Page 44 of Unexpected Gifts

Abby had found the exterior to be lovely, with its hand-carved wooden sign that hung above the entrance, displaying the clinic's name alongside a friendly silhouette of a dog and a cat. A whimsical statue of a playful puppy wearing a Santa hat and a red scarf stood just outside the doors.

“Come along. I’ll show you around.” Mariah led Abby through the clinic, starting with the front desk. There must have been a hundred sticky notes plastered around the computer and desk, all with scribblings impossible to read. She told Abby about her unique filing system, which had something to do with the hair or fur color of the animal patient. “No one but me gets it, but that doesn’t matter because Doc will never have to get rid of me or worry about me leaving. This job’s the best I’veever had. My goodness, I absolutely adore the doctor. So do all his patients, furry and human. He’s the best human ever. And believe me, I’ve known some real stinkers.”

Mariah went on to describe how the good doctor allowed her a lot of freedom in her job, including encouraging her to use her amateur ventriloquist skills. She often brought in a handmade puppet named Dr. Whiskers to entertain kids in the waiting area. “They just love Dr. Whiskers.”

Abby could think of nothing to say, which hardly mattered. Mariah talked so much and so fast that there was no need for Abby to do anything but listen.

“Now, come on back. I’ll show you the rest.”

Abby followed her down a hallway with closed doors on both sides. A bulletin board on the wall showcased photos of patients—cats curled up in sunbeams, dogs playing fetch, and even the occasional exotic pet—clearly sent in by proud owners. Notices for community events, such as pet adoption days and local farm fairs, were also posted.

“We have two examination rooms. Doc Ford makes sure they’re as comforting as possible for anxious animals. I appreciate that, being a little on the anxious side myself.”

Mariah held the door to the examination room on the left, and Abby went inside, taking in the soft, nonslip mats that covered the stainless-steel exam tables. Calming pheromone diffusers had been put in to reduce stress for feline visitors. “You know what little pills cats can be, right?” Mariah asked. “God love ’em.”

In addition, colorful murals of pastoral scenes graced the walls. Medical equipment and shelves stocked with essential supplies, from bandages to treat jars, were neatly organized.

Next, Mariah led her into a small laboratory area where the veterinarian performed basic diagnostic tests on-site, ensuring quick results for common procedures. The clinic had a modestsurgical suite equipped for routine operations such as spaying, neutering, and dental cleanings.

“Now, safety and cleanliness are top priorities, and the staff takes great care to maintain a sterile environment,” Mariah said. “Doc’s a real stickler on that.”

“Wonderful,” Abby murmured. One would hope for a sterile environment.

“Our Dr. Ford—how he loves the animals. Every single one of them. The owners feel his genuine affection for his patients. People can tell when someone loves what they do, don’t you agree? We have the full meal deal when it comes to services—wellness exams, vaccinations, microchipping, and nutritional counseling. I’m sorry to say that most people overfeed their cats.” Mariah tutted. “I’m one of them.”

“Easy to do,” Abby said. She was getting a good feeling about Dr. Ford and his practice, despite the alarmingly exuberant Mariah.

“We teach classes right out of here, too,” Mariah said. “First aid for animals, training tips, and the importance of regular checkups. People sometimes take a little convincing about checkups because of the cost. However, we do our best to keep prices low so folks don’t have to rob the piggy bank to pay the bill.”

After the tour, Mariah had gone over pay and benefits, should she be offered the job. “Doc Ford hates to talk about money, so he makes me do that part.”

The pay wasn’t as high as what she could have expected in the city, but the cost of living was better in a small town. Health benefits were excellent, for her and her dependents. If the job were offered to her, she would take it without hesitation.

Finally, Dr. Ford appeared, apologetic for keeping her waiting. Abby didn’t know what she’d expected, but it was not the short, round man who beckoned her into his office.

“Dr. Parker. Good to meet you.”

Doc Ford shook her hand with a firm, vigorous grip. He smoothed a hand over his thinning gray hair. Twinkling blue eyes behind his wire-rimmed glasses were intelligent but also had a quality that put Abby at ease. “Thank you for coming in on short notice.”

Although he’d arrived wearing a lab coat with pockets bulging with dog treats, he quickly discarded it, revealing a bulky green sweater with a reindeer on the front, paired with brown corduroy pants. She hadn’t known they made corduroy trousers in this day and age. “Would you like tea? Mariah, bless her heart, will make you a cup of any flavor you wish. I’m partial to spearmint. Did you know it’s good for digestion?”

Abby politely declined, and said that yes, she had heard that about spearmint.

Doc Ford hung his lab coat on the back of his door and encouraged her to sit. When she was comfortably seated in one of two guest chairs, he settled behind his desk. Abby glanced around at his quirky decorating, displaying antique veterinary instruments, unusual rocks, and framed sketches of animals drawn by local children.Very cute.

A framed newspaper article from the mid-eighties showed a much younger Dr. Ford leading a gaggle of geese across a busy road with the headline: Quack-tastic! Local Vet Stops Traffic for VIP (Very Important Poultry).

“Isn’t that a hoot?” Doc Ford asked. “My friends teased me for years. I don’t know who thought to take the photo and send it into the paper, but there you have it. There’s not a lot of news around here. Which is the way we like it.”

“I’m from LA, so small-town life will take some getting used to, but I’m glad to hear it.”

“You’ll be a local in no time. Tell me all about yourself,” Doc Ford said. “Spare no details.”

“I’ve never been featured in a newspaper of any kind,” Abby said, smiling. “But I did drive my mother bananas by insisting on saving any creature that made its way indoors, including a wayward squirrel.”

Doc Ford burst into boisterous laughter. “Dear me, that must have been a sight.”

She went on to describe her education, including being in the top 10 percent of her class and her high praise during her residency.

---