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Welcome to Healing Paws<br><br>
"Life in any form is our perpetual responsibility." - S. Parkes Cadman<br><br>

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Welcome to Healing Paws Animal Hospital and Health Shop!<br><br>

This grey brick building is long and narrow, looking small from the outside, but extends far back, allowing plenty of room for the services that go on inside it. There are cement steps leading up to a glass-paned door on the right side of the building, protected by a grey metal railing. On the left side of the one-story building, there are floor-to-ceiling windows which are covered by plastic horizontal blinds. A sign standing on the small patch of green lawn reads "Healing Paws Animal Hospital & Health Shop; EST. Summer 08".<br><br>

Stepping inside the building, you find yourself in a sitting area. There is a receptionist's desk in the far right corner of the room with comfortable chairs lined in neat rows along the walls. The walls are a light baby blue colour and the floor is a light pine wood. There are framed pictures of animals dotting the walls here and there. The fluorescent ceiling lights bathe the room in a pale, soothing glow.<br><br>

There are two doors at the back of the room. The one closest to the receptionist desk leads to the examination and operating rooms, while the one on the other side leads to a small shop. Behind the examination and operating rooms is a small office for record-keeping and finances.The shop on the other side is decorated the same way as the sitting area, but it contains shelves with various health products for animals, ranging from special health foods to flea medication to dewormers. There are also a few books for sale on responsible pet ownership and training guides. There is a small cashier desk at the back of this little shop.<br><br>

Waiting Area | Examination Room | Operating Room | Kennel | Office | Shop<br><br>

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Staff<br><br>

<br>
Isolde O'Keeffe<br>
Owner and Veterinarian<br>
3,500G /week + Profits<br><br>

<br>
Zachary Eddison (NPC)<br>
Veterinary Assistant<br>
3,000G /week<br><br>

<br>
OPEN<br>
Receptionist<br>
3,000G /week<br><br>

<br>
Aria Poli<br>
Store Clerk<br>
3,000G /week<br><br>

<br>
OPEN<br>
Janitor<br>
2,500G /week<br><br>

Please note that those interested in applying for the Veterinary Assistant position MUST have a post-secondary educational degree in Animal Science. All other positions require a high school diploma.

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Veterinary Services<br><br>

Regular Checkups - 200G<br>
Diagnostic Examinations - 250G<br>
Spay/Neutering - 100G<br>
Birthing - 300G<br>
Seasonal Vaccinations - 100G<br>
Yearly Vaccinations - 150G<br>
Minor Surgery - 500G<br>
Major Surgery - 1,000G<br>
Euthanasia - 300G<br><br>

Please be aware that the veterinarian will not administer euthanasia to any animal unless the animal cannot be saved by any other means. If money is the only issue keeping the animal from getting the proper care it needs, the veterinarian will be happy to discuss payment plan options with you.<br><br>

Walk-ins are welcome, but scheduled appointments will be tended to, first, unless in the case of an emergency.<br><br>

The veterinarian is qualified to treat all animals, both large and small. To request a visit to your residence to see to a large animal, please call Isolde O'Keeffe (AKA PM Ashleigh) and she will schedule an appointment with you and arrive at your residence to see to your animal.<br><br>

Regular clinic hours are from 8AM - 8PM Monday through Saturday, but emergency calls may be made at any time of day or night.<br><br>

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Shop Inventory<br><br>

Seasonal Flea/Tic Drops - 100G<br>
<span style='font-size:8pt;line-height:100%'>Fleas and tics are not only irritating to your pet, but they can also be a serious health hazard to both them and YOU! Remember to administer these drops to your pet seasonally.<br>
10 in stock<br><br>

Seasonal Deworming Medication - 100G<br>
Worms are a very serious problem in pets, causing severe intestinal and digestive problems. Make sure to give your pet this medication seasonally to keep those worms away!<br>
10 in stock<br><br>

Formulated Health Food for Dogs - 50G<br>
This specially formulated dog food is rich in protein and vitamins. It's the perfect way to keep your pet strong and healthy for many years!<br>
10 in stock<br><br>

Formulated Health Food for Cats - 50G<br>
This specially formulated cat food is rich in protein and vitamins. It's the perfect way to keep your pet strong and healthy for many years!<br>
10 in stock<br><br>

Formulated Health Food for Horses - 80G<br>
This specially formulated blend of oats is rich in protein, calcium and other vitamins. It's the perfect way to keep your horse strong and healthy for many years!<br>
10 in stock<br><br>

Dog Training Guide Book - 70G<br>
No dog owner should ever be without this handy manual for effective and humane training methods for even the most difficult of breeds.<br>
9 in stock<br><br>

Responsible Pet Ownership Book - 70G<br>
Any new pet owner should grab one of these to be sure they're really ready to handle all the responsibilities that come along with owning a pet.<br>
10 in stock<br><br>

Remember to bring in your pets for their vaccinations and pick up their flea and deworming medication seasonally!

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Peter Lyfield buys:

• Flea/tick drops: 100G.
• Deworming medication: 100G.
• Dog food: 50G.

Total: 250G.

Aiden Morse buys:

• Flea/tick drops: 100G.
• Deworming medication: 100G.
• Cat food: 50G.

Total: 250G.

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<br>
Date: Thu, Summer 26, Y8<br>
Time: 8:00am<br>
Mood: Proud/Ecstatic<br>
Tag: Open<br><br>

Isolde's hands shook as she held the key to her lifelong dream in her outstretched hand, slowly inserting it into the lock and twisting. It made a very satisfying clicking sound. The sound of a lock opening, but it was more than that to Isolde. It was the doorway to everything she had ever hoped to achieve in her life. The path to being someone great and doing something great.<br><br>

She pushed open the glass-paned door and stepped inside, surveying her brand new home-away-from-home. Of course, she knew what it would look like. She had gone over the building plans with the architect and designer a hundred million times, picking out the flooring and wallpaper and fixtures and trim and... Isolde had thought her head would explode during the whole process, but now, stepping inside and seeing it finished and waiting for her made all the aggravation and headaches of planning worth it.<br><br>

It still seemed a bit surreal to her, come to think of it. One day, she was griping about working in a cramped little room with inadequate veterinary supplies for piddly pay in the back of an animal shelter like a side show, and the next, she was looking at an ad for a vacant building in Pyrite Circle with the perfect layout for her dream. Scrounging up all her life savings, Isolde had rushed out and bought the place on the spot and the renovations, supply orders and chaos began. She normally wasn't one to go out and make such a rash decision on impulse, but she knew this was it. This was everything she ever wanted and more for her career and she had to take the opportunity before it passed her by and she ended up a side show vet in a cramped, understocked room at the back of an animal shelter until she retired. No, Isolde certainly didn't want that and now she was free!<br><br>

She wasn't naive. She knew branching out on her own and running her own animal hospital entailed much more responsibility than she'd had before, but Isolde knew it was all worth it. How could it not be? She was here, standing in her own animal hospital, with the name Dr. O'Keeffe proudly displayed on a plaque on the wall next to her degree. She spent thirteen years earning that prestigious degree and now she could finally display it with pride in her very own office!<br><br>

