I hold Matthis’ paw in the exam room. His breathing is erratic, and my chest feels tight just hearing it. I want to fix him, to make all this right, but how can I? The nurse and assistant can’t heal him, and they’ve been taught how to deal with injuries.

“Hang on, Matthis,” I whisper and kiss his furry ear. “I’m going to find a way to help you.”

I turn back to the assistant who is washing her hands, her shoulders slumped.

“H-how long before—” I can’t even say the words. There’s a painful lump stuck in my throat.

“My guess is twenty-four hours. If he turns a corner...