Page 21 of A New Leash on Life

“God is the one who helps you do that. Look at it this way; when we come to Christ, we are all imperfect sinners. I was completely broken and living a life I wouldn’t even recognize if you showed me today. But when we repent of our ways, the ways of this world,” I looked down at her hand, “we then ask God to save us, and He is the one who fights those inner demons. We get to call on Him for everything—pain, anxiety,temptations,”Jenna nodded at the last one. “And, of course, praise and just getting to know Him. He wants to know us and we want to know Him. He loves you more than you can comprehend.”

Jenna abruptly stood up, releasing my hand to hug me. I didn’t worry about the eyes on us. Surely others must be wondering, but it didn’t matter what anyone thought. Jenna pulled from me, but her eyes stayed locked on mine.

“We would love to have you join us at church,” I said. “You’d fit right in with the rest of us,” Jenna laughed. “I mean it. I’ll save you a seat next to me.”

While I couldn’t imagine someone as beautifully outgoing as Jenna needing to have a seat reserved to calm any social anxieties, it was still a new environment for her.

“Really? Thank you, Katie. Here,” Pulling out her phone, “Can you text me the details? Time and location. I’ll be there.”

She handed me her phone, ready to add a contact number for ‘Katie from work.’I punched in my details, handing her back her phone, and she swiftly sent me a text, my phone buzzing from my purse.

“That’s me. I appreciate it, Katie. I may or may not be attending alone. I need to discuss it with my husband and see if he wants to join. But I will see you then.” I pulled out my phone.

It’s Jenna!

“Got it.” I motioned to my phone, and she nodded. She turned and walked off.

Katie’s Biblical Application

“Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.” 1 Peter 3:15

Frank was nowhere to be seen until about 3 pm, when he waltzed in with a black lab-type dog on a blue leash. “Everyone,” he was laughing so hard he could barely get the words out. His wife Angelica was with him. She came by the office sometimes for lunches or staff birthday parties, and we all loved her. “This is Frank Junior, ‘Junior’ for short. And before you start in,” he chuckled at some of theguys, “I didn’t name him. Angelica did!” We all laughed.

“We’ve been wanting a dog for a while, since Bubba passed away.” Angelica nodded. I remembered him taking a few days off after his golden retriever passed away from cancer last year. “Couldn’t think of a better time to do it than today, with my staffers, who are really my friends with me!”

It was a very heartwarming moment. Frank then let Junior off his leash, where he proceeded to stick his head in everyone'sprivate areas. Frank, seeing the mistake, tried to catch him, but Junior saw him coming and picked up speed. We were all roaring with laughter, Frank and Angelica included.

Junior was eventually captured when Suzie got a handle on his collar and waved Frank over. The guilty look on Junior’s face was adorable. He wasn’t ready to get caught, there were still people he needed to “greet.” Angelica took the leash and said goodbye to everyone, giving me a wave and mouthing ‘thank you.’ Frank waved them off, announcing to the group that Junior was about to go get a full checkup at the vet. My heart skipped a beat.

Why hadn’t anyone told me to do that?

I recalled Samantha giving me information about the veterinarian at which I’d receive a discount. I will call tonight and get an appointment for Dolly.

The rest of the day was mostly uneventful compared to the morning. There was still some snickering and a few “woofs” in the hallways—people stopping by with their proof of ‘paw-ternity leave,’ but it was a tiring day from all the excitement. I considered my new week’s leave and considered the best time to take it. But something told me to wait until she got into the vet in case she needed extra care for any reason. And for no reason, I suddenly felt worried.

“Dear Jesus,

My mind is once again in overdrive. Please send me your supernatural peace, as now I’m feeling fear of the unknown. I will care for this precious creature you sent me.

In your name,

Amen.”

Finally, the workday drew to an end and I got home as quickly as I could without speeding. I had the same greeting for Dolly, but this time she was napping again and when she saw me, she rolled on her back and did a big stretch. It was precious and I took that as a sign I should scratch her tummy. She loved it.

“Did you have a good day?” The baby talk ensued. We were getting along so well. I was feeling mildly overwhelmed with the new responsibility, but it was proving to be rewarding.

“I’ll be right back,sweetie.” I jumped up to make the phone call to the vet, scattering through the small pile of notes from yesterday. I found the card she gave me. I punched the numbers in my phone. They answered on the second ring, and I let out a sigh of relief.

“Parker Ridge Veterinarians, how can I help you?” The woman had a Jersey accent.

“Hi there. My name is Katie Fitzgerald and I adopted a dog yesterday from Newtown—”

“Congratulations, Katie.” The woman cut me off. “I suppose you're calling to get an appointment from Dr. Wylons, yes?”

I love it when people make it easy for me. “Yes, I am! Thank you.”

“Okay, let me see what he has. Please hold while I check.”

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