She looked up at the clock over the receptionist's desk. It was time to open. Isolde quickly adjusted things and dusted off a few shelves, her black one-inch heels clicking smartly against the polished hardwood floors as her white coat flapped around her knees and her stethoscope rested snugly around her shoulders. Her new employee would be here any minute. Kenneth Douglas, the new receptionist. They'd met a few times already and got along well. Isolde adored his two kids and she had to admit he was a good-looking bloke. She'd been the first person the single father had met on the island and the two of them had spent a bit of time together, chatting. He'd needed a job badly in order to find a permanent place to settle down with his children and Isolde's heart went out to him. He showed her his qualifications and she had hired him. She was looking forward to working with him, though kept reminding herself that she couldn't be admiring his rugged looks while they were working together. Isolde wasn't really that sort, anyway. Work was work. You needed to keep focused and put all your skill and energy into it, blocking out every possible distraction, especially as a veterinarian.<br><br>

Finally satisfied with the way the whole area looked, Isolde flipped open the OPEN sign and went into the back to get some of her medical equipment organized, feeling more proud of herself than she could ever remember feeling in her entire life.


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<br><br>
So apparently hauling a trash can across town was kind of tiring. Who knew? Well, Abe knew now. The muscles in his arms strained as he shuffled across Pyrite Circle to the vet's, or at least that's what he assumed Healing Paws was. That or some sort of animal masseuse specialist, if such a thing even existed, he imagined the name would be Healing Paws too. The young man earned dozens of strange looks, which he returned with a cheery smile and a, "Just taking a cat to the vet's!" It did little to quell the confusion and chaos generated by his trash can carrying habits. Maybe they thought he was a lunatic.<br><br>

A soft mrowing came from inside the can. "Almost there~" he whispered to the can, no doubt sending the number of people who thought he was off his rocker up to the hundreds. They were probably right, but oh well! Abe caught sight of the small clock tower in the centre of the circle, wincing. Geez, there goes his lunch. If it were in the name of saving a cat, he could deal with the fit his stomach would be throwing in the next hour, when it realised it wouldn't be getting any food.<br><br>

He shook the hair from his face, stopping before the vet's. His gaze went from the door handle, to his hands, which were full of can, and then back again. How was he going to do this, again? This is why I need to think things through, he thought, frowning, and why Chris does all the planning in this outfit. Yeah, she wore the pants in their relationship. Figuratively, and sometimes literally.<br><br>

Finally deciding to just go for it, he pried the door open with his elbow. Slowly, slowly. Creeeeeeeak it opened. Abe jammed his foot in the crack, giving it one swift pull with his leg. "Open Sesame!~" he cried in victory, squeezing in. At the counter there was a blond man, who could only look curiously at Abraham as he set the trash can on the floor and said, ever cheerfuly, "Hi there~! I need to talk to one of your vets!"

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Date: Friday, Summer 27th, Y8<br>
Time: 12:15pm<br>
Mood: Focused/Attentive<br>
Tag: Abe<br><br>

Isolde sighed and took off her glasses for a moment to clean the lenses before settling them back on her nose again. It had been a slow morning. She supposed it was a good thing that there weren't very many sick animals needing her attention, but some routine stuff would have been nice to break up the monotony. She'd seen to a dog who had nothing more than a mild case of kennel cough and had told the owners to use a dehumidifier to help improve the air quality in the home for the animal. She wasn't totally sure if those even existed on this island, but in any case, the dog would be fine, with or without a dehumidifier.<br><br>

What else had she seen to? A couple routine vaccinations, spayed a cat. She had to visit a few farms tomorrow to geld some horses and administer vaccines. Yep, slow morning indeed. She looked at the clock on the wall of the examination room and saw that it was her lunch break. Fantastic! She was starving! As a woman who was normally too busy to eat breakfast, her stomach always protested loudly come noon. Of course, that didn't help her weight problem any, since she had a bad habit of gorging in the afternoons because she hadn't eaten anything that morning. Well, she'd long given up on trying to lose weight, anyway, so what did it matter? It's not like she had a bloke to impress. Hah! The thought of a bloke fancying her of all people was hysterical... albeit in a painful, bitter way.<br><br>

She poked her head out into the empty waiting area. Well, empty except for Kenneth, the receptionist. "I'm takin' me lunch break, Kenneth. Ye can do the same if ye'd like. I don't expect it'll pick up anytime soon, anyway," she told him before disappearing again, heading to the small office at the very back of the building where Isolde kept all her patients' records and did her finances... and ate her lunch.<br><br>

She sat down and unwrapped the sandwich she'd brought from home, her stomach already thanking her for the meal she was about to give it. She was about to take a large bite when a loud clattering noise came from the front of the building. Isolde paused, her mouth still open slightly and the sandwich only inches from her face. What the bloody hell was that? Had Kenneth knocked something over? Whatever it was, she hoped it was something relatively inexpensive and not a piece of valuable medical equipment. He wasn't even supposed to be in the examination or operating rooms, anyway.<br><br>

With a slightly irritated sigh at having to postpone her lunch, Isolde put the sandwich down and hurried to the front of the building to try and sort out whatever mishap might have happened. Well, Kenneth wasn't in the examination or operating rooms and nothing looked out of place there, at least. That was a relief. She placed her hand on the doorknob to the waiting area in time to hear a man's voice, and it wasn't Kenneth.<br><br>

"Hi there~! I need to talk to one of your vets!"<br><br>

Hm, a patient? Still, what was with all that banging and clattering? Couldn't he have just walked in with his cat carrier or dog on a leash or bird or rodent cage without any fuss? Well, she wasn't going to be much use to anyone standing here, eavesdropping. She was the vet and he had asked to see a vet, after all.<br><br>

Isolde opened the door and raised an eyebrow when she saw a tall, gangly, rather feminine-looking man with vibrant purple hair holding a beat-up trash can with a goofy grin on his face standing in her waiting area. Well... so much for a slow, uninteresting day. This wasn't exactly something Isolde saw every day. Still, she was a vet and this was her animal hospital and she was going to maintain an air of professionalism, thank you very much! She took pride in her work. She stepped through the door, closing it behind her and turned to look at the odd, trash can-holding man with a cool, doctor-like expression. "I'm the only vet here. The only vet on the island actually. Dr. O'Keeffe," she told him, striding forward to shake the man's hand. As she did so, the trash can shook and an angry yeowling came from inside it. Isolde raised an eyebrow. "An' I take it yer here teh see me about a cat? Mind tellin' me why it's in a rubbish bin?"


