Locked In Love

Chapter Three

I woke up to the sound of my alarm blaring in my ear. Groaning, I reached over to hit the snooze button but then remembered that I had an early shift at the veterinary clinic that day. With a sigh, I dragged myself out of bed and stumbled into the bathroom to start my morning routine.

As I brushed my teeth and washed my face, I couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement. Working as a veterinary technician was my dream job, and I loved every minute of it. I had always been passionate about animals, and being able to help them and their owners was incredibly rewarding.

After getting dressed in my scrubs and grabbing a quick breakfast, I headed out the door and drove to the clinic. The sun was just starting to rise, casting a warm glow over the quiet streets. I couldn't help but smile as I thought about the day ahead.

When I arrived at the clinic, I was greeted by the familiar sounds of barking dogs and meowing cats. The other staff members were already busy preparing for the day, and I quickly joined in, helping to set up the exam rooms and prepare the equipment.

Throughout the day, I assisted the veterinarians with exams, surgeries, and treatments. I comforted nervous pets, cleaned up messes, and made sure everything ran smoothly. It was a busy and sometimes chaotic job, but I wouldn't have it any other way.

I felt a sense of satisfaction knowing that I had helped so many animals and their owners. I knew that being a veterinary technician was more than just a job to me. It was a calling, a passion that filled my heart and soul with joy.

ZAVIERS POV

I sat in the doctor's office, feeling a mix of anxiety and hope. I had been struggling with depression for months, and the pain in my arm seemed to be getting worse. The doctor, a kind-looking man with a gentle smile, looked at me with concern in his eyes.

"Zavier, I think it's time we consider getting you a dog or a service animal to help with your depression and the pain in your arm," he said softly.

I was taken aback by his suggestion. I had never considered getting a pet before, but the idea of having a furry companion by my side was strangely comforting. I nodded slowly, unsure of what to say.

The doctor went on to explain how having a dog or a service animal could provide me with emotional support and help alleviate my symptoms. He mentioned how pets have been known to reduce stress and anxiety and even help with physical pain.

As I listened to him speak, a sense of hope began to bloom within me. Maybe having a dog by my side could help me feel less alone and less overwhelmed by my emotions. Maybe it could even help me manage the pain in my arm.

I left the doctor's office that day with a newfound sense of purpose. I was determined to find the perfect furry companion to help me through this difficult time. As I walked out into the world, I knew that with a dog by my side, maybe I would be able to face whatever challenges came my way.

ZORA POV
"Hey, Zora," Dr. Daniel asked. I turned around in my chair and looked at him. "Yes, Dr. Daniel." He turned to look at me. "Could you please take Tom to the animal shelter clinic?" Uh oh, I knew that place; it's where we euthanized animals that were sick or dying that we couldn't let suffer." I turned to look at Dr. Daniel. "Who's Tom?" I hadn't heard the name Tom before. Just as that thought left my head, this huge dog came happily skipping into the office. He was big with beautiful brown eyes; his skin was black as midnight with just a small amount of brown on his legs. I couldn't find anything wrong with him until I looked down and saw the paw on his left leg was a stump; it was bent enough that he wasn't in pain but completely healthy, and he acted as if he didn't even know his paw was messed up because this gorgeous dog came running up to me licking my face. He seemed healthy. "Why does he need to go there? Shouldn't we take him to the shelter to be adopted? He's healthy. That leg isn't even causing him to limp. What happened to him anyway?" I had so many questions. "Zora, please don't argue with me about this. He was born this way; his family left him. He's such a sweet dog, but with his missing left paw, it's been challenging to find him a home. We've tried, but it's been months, and there's been no interest." I could see the tears well up in his eyes; he didn't want to do this. "Dr. Daniels, Tom is such a fighter. He doesn't let his disability define him. Can't we give him just one more day? Maybe someone will come forward and give him the loving home he deserves?" I asked. Dr. Daniels sighed. "Zora, I understand your compassion for Tom. He's a resilient pup, but the reality is that finding a home for a special needs dog like him is tough. We've exhausted our resources, and time is running out. We don't have the funds to keep him." I couldn't stop the tears. "Dr. Daniel, just one more day. I'll reach out to every contact I have and post on social media—anything to give Tom another chance. He deserves to experience love and kindness, even with his missing paw." Dr. Daniels smiled, and I could tell he was giving in. "ALRIGHT, Zora, I admire your dedication to Tom. Okay, we'll give it one more day. But let's be prepared for the possibility that things might not change. If by tomorrow we haven't made progress, we'll have to decide on Tom's best interest." I couldn't stop smiling. "Thank you, Dr. Daniel. I won't let Tom down. We'll do everything we can to find him a home by tomorrow. He deserves that much.