Seven-year-old Josh hurried inside looking for his father. He
let the back door slam behind him and rushed from room to room calling as he
went. “Dad, there’s something wrong with Tess. She won’t eat. She won’t chase
her ball. She won’t do anything. I think she’s sick!”

“Okay, let’s see what’s wrong with her.” Tony started the washing
machine and followed his son Josh to the back verandah.

Tess was in her bed; her head slumped over the edge of the
oversized basket his wife Jenna had bought when Tess was only eight-weeks-old.
It still made him smile every time he saw Tess’s Basset-sized body barely
filling one side of the mattress. Tess’s droopy ears flopped over her eyes. The
only movement was the gentle rising and falling of her chest.

“What is it, Girl?” Tony gently lifted one ear and peeked
under, replaced it and lifted it again, then and repeated the process. It was a
game they played since Tess was a pup and it usually made her growl in mocking
fun, but not today.

“Do you think she’s sick, Dad?”

“I don’t know, Josh. You go and finish getting ready for
school.”

“I wish Mom was here. She’d know what to do.”

Tony tousled his son’s hair. “I’m afraid it’s just us; at
least until your mother gets back from your Aunt Susan’s. Aunt Susan still isn’t
doing too well after her surgery.” Tony said as he stood and stretched. “I’ll
tell you what. I’ll call the vet later this morning and see what he suggests
about our dear-ole’ Tess. If she’s no better late today, I’ll take Tess for a
check-up. Okay?”

“Okay, Dad.”

***

It was two o’clock and Tony began to worry. He had turned
off his computer. Work would have to wait. His concern for Tess had intensified.
“Hey, Tess. I think I’ll call Doc Frazer again. You really don’t look well.”

Tony dialed the number and waited. Tess wasn’t much bigger
than a rat when Doc Frazer first treated her. Tess liked Doc Frazer and he knew
their lovable pet meant a lot to their family. Tony explained the symptoms
again to the vet.

Doc was concerned too. “Tony, it’s probably an upset stomach
but bring her in and let me check her over.”

***

A short time later, Tony placed Tess on the examination
table. “Hey Doc, do you think she may have taken a bait or picked up a tick?”

Doc Frazer looked in Tess’s eye’s and throat and felt her
abdomen before taking her temperature. Tess just laid there limp and quiet. He checked
her completely over. “I’m not sure what’s wrong.” He stood back and pondered
for a moment. “Her temperature’s fine. She didn’t whimper when I felt around
her stomach and intestines. I can’t find any ticks…I honestly don’t know. I’ll take some blood tests and see if there’s
an infection but she seems perfectly well. To me she looks—depressed.”

“Depressed?” Tony stroked Tess’s back and scratched behind
her ears. “What could you be depressed about girl?”

***

After the evening meal, Tony went to check on Josh. He’d been quiet since arriving home from
school and had only picked at his dinner. Tony found his son huddled up and
sound asleep alongside Tess in her basket. Tony chuckled. “Now I know why Jenna
got the bigger basket.” He gently lifted Josh and took him to his own bed.

A short time later, he telephoned Jenna to see how things
were with Susan, only to have to hang up before he had a chance to mention the
problem with Tess. He had heard Josh crying.

***

“DAD!”

Tony raced outside. “What is it, Josh?”

“There’s really something wrong with Tess?”

Tony quickly checked Tess’s breathing. “She’s breathing okay
but she seems weaker. You stay here while I call the vet and let him know we’re
on our way.”

“Do you think she’s dying, Dad?”

“I don’t know, Josh.”

***

“The blood tests are all fine,” Doc Frazer announced as Tony
entered the examination room carrying Tess and Josh following close behind.
“She’s definitely dehydrated today. I’ll give her some intravenous fluids
overnight and keep an eye on her. Tell me, Josh, are you looking after Tess?”

“Yes, Sir. Especially while Mom’s away.”

Doc looked up at Tony. “Jenna’s away?”

“Yes, she’s at her sister’s. She’ll be back later today.

Josh’s bottom lip quivered. “Doc, is Tess going to die?”

“No, I don’t think so, Josh. I have a feeling she’ll be fine
by supper-time.”

© Chrissy Siggee

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About Chrissy Siggee

Hi, I’m Chrissy,  More
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