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If Abraham had been the shy sort, waltzing into a vet's office with a trash can might have been seen as a little eccentric. Actually, shy or not, it was still eccentric, but he might've cared if he was otherwise. As it was, his only concern was helping the stray in the trash can. Hopefully it didn't despite him too much, though if he were trapped in a bin of all things, he would be pretty pissed, too. He continued smiling at the receptionist, worry building up within the young man when the guy didn’t respond right away. It was the entrance that stunned him, probably.<br><br>

His attention was divided by another heavily accented voice. Abe blinked and looked to the source. A woman strode forward. Irish, if he wasn’t mistaken. Making his living in theatre had given him an ear for accents, he was pretty good at imitating them, too. The woman, he noted, was quite round, but still quite pretty. Maybe not in a conventional way, but then again—when did he care about conventionality? She looked like she knew what she was doing, anyway. That was what counted at the moment.<br><br>

“Ummm....” Abe began, grinning sheepishly, “well—okay, here’s the story.” He took a breath, and commenced the tale. “So I was on my lunch break when all of the sudden I hear this meowing, I go and look in the trash can and there was a cat! It’s... kind of injured, so I figured bring it here, and well—it can’t run away or hurt me or anyone else if it’s in a trash can?” Abe figured it was a choice between letting it wander about injured or getting it help. “I didn’t hurt it,” he added, “I don’t think I could.” For all the bad, immoral things he had done, harming animals was not one of them.<br><br>

With one hand, he gingerly opened up the lid. Still inside was the cream coloured cat. Considering its little trip in the trash can, it was doing well. Calming brushing its matted down fur, droplets of blood smeared along the tips of his coat. Its eyes, like two headlights, turned to face him. Abe felt a pang deep in his chest, and he looked away, to Isolde. “Well... I can pay for whatever it needs done.”


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Date: Friday, Summer 27th, Y8<br>
Time: 12:15pm<br>
Mood: Focused<br>
Tag: Abe<br><br>

Isolde peered into the rubbish bin when Abe lifted the lid. She maintained her cool, put-together expression, but her heart went out to the little frightened creature curled up inside. No matter how many times Isolde was faced with animals with crippling injuries or fatal diseases, she didn't think she'd ever truly become completely desensitized to it. She liked to think that was what made her such a good vet. She'd known so many other vets who became totally detached from the passion and emotion they started out with when they began studying to be a veterinarian after a time. It was a natural defense against getting overwhelmed with grief, Isolde knew, but it also made them forget why they became a vet in the first place, making them greedy and turning the animals who came to them for help into cash cows. She hoped she never became that way.<br><br>

She adjusted her glasses and took a closer look at the bloodied animal with a slight frown of concentration. It seemed to have an infected eye injury and some rather bad gashes along its body. It had certainly been in more than just a few fights. From the way it was eying both her and Abe with a vicious suspicion, she supposed it was either feral or had been abused by humans. She hoped for the former, for the poor animal's sake.<br><br>

She cleared her throat and nodded. "Right then. I'll take him into the examination room. I need teh have a closer look at those lacerations before I really know what I need teh charge ye. Gotta say, that's right kind-hearted o' ye teh pay fer a cat's medical bills that isn't yers, lad. Not many folks'd do that," she told him with a small smile before leaning into the rubbish bin to gently coax the cat out. "Hey there, little fella. I'm a doctor an' I'm goin' teh help ye, okay?" she spoke softly to the injured creature. The cat just hissed and took a vicious swipe at Isolde's hand, leaving a bloody scratch. Isolde didn't even flinch. She'd had ribs broken from horses and feet crushed under cow hooves. A little cat scratch was nothing. She grabbed the cat around its middle firmly enough to keep it from struggling out of her grasp, but gently enough not to aggravate the wounds it already had and beckoned to Abe to follow her into the examination room.<br><br>

She motioned for Abe to hold the cat in place on the metal table while she pulled on her white rubber medical gloves and took the stethoscope from around her neck, nestling it into her ears and leaning forward to check the cat's vitals. All good. It didn't appear to be having any breathing problems, though its pulse was rather quick, but Isolde knew it was most likely from stress at being handled by strange humans in a place it didn't recognize. She then began checking its bowels by gently squeezing its abdomen. The cat arched its back and hissed at the discomfort, but Isolde murmured softly to it. She didn't feel any obstructions or anything out of place.<br><br>

Next she began to examine the obvious wounds on its body. Some of the cuts weren't very deep, and could probably just be cleaned up with some antiseptic to avoid infection, but most of them were rather severe and would need stitches. The eye was also a cause for concern. It was oozing some yellowish pus along with blood from its eyelid. Isolde moved her finger from side to side in front of the cat's face. It followed the finger with both eyes. That was good. It didn't look like its eyesight was damaged too badly, though the infection would undoubtedly spread to its retinas if it didn't get treated now. She added up the totals in her head with a small frown. This wasn't going to be cheap for Abe. The diagnostic examination was 250G, plus its yearly and seasonal vaccinations were 250G combined, then stitches and the prescriptions the cat would need all fell under minor surgery which was 500G, then it needed its deworming meds and flea/tic drops which were 200G put together... the total ended up coming out to be 1,200G. The violet-haired man looked young to have that kind of money. Well, Isolde had no problems with working out payment plans with owners. The cat needed to be treated one way or the other, after all.<br><br>

Isolde finished up her examination and looked up to speak with Abe, her voice sympathetic but professional. "He's got some pretty severe lacerations an' seems to have an infected wound near his eye. It doesn't look as though its affected his sight, yet, but it will cause him teh go blind in that eye if he doesn't get that sorted out now. His bowels and breathin' seem teh be in good order, though ye'll need teh keep an eye on his eatin' habits an' bowel movements the next few days just teh be sure." Now here was the hard part: telling him what it was going to cost him to treat a cat that wasn't even his. "I won't lie teh ye, lad. It's not goin' teh be cheap," she began heavily. "The diagnostic examination I just did was 250G, then stitches an' the antibiotics he'll need come teh 500G. He's also in need o' his seasonal an' yearly vaccinations which come teh 250G altogether, along with his deworming medication an' flea/tic drops, which are 200G together... the total's goin' teh be 1,200G." she finished explaining the cost to the young man.<br><br>

She looked down at the cat again with a heavy heart. The poor thing was in pain and terrified. She took a deep breath and continued, trying to offer hope to both Abe and the frightened creature sitting on the table in front of her. "I'm always happy teh work out payment plan options with folks if money's a real issue. Me first concern is always the animal," she told him. "I can treat him, then we can go into me office teh discuss what ye can afford and work out a weekly installment plan, or..." Isolde hesitated slightly, her gut twisting, though she maintained her air of cool, detached professionalism. It was her job to remain in-control, after all. "... euthanasia is only 300G. It'd be cheaper than payin' fer all o' the cat's treatments."<br><br>

She hated putting animals down. She really, truly did. She especially hated putting down animals who could recover easily just because their owners refused to pay for its medical bills. It wasn't right or fair or just. She had become a vet to save animals, not kill them, but she had to list all the possible options to the client.


