passes."
"Lastly, be sure to check out the Exhibit Hall filled with our sponsors and vendors.
"Thank you. Enjoy the rest of your day."
A another smattering applause quickly dissipated into a low, dull roar, pieced by random voices, as the audience left their seats and the ballroom.
"Congrats Ty. You are a lucky duck." Michael said as they filed out of their row.
"I never win anything so I'm feeling pretty lucky." Ty was grinning.
"I am jealous. I've never examined a tiger but I have a lynx at Shubenacadie Wildlife Park." Claire said as they walked three abreast through the double doors, flowed out of the ballroom, like a herd of cattle, and into the hall toward the coffee bar.
"So where is everyone going?" Ty asked as they walked.
"I'm registered for Pneumonia in Adult Equine. After that, Equine Respiratory Health." Michael replied.
"What Is New in the World of Bovine High Mountain Disease, Bovine Feedlot Cardiac Death & the Future of PAP Testing? Part 1, 2 and 3." Claire frowned, then smirked. "Doesn't that sound exciting."
"Why did you pick those then?" Michael asked.
"VWB suggested them. I think they want me back in Ethiopia." She sighed. "Ty. What do you have?"
"I got peri-op, pre and post for small to medium wild mammals." Ty said, turning towards the coffee bar. "After that is the Reproductive System in Rabbits."
After coffee and more chatting, the three split up, heading to their registered classes, only to meet back three hours later for lunch. They found seats at a table with four young female vets, who had gone to school together, were now in their first year of specializing small animal practices scattered across three different provinces. After introductions and small talk, Ty asked the vets with orange lanyards if they had voted.
Their four pairs of eyes widened in disbelief, followed by grins and whispers exchanged between the women. Finally, a dark haired vet spoke, seemingly the group's spokesperson.
"We all voted yesterday."
"Oh, good." Ty replied. "I was hoping that you all voted for my friend, Chip. He was the one with the two cute bear cubs." He smiled his crooked smile, then took a drink of water.
The women giggled.
"We voted for you." The blonde could not hold back.
Not expecting her answer, he choked a little on his water.
"And the black cougar." Said the third.
"Your eyes match the cougars!" Said the fourth.
"Oh. Well, thank you. Um. Guess I hadn't seen the picture." He stammered, a bit embarrassed.
"I voted for you too Ty!" Claire said in a sing-songy voice.
"Me six." Michael added, chuckling.
"Maybe you'll be crowned homecoming king too?!" Claire teased.
"Thanks guys." A bit flushed, Ty replied, then asked the young vets. "Um. How about for the vet tech, ladies? Did you vote for Chip by chance?"
"Ah no. We voted for the woman doing mouth to mouth with a fawn." The spokesperson said, with the other three nodding their heads in unison.
"That was amazing."
"Totally."
"Hands down the best."
"Oh wow. I missed that one." Ty confessed.
"Yeah. I've heard that from several guys in my bovine classes when I tried to hit them up. Pretty wild. I haven't seen it myself."
"Me neither." Added Michael. "I hope that doesn't mess up Chip's chances."
After that, the conversation lulled a bit. Sitting between Ty and Claire, Michael asked her.
"Claire. How many countries have you been to over the years?"
"More than I ever expected. Let's see." She paused to count. "Asia, Africa, North America, of course, South America and Europe. That makes 5 continents and so many countries, I've lost count. Including vet school, I have been on 17 missions. But some span more than 1 country. And I have been to some countries more than once."
"Wow. That's incredible."
"Yeah. It's been a dream come true."
"I bet."
She looked at Ty. "My only disappointment was that Ty didn't take the offer too."
"What offer?" Michael asked.
"VWB offered us both a position after graduation. But, Ty went to work for Mirna in Vancouver instead."
"Really?" Michael was surprised, he turned to Ty. "I didn't know that. You never said anything."
He shrugged, simply explained. "My mom was in Vancouver."
Michael nodded in understanding. "Oh. Right."
"Ty. Remember how much fun we had doing those trips together? Remember our motto. Live without Regret?"
"It was only two trips. That was a long time ago." Ty mumbled under his breath.
"It was three trips. And, it wasn't that long ago." She smiled as a faraway look came across her face. "You know Michael, I almost quit the externship. But, Ty was the reason I stayed."
"Hardly." Ty disputed her account.
"It's true. You don't remember because you were so sick."
"The Nova Scotia one?" Michael asked, wanting to hear her perspective.
She nodded. "Yeah. That trip was doomed from the get go. First, we got to our camp several hours late. By then the cougar tracks were covered by the snow fall. We could locate any of the eyewitnesses. And, the towns people weren't helpful at all. And to top it off, we lost power so Mirna called off the search. It was horrible. Then Ty..."
