Page 36 of Finders Keepers

I notice how he explains everything in a way that makes Sophie feel included, without talking down to her. She absorbs every word, her earlier shyness melting away as curiosity takes over.

“Through here is where we keep our patients who need to stay with us overnight or for longer periods,” he says pushing open another door.

The back area is warmer than the clinical front. When he flicks the lights on soft music begins to play from hidden speakers, and the lighting is gentler. Several kennels line one wall, most empty except for a few occupied ones.

A tiny whimper draws Sophie’s attention to a kennel at her eye level. Inside, a teacup Yorkie no bigger than a small stuffed animal lies on a soft blanket, her tiny leg wrapped in a pink cast.

“That’s Bella,” Gavin says softly, crouching down beside Sophie. “She had a little accident last week and broke her leg.”

Sophie’s lower lip trembles as she looks at the tiny dog. “Does it hurt?”

“Not anymore,” he assures her. “We gave her medicine for the pain, and she’s being very brave.”

As if hearing her name, Bella cocks her head to the side. Despite her cast, her little tail starts wagging immediately at the sight of visitors. She struggles to sit up, tiny pink tongue darting out to lick the kennel door.

“She’s so little,” Sophie whispers, tears welling in her eyes. My heart clenches—my sensitive girl always feels so deeply for animals.

“She is little,” Gavin agrees, “but she’s also very strong. Would you like to know a secret?” He waits for Sophie’s nod. “She’s going home tomorrow. Her leg is healing perfectly, and she’s ready to be back with her family.”

“Really?” Sophie’s face brightens through her tears.

“Really. In fact…” Gavin checks his watch. “It’s about time for her afternoon walk. Would you like to help me take her outside? With your mom’s permission, of course.”

I feel Sophie’s hopeful gaze before I see it. Part of me wants to say no. To protect her from getting too attached, from potential disappointment or hurt. But another part of me sees how careful Gavins is, how he’s created this safe space where healing happens.

“Please, Mommy?”

I take a deep breath. “Okay, but be very gentle.”

Gavin shows Sophie how to properly open the kennel door and lift Bella out. The tiny dog fits perfectly in her careful arms, immediately covering her face with tiny kisses.

“She likes me!” Sophie giggles, the sound pure joy.

“Of course she does,” Gavin smiles. “Animals can always tell when someone has a good heart.”

We follow them to a small, enclosed courtyard behind the clinic. While Sophie helps Gavin slowly walk Bella on a tiny leash, I hang back with Ms. Lucy.

“He’s so patient,” I murmur, watching as Bella hops along on three legs.

“That he is,” she replies. “Been watching him grow into himself since he was knee-high to a grasshopper. His mama would be proud of the man he’s become.”

I catch something in her tone. “Would be?”

She nods. “Lost her to cancer when he was in veterinary school. Worked himself to the bone to finish his degree while helping care for her. That’s partly why he’s so good at this—he understands what healing really means, body and soul.”

I watch as Gavin demonstrates to Sophie how to check if Bella’s cast is secure, explaining everything with infinite patience. Jimmy has followed us outside and now winds between Ms. Lucy’s legs, purring loudly.

“The clinic was his daddy’s before him,” Ms. Lucy continues. “When Doc retired, there wasn’t any question about who’d take over. This place, these animals, this community, it’s in his blood.”

“Time to get Miss Bella back to her bed,” Gavin announces, helping Sophie guide the tiny dog back inside. “She needs her rest, so she’ll be ready for her family tomorrow.”

Sophie carefully helps settle Bella back in her kennel, whispering something I can’t quite hear. The tiny dog licks her hand one last time before curling up on her blanket.

“Thank you for showing us around,” I say as we make our way back to the front, noticing that Jimmy has followed us and is now perched on a cat tower by the front door.

“My pleasure,” Gavin replies, reaching to scratch Jimmy’s ears. “Y’all are welcome any time to come visit this goofball, I bet he’d enjoy the extra attention.”

“We should probably get going,” I say reluctantly.

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