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Abraham had never really been around animals much in his life. Growing up, he hadn't been allowed to touch animals, never mind have a pet. Every so often he got to pet a horse, when his aunts would allow him on the farm. Horses had always kind of frightened him, though. Their eyes looked like they could stare right through him, almost read his mind. Cats were different, though. They always had this appearance of orderliness and intelligence, like they were better than you. Even now, the scruffy and tattered cat in the trash can appeared to know that it a higher species than he and Doctor Isolde. For that reason, Abe would have guessed that his family would like felines. They had that in common, after all.<br><br>

Then again, two egos in one place never ended well. Maybe cat people were people who were at least somewhat humble?<br><br>

He looked at Isolde, smiling gently. "Thanks..." he said, "but it's the least I can do for the thing." It kind of bothered him that he couldn't name it, but for all he knew it already had a name. Hopefully it wouldn't be too expensive for him, though on his new salary he would more than likely be able to afford it. He was a businessman now, the thought still made him smile. His father had always wanted him to take over the Marrow business, but it had just never interested Abe. He wasn't sure if it counted as irony or not that he was a business owner.<br><br>

Abraham flinched at the blood, not really having much issue with it, but darn that thing could scratch. He supposed he was lucky he had a trash can there to avoid any claws in his arm. The young man followed Isolde into the other room, staying very close behind her, every so often looking over her shoulder to see the cat. It's... not happy... he thought, frowning at the sight of the feline writhing and hissing in Isolde's arms. Why was it that he was reminded of himself and Chris? Not that he had ever been a cat taken to the vets, but that desperate, frightened thrashing was reminiscent of her when the police had caught her.<br><br>

The heist had been over before it had begun, she was surrounded before even a dime was in her pocket. She had spat and kicked, anything to try and get away. And she did, of course, it had just taken him a day to figure out how. After that initial violent outburst, she just went quiet. It was that part Abe hated the most.<br><br>

He shivered, feeling even more guilty than he would have otherwise when he held the cat down. Please know that it's for your own good~ he thought, trying to transfer happy thoughts from his brain to the feline pressed beneath his hands. As Isolde poked and prodded the cat, Abe merely shifted and continued helping in whatever small way he could. It was funny, and maybe sad, how often he played a helping hand to a woman who was more intelligent and capable than he was. He just wished he could help out more, but whenever he did everything turned to shit, so maybe this was for the best.<br><br>

Abe breathed a small sigh of relief as she finished, probably feeling as glad about it as the cat did. He looked at Isolde, smiling, even as he felt his pocket growing lighter and lighter as she listed everything he needed. He opened his mouth to speak, but she kept going. "... euthanasia is only 300G. It'd be cheaper than payin' fer all o' the cat's treatments." He blinked, smile falling. Euthanasia? Like... killing him?<br><br>

He shook his head, sending purple hair flying every which way. "That's not necessary!" he said, waving his hand exaggeratedly, if only to disguise the distress. Euthanasia was what you did to things too sick to live, and if Abe knew one thing about that cat it was that it had a hell of a lot of life in it. "I can pay, don't put it down, please, I can pay," he said.


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<br>
Date: Friday, Summer 27th, Y8<br>
Time: 12:15pm<br>
Mood: Focused<br>
Tag: Abe<br><br>

Isolde smiled with relief when Abe insisted that he could pay for whatever the cat needed and begged her not to put him down. She'd been dearly hoping that he would fight for the cat's right to live and hadn't been disappointed. Isolde had met plenty of people who chose to put down a healthy animal simply because they were bored of it and didn't want to take care of it anymore. It broke her heart and infuriated her to think that there were people out there who honestly didn't give a damn about anyone other than themselves.<br><br>

She cleared her throat and nodded, stroking the cat as she spoke with Abe. "I'm glad teh hear ye say that. I hate havin' teh euthanize animals who can recover from their injuries easily with the right treatment. It'll be a bit of a long process fer this little fellow here, but he can certainly recover," she assured him with an encouraging smile.<br><br>

The cat started to relax a little bit, though his eyes were fixated on Isolde with mistrust and suspicion. Isolde gave him an ear scratch, trying her best to make him comfortable while she explained to Abe what she was going to do. "First, I'll need teh shave the areas around his wounds so I can sterilize 'em properly, then I'll put him under some light anesthesia while I suture the lacerations. He should wake up no more than an hour after that. I'll put a cone 'round his neck so he can't bite the stitches or tear 'em out, then I'll write ye a prescription fer his antibiotics. Ye're goin' teh have teh give two pills a day teh him until they're gone. The antibiotics will get rid of any internal bacteria causing infection that topical medications can't treat. I'll take him into the operatin' room an' get started. Ye can wait in the waitin' room if ye'd like. It shouldn't be a long surgery. Sutures are rather straight-forward an' low-risk."<br><br>

As if the cat heard and understood Isolde's plans for him, he arched his back and hissed loudly at her, taking another swipe at her hand which Isolde once again ignored, having grown accustomed to injuries after working with animals for so long. Isolde frowned slightly. "Oh, ye'll be fine. Quit yer moanin'," she told him gently. "Ye'll feel better when I'm done, I promise ye."


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Abe nodded, almost tiredly, as he slumped back. That little burst had taken a little out of him. No doubt he would be okay in a few minutes, the young man had this way of bouncing back. Isolde probably thought he was a member of PETA from the way he went on, but no. He was just a guy with a habit of getting a little excited about things. He issued a small sigh of relief, before smiling gladly at Isolde.<br><br>

Whatever. So long as the cat was okay, he could deal with the payment. He wasn't the richest guy in the world, but between Chris's job, his job, the theatre, and foraging, he was doing okay. The best part was that it was all his (other than Chris's wages, which admittedly mostly went towards groceries and living expenses), all the result of his sweat and tears. And it felt bloody brilliant, thank you very much. A lifetime of being waited on hand and foot, it was a surprise how awesome hard work was. "Poor guy~" Abe said, looking down at the cat with pity. "At least he'll be okay~!" He added, grinning and bouncing once on his feet.<br><br>

That was the important thing, so long as you made it through the day it was a success in his book.<br><br>

He glanced at the clock over the Irishwoman's head, eyes widening suddenly with realisation. "Oh, geez!" he cried, "My lunch break ended like ten minutes ago." Abe laughed, albeit nervously. His boss was a pretty understanding girl, she'd not bite off his head or anything. He hoped. Abe ran his hands through his hair, grinning sheepishly at Isolde as he whipped out a piece of paper and jotted his personal information on it. "Here! I can sort all this out later, just drop my a letter or whatever. Um... good luck, and thank you."<br><br>

Abraham handed her the paper, then looked at the cat. "And see you later, kitty!" he said, giving it a small scratch behind its ear before making for the ice cream place as fast as possible without looking too crazy.

