Page 36 of Wild Dreams

"Can you grab the dog bowl while I get this ready?" He opened drawers until he found the measuring spoons.

Chance was calm whereas my heart was racing. I was so glad he was here. I placed the bowl on the counter.

Chance scooped a dollop of plain yogurt into the bowl, then mixed a teaspoon of hydrogen peroxide into it. "We can give him more if he doesn't puke right away. But we can't exceed two teaspoons for his size."

"The vet said to bring him in if he doesn't puke."

"We're going to do that anyway to get him checked out." He carried the bowl outside where Oakley was laying on the patio.

Chance crouched down in front of him. "Here you go, boy."

I was so appreciative that Chance was here. That he was a calming presence. I couldn't think clearly, much less do what he'd done.

If I wasn't reading too much into things I suspected that Chance was just as worried about Oakley as I was. That melted my heart toward him just a little bit more.

10

CHANCE

When Marigold called, I hadn't known what to expect, but when I'd heard the sheer fear in her voice, I was instantly on alert. My cop instincts took over, and I talked to her in a calm voice. I knew how to soothe someone in the midst of panic.

The only problem was that I was just as worried about Oakley. I'd become attached to him in the short amount of time I spent with him. He was just what Marigold needed. I wouldn't know what she'd do if something happened to him. Especially when it was an honest mistake. Dogs got into stuff, especially as you got to know them and their quirks.

Oakley stood and sniffed the yogurt concoction.

"How did he get into the chocolate?"

"He must have opened the cabinet, or maybe it was slightly ajar? These cabinets are old. I'll have to put the food up higher."

"I can take a look at the door tonight. Fix it if necessary."

Marigold shook her head. "Oh, you don't have to do that."

"Mari. I'm fixing this."

Her shoulders lowered. "Thank you. I don't know what I would have done if you hadn't answered."

"You would have been fine. You would have researched what to do, and you would have taken him to the vet."

"You knew the best one to take him too." She rung her hands.

"All the vets know what to do. They usually make you call that poison line anyway."

"She said it wasn't helpful if we didn't know how much he'd taken. Now we wait for him to puke?" Marigold asked.

"If he doesn't within twenty minutes, we can give him more peroxide. Or just take him to the vet."

"I think I want to take him to the vet to get him checked out. For my peace of mind."

"We can do whatever you're comfortable with. Oakley's your baby after all."

"I can't believe I failed him already. I'm the worst dog mom."

I chuckled despite the intensity of the situation and pulled her into my side. "Give yourself a break. This happens at one time or another to everyone. Even experienced dog owners. I knew one family where the kid kept leaving out chocolate. He loved the dog; he was just inattentive. He was ten. It happens."

There was a loud gurgling noise from the vicinity of Oakley's stomach, and then he retched.

"Oh, thank God." Marigold's fist was in front of her mouth.

---