Chapter 9
Bear
Riley decided that today was the perfect day to ride her bike to work.
Most days, she opted for the Jeep—it was hard to resist the allure of driving it, especially on an island where having a Jeep felt like the ultimate dream come true.
Today, the weather was perfect—not too hot or cold, and finally no wind.
So, she grabbed her bike and headed out.
Few people rode their bikes around the island.
There were scooters, cars, and so many buses—tourist buses, local buses, you name it.
Roads were okay for biking, and she didn't live far from work, so she avoided the little traffic there was.
Back home, the roads were chaotic and dangerous for cyclists.
Here, she enjoyed a leisurely ride and took her time looking around and inhaling the smell of the pine trees.
It was a smell like no other. The pine smell mixed with the sun-kissed bark on the trees made her almost feel like she was back home standing in a densely packed Canadian forest.
As she approached the turnoff to the hidden, off-limits Sanctuary Road, something caught her eye.
A black mass moved in the bushes near the corner.
Was it a garbage bag? Curiosity got the better of her, and she stopped, leaning her bike against a nearby tree.
She walked over, her heart skipping a beat as she realized it wasn't a bag—it was a tiny black puppy with a white patch on its chest.
"Oh, my goodness! Poor thing, you look terrible!
" Riley exclaimed as she bent down to pick up the puppy.
She hesitated, realizing the puppy was covered in dirt, scabs, and possibly fleas.
"Yikes, you're going to need some serious attention!
" As she scooped the puppy up and placed it in the bike basket, it fit perfectly.
She continued pedaling to work, hoping the vet would be in today for his regular check on the dolphins. She had a new patient for him.
"Well, what do you think?" Riley asked, nervous to hear the vet's prognosis.
"He's not as bad as he looks," the vet replied, examining the puppy. "Once we get him cleaned up, he's in better shape than you'd think. Definitely underweight and filthy, but nothing we can't fix. We'll clean him up and find him a suitable home."
Riley bit her lip, glancing between the vet and the puppy, who was now staring up at her with big, puppy dog eyes. "Maybe he could live with me?" she said, half to herself, half to the vet.
The vet smiled. "Riley, if you're willing to care for him, that would be fantastic! Honestly, the rescue is so overwhelmed with potcakes right now, we could use someone to take him in." Riley chuckled at the vet's use of "potcake," the local slang for island dogs.
"What kind of breed do you think he is?" She asked, both of them eyeing the dog curiously as he peered back at them, equally bewildered by the situation.
"Well, I'd say there's some Labrador in there, maybe a bit of Shepherd. Who knows with these potcakes? He's pretty cute, though." They both laughed, but Riley didn't care; he seemed to have the sweetest temperament a dog could have.
"How about this," the vet continued, "I'll take him back to the clinic, get him cleaned up, do a quick check, maybe take some blood. Then, how about you come by after work and we'll get you all set up? Are you sure you want to take on the responsibility of having a dog?"
Riley didn't hesitate. She'd been thinking about getting a dog for a while now.
Life on the island was amazing, and she loved taking care of the dolphins and being with her coworkers, who felt like family.
But at night, when she was alone, she often wished there was someone else there with her.
And by someone, she meant a dog. She didn't need more people time!
"I'm totally sure! I think we're going to be best friends," she said with a smile.
At this, the puppy nudged her hand, begging for a pet.
Riley laughed, and the vet gave her a knowing look.
"Yeah, I think this little guy is already yours.
Think of a name, and I'll see you later.
" With that, the vet picked the puppy up, tucked him under his arm, and headed to his Jeep.
Riley didn't need to think too hard about a name. The moment she saw that puppy huddled in the bushes; she knew his name. "I'll come get you in a few hours, Bear."