<br><br>
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Helena Tuddenham
regular check-ups (200g)
seasonal vaccinations (100g)
yearly vaccinations (150g)
seasonal tick drop (100g)
seasonal worm drop (100g)

total;; 650g

Cyrus LaRue
regular check-ups (200g)
seasonal vaccinations (100g)
yearly vaccinations (150g)
dog guide book (70g)

total;; 520g

Malik Bousa'id
regular check-ups (200g)
seasonal vaccinations (100g)
yearly vaccinations (150g)
seasonal tick drop (100g)

total;; 550g

Alex Alkaev buys:
Flea Drops: 100g
Deworming Medication: 100g
Dog Training Book: 70g

Total: 270g

Alex and Mary Alkaev buy:
Regular check-ups (200g)
Seasonal vaccinations (100g)
Seasonal tick drop (100g)
Seasonal worm drop (100g)
Formulated health food for dogs(50g)

Total: 550g

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<br>
Date: Winter 2nd, 08; 12:35pm<br>
Outfit: Click<br>
Mood: Surprised<br>
Tag: Closed<br><br>

Isolde took off her glasses and gave the corner of her eye a slight rub with a tired sigh, being careful not to smudge her makeup in the process. She hadn’t had a chance to rest all day. From the second she’d walked into Healing Paws at 8am that morning, bright and early as always, she’d been bombarded with patient after patient after patient. First it’d been a cat with a mild ear infection, then a gerbil with a nutrient deficiency, then she had to run out to a farm to see to a lame horse which she quickly diagnosed to be due to thrush. She’d been glad to have her lunch break today. As much as Isolde loved her job, she was still a human being who got tired and worn out, especially considering how many hours she worked every day, not including being on-call for emergencies 24/7. Good Lord, maybe I need a day off, she thought to herself, but Isolde knew she wouldn’t really ever follow through on that. The closest she’d come to having time off was that day back in the Summer when the zoo on the mainland bailed out on an appointment and Isolde had ended up spending the morning walking around the zoo with a handsome psychiatrist by the name of Jean.<br><br>

What happened ta that bloke? she wondered mildly to herself, absently tapping the tip of her pen against the surface of her desk. He’d been nice to talk to, but she hadn’t seen the fellow since that day. Ah well, maybe he lived on the mainland, or maybe he found her boring and awkward and decided to avoid her after that encounter… more than likely the latter, Isolde thought with a heavier sigh, one that was due to more than just overwork and fatigue.<br><br>

”Um… Dr. O’Keeffe?” a hesitant voice at the doorway asked, pulling Isolde out of her thoughts to look at the gangly, curly-haired young man standing just inside her office.<br><br>

”Yes, Zachary?” she asked, immediately hiding all trace of tiredness and stress, replacing it with her cool, collected, professional expression she always wore at work. Zachary cleared his throat nervously, glancing out to the front waiting area and back at his boss again.<br><br>

”Uh… well, there’s a girl here… with a fox,” he mumbled, his ears going red. ”I, well… I wasn’t sure what to tell her. I mean, I’ve never seen a fox come in here before, and-“ he began to ramble anxiously before he was cut off by Isolde’s hand in a gesture that clearly meant for him to stop speaking, which Zachary immediately did so. Zachary had recently been hired by Isolde to be her assistant. The boy was bright and knew a great deal about veterinary medicine, but he still had a lot to learn; particularly in the area of professionalism and self-confidence while at work. If there was only one thing on the planet Isolde was confident about, it was her capabilities as a veterinarian.<br><br>

”It’s fine, lad. I’ll see ta the animal. Can ye get him all set up in the examination room?”<br><br>

”Sure thing, Dr. O’Keeffe,” he mumbled quickly before ducking out of her office.

<br><br>

~ ~ ~

<br><br>

”Hmm, well he looks malnourished, but nothin’ a good diet won’t fix fer the little fella,” Isolde muttered a few minutes later, examining the fox closely on the table. More than likely his mother had been killed somehow and the poor thing had been starving and freezing to death on his own out in the woods. He was just a kit, after all. Isolde suspected he wasn’t even quite old enough to be eating solid food, yet.<br><br>

”What will you do with him? Zachary asked, peering over Isolde’s shoulder to look at the shivering, frightened animal on the examination table. That was a good question, actually. What on earth was she going to do with him? He clearly needed hourly feedings, which meant that he couldn’t be kept in the kennels at the animal hospital since there was never anyone there after closing. She might be able to talk Naomi into looking after him, but Isolde was fairly certain her old boss had very little experience with wild animals.<br><br>

”Well, if ye’re willin’ ta take him…” she began, but Zachary immediately shook his head with a small chuckle.<br><br>

”My girlfriend would kill me. Sorry,” he politely declined with an apologetic smile. Isolde sighed and crossed her arms, scrutinizing the kit, thinking hard. If he couldn’t stay in the kennels and if Naomi and Zachary couldn’t take him, that only left one option…<br><br>

Bloody hell, Mittens’ll have a right fit over this, she thought, shaking her head. Her cat hated other animals. One of the long-term effects of being a rescue animal from a hoarding situation that Isolde was never able to fully correct in him, but it didn’t look as though either Mittens or Isolde would be getting much of a choice in the matter. This fox had nowhere else to go and Isolde wasn’t going to let him die just because having a baby fox in her house inconvenienced her. It was her job to help animals, and it was a job that Isolde took very seriously. ”I suppose I’ll just have ta take him with me, then,” she decided, not knowing what else to do. ”I’ll bring him home with me t’night an’ I guess that’s where he’ll stay until I can find a better arrangement fer him.” Zachary nodded, jotting down all the kit’s information on a sheet of paper attached to his clip board before pausing and looking up.<br><br>

”Er… for the name section. Do you just want me to put ‘Stray’ like procedure, or…” his voice trailed off, looking at the fox. Isolde shook her head. No, that wasn’t right. He was hers for the time being. She ought to give him a proper name.<br><br>

”No, put his name down as… Todd,” she decided, the Disney film immediately springing to mind as she gave the tiny little furball an affectionate scratch behind the ears to which he responded with a wide yawn and stretch. ”Todd O’Keeffe… fer now, anyway.”<br><br>

Zachary obediently scrawled the name onto the sheet, chuckling slightly. ”Very original, Dr. O’Keeffe,” he attempted a feeble joke before clearing his throat, his ears going red again. ”I’ll uh… go put this on file in your office for you,” he mumbled quickly before shuffling out of the room without a backwards glance. <br><br>

Isolde raised an eyebrow with a slightly amused grin before returning her focus on Todd, bending down to take one of his tiny paws between her forefinger and thumb and giving it a small shake. ”Nice ta meet ye, Todd. I’m Isolde,” she told him quietly, though her vibrant green eyes were warm and affectionate.<br><br>

Todd timidly got to his feet and sniffed Isolde’s hand.

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Gretchen Carridwyn buys:

Regular Checkup - 200G
Seasonal Vaccinations - 100G
Yearly Vaccinations - 150G
Seasonal Flea/Tic Drops - 100G
Seasonal Deworming Medication - 100G
Formulated Health Food for Dogs - 50G
Dog Training Guide Book - 70G
Responsible Pet Ownership Book - 70G

Total - 840G

Aqua Avon purchases:

Spay/Neutering - 100G
Regular Checkups - 200G
Seasonal Flea/Tic Drops - 100G
Seasonal Deworming Medication - 100G
Formulated Health Food for Dogs - 50G

Total Cost: 550G

Hana Buys:

8 Seasonal Flea/Tic Drops - 800G
8 Seasonal Deworming Medication - 800G
8 Formulated Health Food for Dogs - 400G
8 Formulated Health Food for Cats - 400G
8 Formulated Health Food for Horses - 640G
1 Dog Training Guide Book - 70G
1 Responsible Pet Ownership Book - 70G

Total: 3,180g

Gretchen Carridwyn buys:

Regular Checkup - 200G
Seasonal Vaccinations - 100G
Yearly Vaccinations - 150G
Seasonal Flea/Tic Drops - 100G
Seasonal Deworming Medication - 100G
Formulated Health Food for Dogs - 50G

