Page 12 of Mail Order Splash

“I’m happy to hear that. If she was struggling to breathe, neither side of her brain would sleep that well, and sleep will help her heal.”

“I was hoping to see some movement, maybe get her to eat a little,” I said.

“Don’t worry about it too much. I think by morning she’ll be fighting to get out of that sling. I see you lowered it some already.” He put his stethoscope to his ears, listening. “I hear some noise, but it’s faint.”

“You can leave the antibiotic injections with me; I can make sure she gets them.” I squatted next to him. “Apparently, I got some sleep, so I’ll be awake now.”

“I’ll go ahead and give it to her now. Try to get some shrimp in her throughout the night.” He sat back, looking in his bag. “Did any of the pod try to help?”

“There was no pod to be seen. I found that odd and it’s been on my mind.”

“That is interesting. Makes me think there were humans and boats out there.”

“I had the same thought. I’ve also been wondering if there are more in distress or if they were being hunted.”

“I’d hate to think that was happening in our waters. You should go out and check tomorrow. That pod won’t have gone far unless they couldn’t come back.”

I watched as he gave her the meds then rubbed her back and fins. As he got to her face, she started to move ever so slightly, giving us all hope that she was doing better. We didn’t always have success stories with our rescues, so when we did it was a big deal. Keeping them in captivity was never my goal.

“Thanks, Doc. You don’t have to come around tomorrow. If you can, just call me.” I followed him to the cot area.

“Why would I only call you, Kleine?”

“Because I can’t afford to pay you, that’s why.”

“Even if you could I wouldn’t take it and you should know that by now, young lady.” He kissed my forehead. “You’re doing a good thing; don’t give up.”

“I’m trying.” I waved as he walked away.

“Oh, hey, I forgot to mention, there was a young man at the party talking about helping at a dolphin rescue today. He wanted to know if I knew of any.”

“What did you tell him?”

“The truth.” He smiled. “He was worried about the dolphin but, don’t worry, I didn’t tell him where to find you.”

“I’m confused. Why wouldn’t you tell him?” Josh spoke up. “If it was the guys from today, they deserve to know how she is. They helped a lot.”

“Because I don’t want anyone seeing how bad this place is. I can’t have someone calling authorities in.”

“You’re saving them, Kleine, not hurting them.”

“I know that and you know that, but one look at this place and no one would believe they are safe here.”

“Then next time go to the party and get some funding,” Josh grumbled. “I told you to go.”

“I told you, I don’t like to ask for money.”

“Then don’t plan on saving many more dolphins.”

“Alright, you two.” Doc stood between us. “Kleine, as much as you don’t like it, you have to if you want this place to remain in service, and don’t think I don’t know about the city coming down on you to close.”

“How did you find out?”

“I know people, I ask questions, and I vouched for this place, but my word won’t last forever. You have to get backing and it has to be big.”

“You’re right; I know you are.” I plopped down on the cot. “I’ll go to the next one.”

“Good, because there is one next week and you will be my plus one.” He grinned and walked away whistling. “Get some sleep.”

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