Halfway to the emergency vet, she fumbled for her phone and hit the call button with trembling fingers. David answered immediately. “Emily? What’s going on?” “Snake,” she gasped. “There was a snake. Ranger… he got bitten. Lily fell — she might be hurt. I’m taking Ranger to the emergency clinic, but I need you to meet me there and take her to urgent care.”
“Where are you?” he asked frantically. “On Oakridge — two minutes from the vet,” Emily replied. “I’m coming. Don’t stop. Don’t wait. Just get him there.” The line went dead. Emily gripped the wheel harder and prayed the dog who had just saved her daughter would survive long enough to be saved himself.