Total: 700G

Kimberly Swanson buys:

Regular Checkup - 200G
Seasonal Vaccinations - 100G
Yearly Vaccinations - 150G
Seasonal Flea/Tic Drops - 100G
Seasonal Deworming Medication - 100G
Formulated Health Food for Cats - 50G

Total: 700G

Spring

Aria Poli purchases:

• Seasonal Vaccinations - 100G
• Seasonal Flee/Tick Drops - 100G
• Seasonal Deworming Medications - 100G
• Formulated Health Food for Dogs - 50G

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Total amount: 350G

Summer

Aria Poli purchases:

• Regular Check Up - 200G
• Yearly Vaccinations - 150G
• Seasonal Vaccinations - 100G
• Seasonal Flea/Tick Drops - 100G
• Seasonal Deworming Medications - 100
• Formulated Health Food for Dogs - 50G

And after a few minutes of thought,

• Dog Training Guide Book - 70G

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Total amount: 770G

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Arthur Jamison purchases:

• Seasonal Vaccinations - 100G
• Seasonal Flea/Tic Drops - 100G
• Seasonal Deworming Medication - 100G
• Formulated Health Food for Cats - 50G

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Total amount: 350G

Gretchen Carridwyn buys:

Seasonal Vaccinations - 100G
Seasonal Flea/Tic Drops - 100G
Seasonal Deworming Medication - 100G
Formulated Health Food for Dogs - 50G

Total - 350G

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<br>
Winter 5th, Year 08<br>
around 1:00 p.m.<br>
| outfit | tag: closed<br>
prelude: here

<br><br>

Here it was. The moment Helena had been dreading all day. She helped Jack onto the table, where he sat obediently. The veterinarian worked silently behind them. Helena’s hands wound in his fur, whispering it was going to be all right, though he had learned to behave at the vet’s years ago. Maybe she was doing it for her own benefit. Jack stood perfectly still, though his eyes still burned with the excitement from a day’s hunt.<br><br>

A day that, from her perspective, had passed in the blink of an eye. One moment she had been at the gates of Snowpeak Mountain, the next she was standing over a dead elk, and the day was over. She still wasn’t sure if the hunt had been good for her or if it had only exacerbated the pain of the inevitable good-bye. But then again the day had never been about her. It had all been for Jack, in one last pathetic attempt to give back to her companion of the last seven years. A sending off for the thing in her life she could safely say would have stuck with her until the very end.<br><br>

God, I can’t do this, she thought, swallowing a lump in her throat. The other part of Helena responded with a resounding ‘yes.’ Yes, she could. She had to. She had to do this, before it got worse, which it was going to. Already the cancer was pushing on his brain, until it began to take away the dog he was. She didn’t want that, and she was sure if Jack could understand he wouldn’t, either. That didn’t take away the urge to grave Jack and run. The energy coursed through her veins, telling her to go for it. Her lips trembled with the force of a repressed sob. She wanted to scream, to buckle down and cry.<br><br>

Instead, she sat. Her hands stroked Jack’s wiry coat, pausing as she felt his heartbeat. Her eyes faced forward, carefully masking her emotions. It was odd, thinking this was where it ended, in this clean, white room. There were no posters of kittens ‘hanging in there” nor photographs of happy, floppy-eared dogs romping in the grass. Rather it was bare of all decoration, as if it had been specifically bred for this unhappy purpose. As far as Helena was concerned, though, it had ended somewhere in the snow on the mountain. That suited Jack a bit more than this room.<br><br>

When the vet turned around at last and asked if she was ready, Helena bowed her head. If they wanted the truth, she would never be ready. Not in a million years. God, she wondered if she ought to have let Ronan come with her, or if that would have made it worse. One part of her stood firm, the other would have readily welcomed the extra company.<br><br>

No. There were some things in life that she had to do alone. Besides, that man had seen her cry enough to last a lifetime. “Yes,” Helena answered at length, in a tone so hushed she couldn’t be sure the vet had heard until he moved towards Jack. As he administered the drug, Helena’s eyes widened. How long could he possibly have left? She looked up at the vet. “C-could we have a minute alone?” The vet nodded without another word, as if he had been expecting the question, and left. The very second the door shut behind him Helena stood and moved in front of Jack.<br><br>

He had already laid down on the bench. When she placed her hands on each paw, he lifted his head, tail wagging weakly. She looked into his eyes, eyes she could have sworn were the eyes of a young pup not so long ago. Helena bit her lip, ducking her head to watch her hands stroke his paws. “Well…” She lifted her head. “I suppose… this is it.” Jack only looked at her, licking his muzzle with a great, pink tongue. “This is good-bye.” She’d never been good with farewells. How many times had she just… left? And how many times had she promised herself she wouldn’t let herself do it again? “I don’t even know where to begin, other than… thank you. For everything. I do know where I would be now without you. Because—because right from the beginning you were looking out for me.”<br><br>

Jack’s wet tongue pressed against her cheek, wiping away the tears. He laid his head down on the bench, behind him his tail wagged with a tired enthusiasm. Helena shook with a sudden sob, pushing her head to his. Her throat ached, but she continued. “And I know you’re just a dog, you can’t understand what I’m saying, but…” She became increasingly aware of Jack’s slowed movements, the gradual droop of his eyelids as he drifted into unconsciousness. Her words tumbled from her lips, trying to say them all before he was gone. “Leave knowing that I love you, and… I’ll see you up there.” She kissed the top of his head and pressed her face to his muzzle, her fingers cupped his ears protectively. They sat like that, completely still, Jack’s breath against her shoulder growing slower and slower. Until it was gone.<br><br>

She lay there a moment longer, afraid to move. A small sigh escaped from between her lips, her eyes closed. Not another sound escaped her lips. Helena ran her fingers down his back, remaining there for what felt like an eternity. The old scar across her back twinged, but she cast it off as her mind playing tricks on her. God, there are so many things this animal has done for me. Let me have done right by him, in the end. And take good care of him up there. The image of Jack sitting at Saint Peter’s Gate sprang into her head, and she laughed despite herself.<br><br>

“Good-bye, Jack.”<br><br>

((Euthanasia purchased, 300 G))




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Autumn

Aria Poli purchases:

• Seasonal Vaccinations - 100G
• Seasonal Flee/Tick Drops - 100G
• Seasonal Deworming Medications - 100G
• Formulated Health Food for Dogs - 50G

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Total amount: 350G

Gretchen Carridwyn buys:

Seasonal Vaccinations - 100G
Seasonal Flea/Tic Drops - 100G
Seasonal Deworming Medication - 100G
Formulated Health Food for Dogs - 50G

Total - 350G

Kimberly Swanson buys:

Seasonal Vaccinations - 100G
Seasonal Flea/Tic Drops - 100G
Seasonal Deworming Medication - 100G
Formulated Health Food for Cats - 50G

Total - 350G

Landon Ackerman buys:

Seasonal Vaccinations - 100G
Seasonal Deworming Medication - 100G
Seasonal Flea/Tic Drops - 100G

Total: 300G

Gretchen Carridwyn buys:

