Free Evening Stars by Susan Mallery Page B

was shocked at how little the dog weighed. She poured water into her hand and the animal drank greedily. She had part of a scone from the Starbucks where she’d stopped earlier, and the dog gulped that down.
    When Averil slid behind the wheel, she started the engine and turned up the heat. It only took her a couple of minutes to use her phone to find a vet in Medford. She called and got directions, then drove back onto the highway.
    * * *
    “She’s about three years old,” the vet—an old guy with a kind expression—told Averil. “I would guess she’s been on her own for a month. She has a few bruises and she’s malnourished. I doubt she’s had a decent meal in that time.”
    The technician looked up from the computer. “There aren’t any reports of missing dogs in the area,” she said with a shrug. “Without a chip, there’s no way to find her owners.”
    “She was dumped,” the vet said. “Unfortunately, it happens.” He left the room.
    Averil stroked the dog huddled on the examination table. The animal had been examined and bathed. She’d also been given a small meal.
    “There’s a no-kill shelter in town,” the technician said. “She’s pretty cute and it shouldn’t be long until she’s adopted. You did a good thing, bringing her here. She’ll be fine.”
    Averil stared into the dog’s brown eyes. She was white with brown spots after all. Part King Charles Spaniel, the vet had said. Part who-knows-what. She’d endured the exam and the bath without protest and seemed resigned to whatever fate had to offer. Averil knew the most sensible solution was to leave her at the shelter.
    She fingered the dog’s soft fur. “I’ll take her,” she said. “Can I do that?”
    “Sure.” The other woman smiled. “She seems like a sweetie. Do you know what you’re going to name her?”
    “Penny.” Averil touched the dog’s head. “Hey, Penny. Want to come live with me?”
    Brown eyes regarded her solemnly.
    “You’ll need some food,” the tech said. “We have a brand that’s good for sensitive stomachs. That will help her ease into having regular meals. Feed her about half a cup, four times a day for the first few days. Then you can go to a cup twice a day. Maybe mix in a little canned food. If you want to change brands, do it over time or she could get sick.”
    The woman wrote down a few instructions. “Once you get where you’re going, she’ll need to be vaccinated. She’s already been spayed. I think there’s an old collar and leash in the lost and found box. Let me go grab them.”
    She left the room. Averil continued to pet Penny. “It’s okay. You’re going to live with me now. I’m pretty sure I can handle a dog.”
    Penny stared at her, her expression still fearful, but at least she’d stopped shaking. Soft brown eyes seemed to ask if that was the best Averil could offer.
    “You’re right,” she said quietly. “I need to make a commitment. I will take care of you. I promise.”
    The tech returned with a leash and cloth collar, along with a couple of old towels. Averil thanked her, paid the bill and walked to her car. Penny had accepted the collar and leash without complaint and now walked beside her. When they reached the car, Averil opened the back door.
    Penny looked from her to the seat.
    “Come on, Penny. Can you jump?”
    Penny did as requested.
    Averil laughed. “Good girl,” she said. “You’re smart, you know that? All right. Let’s make you a bed.”
    She folded the towels into squares and placed them on the seat. Then she unfastened the leash. She patted the soft fabric.
    “Come on, Penny. This is for you.”
    Penny placed one paw on the towel.
    “Good girl. Yes, you get comfy for the rest of the drive, okay?”
    Penny turned twice on the towels, then laid down with a sigh. Averil stroked her a couple more times before closing the door and walking around to the driver’s side. By the time she pulled onto the freeway, the dog was asleep.
    * * *
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