Page 11 of Grady

“Oh, he’s so pretty,” she said.

“I’ve been calling him Bentley. Much better than hey, dog.” Savannah laughed.

“Bentley seems to fit. Let me get the vet for you.”

“Thank you.” Savannah sat in one of the plastic chairs in the lobby to wait.

“Hello, I’m Dr. Garrett. Dr. Russell is in surgery right now. Let’s take this big boy back and see if he’s been microchipped.”

“It’s nice to meet you, Dr. Garrett.”

“You too. Follow me. Jodi, hold my calls unless it’s Sam.”

“Yes, ma’am.”

Dr. Garrett led her into a room and removed a handheld scanner, then moved it over the dog’s neck.

“He’s not chipped.” She ran her hands over his body. “He’s alittle thin and his coat is dry. I think he’s been out there on his own for a while. Have you fed him anything?”

“I’ve been giving him scrambled eggs because I couldn’t get out to get him food.”

“You’ll need to get him some good dog food if you plan to keep him.”

“Am I allowed to? I mean, what if he does belong to someone?”

“I’ll put flyers up but after three days, and no one claims him, you can keep him. If I were you, I’d go to The Feed Store and get him a good brand. He’ll also need a leash and collar. How about I give him a rabies shot while he’s here?”

“Yes, please.”

“Great. I’ll be right back.” The doctor walked out the door.

Savannah squatted down. “I hope I get to keep you.” She laughed when he licked her face.

The door opened and Dr. Garrett stepped back into the room, then knelt by the dog.

“Hey, big boy, let’s get you protected.” She expertly gave the dog his shot and he didn’t even budge.

“Any idea on what breed he is?” Savannah asked.

“He looks to have some Bernese Mountain dog in him, along with Malamute. He’s going to be a big dog. Are you sure you want a dog that big?”

“I’m in love with him.”

“What’s not to love? Both breeds are very affectionate, so you’ll have a cuddler on your hands. He is beautiful though. I’m so glad you took him in. He could have died out there in that storm. I’d estimate him to be around a year and a half old and still has some growing to do.”

A knock sounded on the door and when it opened, another woman stuck her head in.

“Hey, Markie. This is Bentley.” Dr. Garrett smiled.

“You must be Vanna, I’m Dr. Russell. It’s so nice to meet you in person. He is one big boy,” Dr. Russell said as she squatted down to pet him.

“I hope I can keep him.”

“No chip, Tess?”

“Nope. He’s a little thin and his coat’s dry. I was telling Ms. Collins I think he’s been out in the elements for a while.”

“I’ll get him some good food. If you could recommend some.”

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