Seasonal Vaccinations - 100G
Seasonal Deworming Medication - 100G
Seasonal Flea/Tic Drops - 100G
Formulated Health Food for Dogs - 50G

Total: 350G

Winter

Aria Poli purchases:

• Seasonal Vaccinations - 100G
• Seasonal Flee/Tick Drops - 100G
• Seasonal Deworming Medications - 100G
• Formulated Health Food for Dogs - 50G

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Total amount: 350G

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Winter

Arthur Jamison purchases:

• Seasonal Vaccinations - 100G
• Seasonal Flee/Tick Drops - 100G
• Seasonal Deworming Medications - 100G
• Formulated Health Food for Cats - 50G

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Total amount: 350G

Maisy Clark's Purchase
Flea/Tick drop -- 100
Dewormer -- 100
Dog food -- 50

Total -- 250

Kimberly Swanson buys:

Regular Checkup - 200G
Seasonal Vaccinations - 100G
Yearly Vaccinations - 150G
Seasonal Flea/Tic Drops - 100G
Seasonal Deworming Medication - 100G
Formulated Health Food for Cats - 50G

Total: 700G

Gretchen Carridwyn buys:

Regular Checkup - 200G
Seasonal Vaccinations - 100G
Yearly Vaccinations - 150G
Seasonal Flea/Tic Drops - 100G
Seasonal Deworming Medication - 100G
Formulated Health Food for Dogs - 50G

Total: 700G

Maria Rivera buys:

Regular Checkup - 200G
Seasonal Vaccinations - 100G
Yearly Vaccinations - 150G
Seasonal Flea/Tic Drops - 100G
Seasonal Deworming Medication - 100G
Formulated Health Food for Cats - 50G

Total: 700G

Jo Thibodeaux buys:

Regular Checkup - 200G
Seasonal Vaccinations - 100G
Yearly Vaccinations - 150G
Seasonal Flea/Tic Drops - 100G
Seasonal Deworming Medication - 100G
Formulated Health Food for Dogs - 50G

Total: 700G

(((Woot, Kel's finally being a responsible pet owner!)))

Wes Nibai buys:

Seasonal Flea/Tic Drops x2 - 200G
Seasonal Deworming Medication x2 - 200G
Yearly Vaccinations x2 - 300G

Rack Stato buys:

Seasonal Flea/Tic Drops - 100G
Seasonal Deworming Medication - 100G
Yearly Vaccinations - 150G

Aqua Avon buys:

Seasonal Flea/Tic Drops - 100G
Seasonal Deworming Medication - 100G
Yearly Vaccinations - 150G

Eberhardt Fandell:

Seasonal Flea/Tic Drops x3 - 300G
Seasonal Deworming Medication x3 - 300G
Yearly Vaccinations - x3 450G


(((Why do so many of my characters have pets DX)))

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<br>
Date: Spring 16th; 10:00am<br>
Outfit: Click<br>
Mood: Busy<br>
Tag: Toni Gonzalez<br><br>

Bloody hell, Mondays were a nightmare!
<br><br>
One day of respite; that was all Isolde got and then it was right back to insane schedules and appointment after appointment from eight in the morning to eight at night. Twelve solid hours of being yelled at by clients and bitten, scratched and kicked by all kinds of temperamental animals. She was getting too old for this, but as much as Isolde complained about the stress levels of her occupation, she doubted she’d know what to do with herself if she ever quit. Her life revolved around the animal hospital. Sometimes, she wasn’t so sure if that was a good thing. Her mam certainly didn’t seem to think so. Rosanna never wasted an opportunity to tell her daughter that her obsession with those “filthy creatures” was the reason why she was still single at thirty-four and likely would be until the day she died.
<br><br>
“Um, Dr. O’Keeffe? Would you like me to prepare the examination room for the next patient?” Zachary asked his boss, poking his head into the veterinarian’s office. Isolde glanced at her watch. Not even three minutes’ rest in between appointments today, apparently. Standing up and giving her white sterile jacket a quick brushing-off and adjusting the stethoscope hanging around her neck, Isolde gave Zachary a nod.
<br><br>
“Yes, please. Thank ye, Zachary,” she told him. “Who’s the next patient, anyway? I’ve lost track o’ everyone with all these appointments one after another,” she shook her head with a little sigh and Zachary gave a small chuckle.
<br><br>
“Just a typical Monday, I know,” he agreed before glancing down at the schedule attached to the clipboard he was holding. “A Mr. Gonzalez with a male parrot named Roberto. Breed unknown. It just says ‘red’…” he told her with a little frown.
<br><br>
“Hm. Probably exotic, then. Maybe a macaw. I’ll have ta take a look when he comes in. Thank ye, Zachary. Ye’re a real help,” she told him gratefully, heading out into the waiting room to see this Mr. Gonzalez and his pet bird in. Zachary really was a great help around here. Isolde seemed to go through employees like underwear. She didn’t know why. She paid all her employees well and liked to think she treated them well, too. Zachary was the only one who had stayed longer than a couple seasons so far and he had not only taken on the role of Veterinary Assistant, which Isolde had hired him for, but he was also filling in as the receptionist and the janitor, basically working three full-time jobs in the same place. He wouldn’t accept extra payment, either, and never once complained about the workload. Isolde got the impression that he was just as much of a workaholic as she was… and the poor lad was only in his early twenties.
<br><br>
Isolde walked into the waiting room, looking professional and composed. “Mr. Gonzalez? I’m Dr. O’Keeffe. I can see ta yer pet now.”


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<br>
Toni, Miguel, and Roberto Gonzalez</font>
<br>
Outfit
<br>
Mood: Annoyed // Whiny // Neutral
<br>
Tag: Isolde O'Keeffe
<br>
Spring 16th^'10<br><br>
10am</div>
<br><br>
"Toooooniiii! Where we going?" Roberto sang in his ear, craning his neck around to try and get a sense of direction. Toni held his tongue, not wanting to tell the bird exactly what their destination was. "Over there somewhere" he said, motioning to no real direction with his free hand. "But where that?" the parrot whined, not liking that he wasn't getting an actual answer. "Don't worry about it, you'll see when we get there, promise" he said back, and Roberto went quiet for a moment.
<p>
Toni looked down at Miguel striding alongside him, head up, back straight, eyes constantly glancing around for any danger. Thank god he was here, Roberto might have freaked out a bit if the dog wasn't there to accompany them on their "walk". The bird got suspicious about getting our of the house with Toni, and just him alone. Most likely he remembered the big move from Mexico to here, and was afraid of being moved again. Fat chance of that happening.
<p>
They were actually on their way to the vet. There was some Pet Competition in a few days, and Toni thought Roberto would be perfect for it. And he told his feathery friend, the parrot freaked out, going on about how he would win and be the best bird out there. The thing was, Toni wanted to make sure Roberto wouldn't fall ill in the middle of the show. That, and it was just that time of year again. Miguel got his check-up before coming to Obsidian.
<p>
At least Roberto couldn't read. Because they entered the vet's office with no trouble, until Toni sat there at the counter to sign in. The parrot crawled off his shoulder to sit on the counter, staring at the form his owner was filling out. "Are we here?" Roberto asked, looking around the room at some of the patients. "Yup" Toni replied, pondering what "breed" his bird was.
<p>
He wrote "red" on it. Colors were breeds too...sometimes.
<p>
Roberto still didn't seem upset about being there, didn't care when Toni scooped him up and they sat down at an empty chair, didn't realize what was happening until the vet showed up.
<p>
"Mr. Gonzalez? I’m Dr. O’Keeffe. I can see ta yer pet now.”
<p>
Toni got to his feet, smiling at her. "Morning, Doctor. Thank you for seeing us today" he greeted, Roberto on his arm, and Miguel trailing after them. Once they were inside the room and the door had closed did the bird seem to realize what was happening. "Ohmygoshdavetnononononono!" Roberto screeched, attempting to fly away. His efforts were foiled when Toni grabbed hm by his feet, turning the bird upside down, watching him flip the freak out. "Roberto, you will be nice for Dr. O'Keeffe, or you'll be grounded for two weeks"
<p>
"ButbutbutbutInowannaseedoctor!"
<p>
"Three weeks"
<p>
"But but but but"
<p>
"Want four? Maybe five?"
<p>
"....Noooo...."
<p>
"Good boy. Now sit still" Toni commaned, placing Roberto on the table. "I'm sorry, Doctor. You know how kids are"
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(((Kids are now about inches tall, have feathers, and fly 8D )))

