Emily pressed her hand to her mouth, knees wobbling. “He’s alive?” “For now,” the vet said gently. “But he needs the next few hours to go perfectly. We’re monitoring him closely.” Emily nodded, tears slipping freely now. “Thank you. Please… please do everything you can.”
“We will. Someone will come get you when he’s stable enough for a visitor.” The vet disappeared through the swinging doors again, leaving Emily in the stillness of the waiting room — trembling, relieved, terrified, grateful all at once. She sank slowly into her chair. Her baby was safe. Her dog was fighting for his life.