Mari didn’t respond. She had bent down to kiss the puppy, whispering something into his ear. Then she turned away with her head bowed.
“What time should we check back tomorrow?” Dusty asked.
“Any time after eight o’clock will be okay.”
Mari raised her head and looked at the vet. His steady gray eyes were gentle and full of understanding. “Thank you,” she said, barely above a whisper. “I know you’ll do all you can for him.”
He patted her arm again. “I sure will. Did the colt recover, the one with the colic?”
“Oh yes. He was fine the next day.”
“Good. I hope your dog will be too. Good night, now.”
Dusty put his arm around Mari and led her out, back to the truck. She stumbled along, moving like an automaton, as if the very last of her vitality had been left with the stricken puppy. He
