An Inner Fire Read Online Free PDF Page B

energy, she felt a burst of heat. The intensity of energy around the dog’s lower spine confirmed her diagnosis: Mitzi was highly stressed and in pain.
    Grayce placed the first needle into the top of the poodle’s head. The dog’s thick curly fur masked any reaction she had to the needle’s insertion. Grayce visualized the waves surrounding Mitzi, taking her pain and fear out into the bigger universe.
    She then placed the second needle at the base of Mitzi’s spine. She needed to balance the intense energy flowing from the Bai Hui center. Rubbing the dog’s springy coat, she whispered, “You’re a brave dog. You kept him safe. I’ll help you now.”
    Mitzi lay down after Grayce inserted the second needle and slept soundly. Grayce continued to place the needles, raising her own vibrations to absorb the dog’s fear. She
    felt heat dissipating through the needles.
    Grayce wasn’t aware of Davis during the treatment, not until she heard his voice, almost in a whisper.
    “Unbelievable. It’s the most remarkable thing I have ever seen.” Grayce glanced his way. Davis’ bright eyes gleamed. “Dr. Herrick was right. You’re amazing with animals.”
    She couldn’t look away. There was more to Davis than an eyeful of beauty. His feelings ran deep. She tore her gaze away and went back to moving several of the needles around Mitzi’s injury.
    “I think I should see Mitzi again next week.” She ran her hand along Mitzi’s chest. “She’s strong and has a brave heart.” Her words, spoken from a deep place, didn’t only describe Mitzi.
    Grayce stood and took the used needles to the disposal container, giving her more time to reflect on this confusing treatment. She had lessened Mitzi’s anxiety and pain but she hadn’t been able to remove the dog’s deep fear. Deep fear wasn’t part of the dog’s nature. Mitzi sensed that her owner was in danger and was on alert to protect him. Grayce always trusted an animal’s instincts.
    She moved behind her desk and said her usual parting words to clients. “You can call me if you have any questions.” Somehow saying the words to Mitzi and Davis had a totally different meaning, a commitment not recognized until she had spoken it out loud.
    Davis leaned over the desk. “Thank you. You… I….” There was a long pause. He looked confused, struggling with uncertainty. He cleared his throat. “I’m sure you helped Mitzi.”
    A knock on the door jarred them both. Grayce startled, exhaled the breath she hadn’t realized she had been holding. She stepped away from her desk and walked to the door, relieved by Hollie’s timely interruption.
    “It’s Dr. Herrick on the phone. He has an important question for you. Should I tell him you’ll call him back?”
    “No, I’ll take his call. Lieutenant Davis and Mitzi were just leaving.”
    * * *
    Davis followed the receptionist to the outer office. He hadn’t felt this uncertain since middle school, and he certainly disliked the feeling.
    This office jarred his every expectation of a professional visit with a renowned clinician. Dr. Walters was a highly respected veterinarian and a brilliant scientist. No one had a receptionist in thigh boots. No one had flowery chairs. No one served tea and cookies, and no one made him want to stay, to belong.
    The receptionist brought him back into the moment. “Dr. Walters may be out of town for part of next week. I’ll call you once I know her schedule.”
    Despite her appearance, the receptionist had won over Mitzi. Gentle and cooing in a sweet voice, she bent over the dog. Mitzi gazed back, showing none of her usual indifference.
    Mitzi appeared recovered, with no indication of the limp she’d had earlier. The high-strung dog had actually slept during the insertion of the needles and then woke up energized.
    He smiled at the receptionist. “Dr. Walters is really good, isn’t she? I mean, amazing with animals.”
    The receptionist stared back at him. “Dr. Walters is a gem.