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<br>
Date: Spring 16th; 10:00am<br>
Outfit: Click<br>
Mood: Shocked<br>
Tag: Toni Gonzalez<br><br>

Isolde was too stunned to say anything for a moment.

<br><br>

She just stood there, staring at the parrot with her jaw hanging open stupidly, letting the clipboard she was holding fall to her side. No. Just... no. That did not just happen right now. She had to be having a very vivid, very insane dream, because parrots didn't talk. Well... they did, but they didn't have proper, logical conversations with humans. They could only mimick human speech through repetition. As far as any scientist or veterinarian could tell, the bird had absolutely no comprehension of what the words meant or how to articulate them into a proper sentence or use them to follow entire conversations. They just weren't capable of it.

<br><br>

Yet... this bird clearly was. Good Lord, this parrot could probably crack some great scientific mystery surrounding the thought processes of animals, and he had come into Isolde's little village animal clinic of all places! She was absolutely flabberghasted!

<br><br>

"Er... I'm sorry, but... did that bird just talk? As in... talk back ta ye?" the veterinarian finally managed to formulate a sentence in her shock. That just... couldn't be. No. She was dreaming. She had to be.

<br><br>

Isolde discreetly pinched her wrist.

<br><br>

It hurt.

<br><br>

She wasn't dreaming.

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Toni, Miguel, and Roberto Gonzalez</font>
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Outfit
<br>
Mood: Confused // Neutral // Confused
<br>
Tag: Isolde O'Keeffe
<br>
Spring 16th^'10<br><br>
10am</div>
<br><br>
She was staring at them like they had grown a seond head each. It was a bit disturbing. Toni felt confused, did he do something wrong? He glanced down at Roberto, who looked equally confused. Then he glanced over at Miguel, who didn't seem to be botherd by the woman's behaviour. But what was wrong? What did they do? Were they going to get kicked out? What? What? What?!
<p>
"Er... I'm sorry, but... did that bird just talk? As in... talk back ta ye?"
<p>
"Ah! I am not "that bird", I am Roberto!" the parrot huffed, puffing out his chest. Toni thought about it for a few seconds, trying to figure out what she meant.
<p>
"Well, of course he did. Why, is he not suppossed to?" he asked, a bit worried. Roberto was from a parrot from a college that his older brother attended. Toni knew most parrots weren't as smart as his, but he neved really bothered to research it or anything. As far he knew, Toni simply had someone to talk to that would at least talk back. Was that just unusual for parrots to talk regularly?
<p>
"But Toni, you talk, and Josefina talk, and Vet talk. And I talk. I don't wanna stop" Roberto whined, lookng between the two humans, trying to figure it all out. "No no, you can still talk I guess.....it's not something you normally do" Toni explained in the best possible way. "See, you're just smarter than the average bird"
<p>
"Oh, well I knew that" Roberto said proudly.

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<span style='font-size:10pt;line-height:100%'>

<br>
Date: Spring 16th; 10:00am<br>
Outfit: Click<br>
Mood: Shocked<br>
Tag: Toni Gonzalez<br><br>

Smarter than the average bird? That was a gross understatement as far as Isolde was concerned. This was probably the most intelligent bird in existence. Maybe it was an entirely new, undiscovered breed of bird! Mr. Gonzalez hadn't known what breed his pet was, so it was entirely possible, wasn't it? The possibilities this opened... Isolde just couldn't wrap her head around it.

<br><br>

Trying to maintain some kind of air of professionalism, Isolde cleared her throat and pushed her glasses higher up the bridge of her nose, trying her best to keep a neutral expression on her face, though she was sure her shock had already made itself clear enough. "Er... no, he's not supposed ta talk. At least not like that," she stated. "Ye see, most birds can only mimick sounds from hearin' 'em over an' over again. They don't have any capacity ta understand the meanin' o' the words or form sentences with 'em. This... is rather unbelievable, actually. I've never seen this before in me entire life." she explained in more depth. She... well, she didn't even really know what to make of such a phenomenon.

<br><br>

"How long have ye had him, Mr. Gonzalez?" she asked, taking a closer look at the bird. He looked like an ordinary parrot by all respects. Well... a tropical parrot, so a bit rarer than most Isolde found around here, but still. A parrot, nonetheless. "Has he been bred before? Do ye know if his offspring has the same speech capabilities?" the vet continued to barrage the man while she poked and prodded at Roberto, albeit gently.

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<br>

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Toni, Miguel, and Roberto Gonzalez</font>
<br>
Outfit
<br>
Mood: Confused // Neutral // Confused
<br>
Tag: Isolde O'Keeffe
<br>
Spring 16th^'10<br><br>
10am</div>
<br><br>
Toni listened quietly as the doctor spoke, starting to worry about his pet's true origins. He never thought a little egg from a university would be this much of a deal. The vets back home were amazed too, but grew to love the bird. It seemed that Dr. O'Keeffe had more training than the vets back in Mexico. Figured, really.
<p>
Eight years, about a week after he was layed, so I was told. Hatched about....maybe a month later? Something like that. He'll be nine in the summer" Toni explained, trying to remember correctly. Oh that was right, Josefina had just turned two, and Enrique brought the egg over. At the time, they thought......"You were supposed to be a chicken" he told Roberto, looking down at him. "Chicken! I better than dumb chicken!" the parrot cried, glancing up at the doctor, looking at her as she stared back.
<p>
"Wait, breed? I has babies?" Roberto asked, completely distracted from the doctor's gentle prodding in order to talk. "No, you don't. Cause man, if there were more of you, I think the world would have cut their ears off by now" Toni sighed, grinning at his last worlds. "No! World be much better with more mes!" the parrot countered.
<p>
"So yeah, no kiddies. Don't know if they'd be able to do the same" he shrugged. But he wasn't about to go find out.
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