Free 2 Any Meat In That Soup? by Jerilyn Dufresne Page B

stroked my beautiful girl’s head as they worked. Her eyes never left me, trusting that I’d make sure everything was okay. She must have also noted my tears. I couldn’t stop. Clancy was my best friend.
    Dr. Bob looked up and said, “Her pulse is thready and her blood pressure is really low. She feels a little cold too.”
    It hit me. “Check for arsenic poisoning. Please.” I was desperate. “Please.”
    Probably because of all the recent poisonings the doctor said “yes” immediately.
    “That’s what I thought too,” he said. “Unfortunately there’s no quick way for me to test it with my equipment. I’m going to treat Clancy as if she’s been poisoned. It will be best if we put her to sleep because we’ll have to empty her stomach.”
    He must have known I’d want to stay. He added, “You can stay while she goes to sleep and then you have to leave. I promise I’ll let you come back in before she wakes up. She won’t even know you’re out of the room.”
    Little did he know that Clancy understood what he was saying. What a brilliant girl! I nodded at the doctor and said, “Do whatever you need to do. She’s my best friend.”
    “I understand.” And I really believe he did.
    My tears slowed a little, but didn’t stop. I got close to Clancy’s ear and whispered, “I love you. Everything is going to be okay.” The doctor put in an IV and as I talked to Clancy her eyes closed. I kissed her and opened the door to leave. I turned to the doctor, “Please clue me in as soon as you know anything.”
    He nodded. I walked out and made my way to one of the uncomfortable plastic chairs in the waiting room. Time passed slowly. I counted time by noting how many people walked in and out, some with pets, some without. Some were told the doctor was involved in surgery and rescheduled. Others were seen by veterinarian assistants.
    I began to pace. Then I remembered to call my office and tell them to cancel my remaining appointments for the morning. I called the ER and said I wouldn’t be in for the afternoon, and left a message for Jen and Jill there. I also called George because I needed comfort. Not only did he comfort me, he walked into the waiting room before we’d even finished our conversation.
    He walked in, sat down beside me, and put his arm around me. My head rested on his tweed jacket, I felt the texture of it on my cheek, and for some reason it reminded me of my Dad. And I sobbed. I didn’t care that my tears and snot went on George’s clothes instead of my own. He didn’t seem to care either. Between my sobs and gasps for breath I told him what was wrong. And added, “She was always with me. No one else ever fed her except Gus and Georgianne. I took good care of her. I did. And someone poisoned her anyway.” My sobs slowed down as George patted me and stroked my hair.
    His voice was soothing as he said, “I know. Clancy is your family. Your best friend.”
    I looked him in the eyes and said what was bothering me the most. “It’s all my fault.”
    “Sam, you said she was never alone outside. It’s not your fault.”
    I inhaled in order to be able to speak. “I leave my door unlocked to my house.”
    “I know. But as you always say, ‘It’s Quincy.’ It’s probably not because the door was unlocked. Remember when Burns was killed, you were convinced someone broke into your house and damaged the gas furnace so you’d die?”
    “Shut up, George. This is different.”
    My slight anger helped me pull myself together. I sat up, grabbed a tissue from the end table, and mopped up my face. I got another one to mop up George. We both grinned at my feeble attempt, which left pieces of tissue on his shirt. The grin relaxed me.
    “God, I never fall apart like that. I’m sorry.”
    “No need. I was glad you called me,” George said.
    Why did I call him? I had five brothers and sisters, and numerous other relatives. Why did I call George?
    He spoke again, putting his hands on either side of