Bob Grainger approached the table, carrying his tray of food, interrupting their discussion.
"Hey Ty. Heard you got pulled for the Siberian Tiger exam. Congrats."
"Yeah. I lucked out."
"I'll be attending that one too." Bob said.
"That's great. But, I didn't hear your name called."
"Perk of being a presenter." Bob said nonchalantly. "Mind if I join you?"
"Nope. Have a seat." Ty said, pulled out the empty seat next to him.
"Bob, did you meet Michael Barnes?"
"No. Hi Michael. I'm Bob Grainger." They shook hands.
"And you remember Claire, right?"
Bob did a quick nod. "Claire. Good to see you again." He blushed awkwardly.
"Hey." Claire leaned in as she sat furthest away from Bob.
"So tell us, where is your next mission?" Michael asked.
"Well, I am in Hudson, for month or two, to work a bit on my wildlife center. Get it back in shape first."
"What happens to your center and the animals when you go on a mission?" Claire asked. "Do you have a caretaker?"
"I wish... I actually transferred some animals to other facilities or wild sanctuaries. Or released them. So right now, there aren't any animals."
"So starting over?" Michael asked.
"Yeah."
"That's tough." Michael said.
"Yes and no." He said. "Gives me a chance to wipe the slate clean, make adjustments, learn from my mistakes." He chuckled. "I've had to start over more than once. So I am getting good at it."
"Can you truly ever wipe the slate clean?" Ty asked, with a philosophical bent. "Start over fresh. Or do those prior mistakes define us, hang over our heads for the rest of our lives."
"Wow! We're in deep now. I sure hope we can flush the toilet every once in a while!" He guffawed at his own joke.
The three grimaced, chuckled.
"Look. I'm no shrink..." Bob shrugged. "I just think if you believe in yourself and in your cause, anything is possible." He said. "You have to believe that you earned that do-over, that fresh slate...otherwise it just won't happen."
Claire leaned in closer.
"There will always be folks who will point out what you did wrong, that you're no good, that you don't deserve a second chance, or that you're bound to repeat the same mistakes. Believe me I know those folks." He said. "You have to shut those voices out."
"I agree." Claire chimed in.
"If you don't, they'll wear you down, until you believe what they say. Soon your slate is full of all those things you swore you'd never do again."
They were all silent, taking in his words, applying them to their own lives.
"Did I say too much? Sorry." Bob apologized.
"No. It was perfect actually." Michael said. "We're all human, all have made mistakes. Good to remember that we can turn things around."
"I'm trying, at least." Bob added.
"So, you're plan is to focus on your wildlife center?" Asked Claire.
"For now. But VWB is already talking about another Mongolia trip in a couple of months. But it's still in the early planning stages. They'll need put together a team of two or three vets first."
"What are you looking for?"
"Honestly, Someone like Ty would be ideal. Excellent vet with a wild animal bent, surgical skills. Not bothered by a little heat, a lot of sand and terrible accommodations. I was hoping Ty would consider it. We've worked together before. So I know we're compatible."
"Bob. Thanks. But, I have a job. I can't be away months on end."
"Think on it. I bet Claire here would tell you it's an important cause worthy of your time."
"Yes. It is." She was a little perturbed that he didn't ask her, especially given her experience. "Would you accept a woman?"
Ty's phone dinged. "Hey Michael. We need to get to our equine session."
"Yeah. We hate to leave good company..." Michael said as rose from his chair, shook Bob's hand.
"Bob, I will see you in the tiger exam." Ty said. "Claire. Let's meet up at the end of the day right outside to figure out transportation."
"Yeah. See you."
Early for the session, Ty and Michael grabbed prime second row seats in the larger than expected lecture room. By the time the instructor started the class every seat was full, some had to stand. Throughout the double session, the instructor presented several case studies with images, videos and actual horses in various stages of trauma and recovery.
Both men were in rapt attention, taking copious notes throughout, nudging the other when a technique might be useful in their evolving plan. Neither took a break between the two sessions, choosing instead to discuss and amend their plan for Wind and Cloud.
By the time the three hour double session was over, Ty was desperate for the restroom, so he quickly left Michael to find one. Relieved and walking back to join Michael, he did a double take.
Just ahead, a man with dark hair, plaid shirt, likely a Native Canadian, walked ahead, calmly wading through the crowded hall. His stride, his body shape, and hair style reminded him of his old friend and mentor. It had been years.
"Scott!?" Ty yelled, but the man did not turn around. Ty tried once more to no effect.
Catching up with Michael, the two walked abreast to the spot where they planned to meet Claire.
"Good news.."
"What's that?"
"I ran into an old vet Buddy of mine. He agreed to do my Sunday stint at the Alberta Sanctuary for Horses."
"Good."
"Talked to Edmonson. She's very interested in incorporating Cloud and Wind into her syllabus."
"Even better."
"And, more importantly, I got a meeting with Singh at 9 in the morning."
"Wow!" The two fist bumped. "That is great. Now, we need a meeting with the chief."
Up ahead Claire was standing at their designated meeting spot. Bob was standing with her.
Ty's phone rang. "Excuse me Michael."
"Hey Mirna. What's up? Everything okay? Oh. Okay. Really. Um. Yes, I think 6:30 will work. No, no. Can Michael join in? Okay good. See you then. Bye."
Ty caught up to the others. "Well, I have good news and less good news. Which do you want?"
"The less good news?" Claire decided.
"Okay. I have to give my exhibition ticket for the tiger exam to you Claire!"
She let out a scream. " Are kidding me? I would so love that." She wrapped her arms around his neck, hugged him. "Ty, "Thank you. Thank you."
"Good news?" Bob asked.
"Michael and I are meeting with the owner of a couple of horse patients. I am hoping that we can persuade him to continue treatment."
"Win-win for both of us." Claire said.
"Bob. Do you think you can get Claire back to my apartment tonight after the zoo?"
"No problem."
After a quick bite at Roscoe's, Ty and Michael were with Cloud and Wind when Mirna, Chief Campbell and his daughter Naomi walked into the open exam room. Brian trailed behind.
"Chief. Nice to see you." Ty said, shaking his hand.
"You too, Ty."
"Hello Naomi. I'm glad you could come too." He shook her hand. Naomi was quiet, subdued, somber.
Ty introduced Michael. "Let's all have a seat and talk." Everyone took a stool around the long metal table. Ty directly across from the Chief. Naomi sat beside her father.
"Chief Campbell. I understand from Mirna that you and your daughter have made the difficult decision to put Cloud down given his extensive injuries. But, you'd like to continue treatment for Wind." Ty said.
"Yes. It is an unfortunate situation." The Chief said. "But, that is our decision."
Naomi sat practically stone faced.
"I understand your position and decision. Michael and I have an alternative idea. We were hoping you'd be willing to listen with an open mind."
"We can listen." The Chief said. "But, be rest assured that I will not spend additional funds on the colt." He was adamant.
"Understand. Thank you for hearing us out." Ty nodded to Michael.
"Chief Campbell. Cloud's injuries are severe, no doubt, but with continued in-depth and focused treatment, both physical and behavioral, he can eventually heal and lead a long, fulfilling life as a family horse." Michael said.
"That will take months. And money." The Chief replied.
"Agreed. But, that time and money does not have to be yours. Our proposal is that we take Cloud to the University of Calgary Vet School. There, I and other seasoned veterinarians will oversee his care while at the same time, training and teaching vet students in trauma and wound treatment. This gives vets and students an amazing opportunity to expand their experience and skill while giving Cloud a chance at life. In other words, Cloud will be instrumental in teaching the next generation of equine vets."
Naomi's eyes became misty.
"Naomi. Cloud can lead a full life given the opportunity to heal." Ty spoke directly to her.
"Dr. Borden. I can't afford his treatment." The Chief grumbled.
"Michael and I are prepared to take ownership of Cloud on Sunday which includes his expenses." Ty explained.
"Two more days of expense?" Chief asked. Naomi said nothing, sniffled once.
"We are willing to negotiate." Ty added.
The Chief looked at his daughter. She nodded.
"Okay. You can have him."
"Great. Thank you. We will take good care of him. Naomi, if you'd like we can send you pictures and status reports so you can monitor his progress."
She nodded. Despite her sadness, she attempted to smile.
"Wind still has a few weeks to go on her own recovery. Though treatment will continue here, removing Cloud from her side, likely will set her recovery back."
Naomi sniffled again.
"She will cover quicker with her baby nearby. Same is true for Cloud. His mother's presence gives the him encouragement, comfort, and the best chance for a full recovery."
"So. We proposed to also take Wind to UC as well."
Naomi let out a tiny gasped.
"Both horses? I can't agree to that. Wind is Naomi's horse." The chief explained.
Ty looked to Naomi. "Naomi. For Cloud to have his best chance, he needs his mother."
Naomi looked down to hide her tears.
"Wind was unsettled until we moved her into Cloud's room. Once together with Cloud again, her mothering instincts took over. Through out the day and night, she quietly calls to him, nudges him, encourages him. And, he responds. As you well know, horses are intelligent, sensitive creatures. Removing Cloud from her side, will set her back. Both of them."
"We will keep Wind. You can have Cloud. I will cover his expenses for two more days. That's what I am willing to do." Chief Campbell stated. "No more."
"Thank you. We completely understand your position." Ty didn't push. "Would you like to see them?"
"Yes." Naomi responded. "Thank you."
Entering the room, Wind recognized Naomi immediately. Raising her head, just slightly, Wind whinnied ruffling her lips in the process.
"Hey girl. How's my Wind?" Naomi touched the mare's nose, running her hand up the bridge between her eyes. "I miss you so much."
The horse and owner locked eyes.
Wind nodded slowly, then nickered toward Cloud. In reply, Cloud opened his eyes, swished his tail.
"You're a good mom, Wind. Aren't you?" Naomi then said something in Squamish. Wind nodded again. She stopped down to pet Cloud's neck, whispering something. After several moments, she stood and turned to her father. Again, she spoke in her native tongue.
"Naomi. It's your choice."
She nodded. "Ty. Michael. Where will they live?"
"To begin, Wind and Cloud will take residence in the equine recovery facility. Once Cloud is sufficiently healed, they will be relocated to UCVM's horse farm with over a hundred acres of pastures and trails. They will be stabled indoors. Professors, students and staff alike will see to their needs." Michael said.
"Would you like to see pictures?" Ty asked.
She nodded. Handing his phone to her, she scrolled through several images of the facilities.
"Will you keep them together?" Naomi asked quietly.
"Yes."
"Promise me you'll keep them together."
In unison, the vets said. "Promise."
She nodded, in a quiet voice she said. "Okay. You can have them both." Tears streamed down her face.
In Squamish, the Chief said something to his daughter.
"I am sure."
"Thank you." Ty said. "We believe that you have made a good, but difficult decision focusing of your horses' welfare."
"And, Naomi, if after they are fully healed, if you desire, we can return your horses to you."
"Really?" She brightened.
"Yes, of course. You don't have to make that decision today. But know that is an option."
"But for now, you will need to transfer ownership to us. This will allow us to treat, transport and house the horses without limitation."
"Understand. I can come by Sunday to sign the documents." The Chief said. "I want to thank you for the extraordinary care and concern that you have demonstrated. We are more than grateful." He shook everyone's hand.
"Yes. Thank you." Naomi agreed.
After the Chief and Naomi left the rescue, Ty, Michael and Brian gathered in Mirna's office.
"Good job with the negotiating. You two made it look easy. I suspect Chief Campbell was not expecting your proposal."
Ty and Michael smiled.
"Ty. I suspect you want to take a few days off."
"Two max."
"Ok. Well, now that that's done. Let me call Celina in." She send her a text. "I have another matter that I want to discuss."
When Celina came in, Mirna started. "I have some exciting news."
"Well don't keep us in suspense. Tell us." Celina excitedly replied.
"UCVM notified me that we received two generous donations today for our externship."
"That's wonderful!" Celina clapped her hands.
"How much?" Ty went straight to the heart of the matter.
"One donation was five thousand." She let that sink in.
Excitement erupted, talking, laughing.
"Wow! Congratulations Mirna!" Celina said.
"And, the other?" Ty asked.
"Twenty thousand!" Mirna grinned.
"Yes!" Celebration started again.
"Is that enough to get started? Like with the application, vetting, planning?" Celina asked.
"Yes. I believe so. We want to have our 3rd year vet students apply this summer semester."
"I can handle the communication to UCVM professors, if you write the externship specifics."
"Mirna. Can we use the last externship application as a template?"
"Yes. I think so."
"I guess I have some calls to make. Do you have donor information?" Ty asked.
"Yes. I have the list for the three in an email. I'll just forward it to you."
"Good deal."
Mirna's phone rang. "Hello this is Dr. Mirna Hickerson... oh Joe, hello. Hold on Joe for just a sec..." she out her hand over the microphone. "Hey. Please give me some privacy."
Surprised at her request, everyone filed out of her office. Brian headed into the Cougar room. Celina led the way to the front reception area.
"Hey Guys. I think I am going to head out." Celina said. "James is waiting dinner for me."
Both bid her goodnight with a peck on the cheek. The two settled into the wingbacks.
"Wow! Can you believe it? 25 grand."
"Sweet."
"Guess I should start making calls." Ty pulled out his phone, to check his emails.
"So. Let's see. Cheryl Jones donated 100. Oh my god." Ty's face went pale.
"What?" Michael picked up on his
"Get a load of this. Lisa Stillman donated twenty grand."
"That is crazy good. Small World. How about the five thousand?"
Ty sighed. "The world is certainly getting smaller." He shook his head. "Guess."
"You're killing me. Just tell me!"
"Andrew Pierson."
Hello everyone.
Hope you enjoyed this chapter. I enjoyed writing it. Love your reviews, especially ones that come with kindness.
I do appreciate that many of you want more frequent updates. I take that as an indication that you enjoy this story... but please know I write and release as soon I can.
Enjoy. Take care.
SBR