Teacher's Pet Read Online Free PDF Page A

answers. “We washed the blood off. He has a cut on the side of the pads. The boot pinched it. His nails are in good shape—none of them are split or broken. That’s really good. It can be very painful for a dog to lose a toenail. Right now I’m feeling his metacarpals, the little bones in his foot. His foot pads are a little swollen and tender, especially around the cut, but I don’t think anything is broken.”
    After working her fingers along the bones in his paw, ankle, and foreleg, Gran gently flexes Scout’s foot. Scout doesn’t flinch.
    â€œAh, you’re fine,” Gran tells him. “Do you want to feel, Mr. Carlson?”
    â€œYes, thank you,” my teacher says. He steps closer to the exam table.
    â€œLet me show you on his good leg,” Gran suggests. She takes Mr. Carlson’s right hand and sets it on Scout’s left leg. Scout wags his tail and leans against Mr. Carlson’s arm.
    Gran plows ahead. “Can you feel how thick the skin is on his pads?” Gran asks as she guides Mr. Carlson’s fingers to the bottom of Scout’s paw. “It is kind of like a moccasin—thick enough to protect, but sensitive. It is bruised, but it will heal. Scout’s bones are fine. He has a compression injury along with a contusion.”
    â€œMeaning my boot squashed his paw and cut it,” Mr. Carlson adds with a wince.
    â€œExactly,” Gran says. “But don’t be too hard on yourself. These things happen to everyone.”
    â€œHow long will it take Scout to recover? Should he rest? Can he walk with me?”
    â€œIt’s not that bad,” Gran says with a friendly laugh. “I’ll bandage his paw, but he can walk fine. He can still guide you. The skin will heal quickly. I’ll give you some antibiotic ointment to use.”
    Mr. Carlson frowns. “The bandage will need changing, won’t it?”
    â€œI could change the bandage for you,” I say. “After class. Or Gran can show you how to do it.”
    Gran rips open a package of sterile pads. “Come close and put your hands on mine as I wrap the bandage. Then you can try it on your own.”
    Mr. Carlson thinks about it for a minute, then nods his head once. “That might work.”
    Gran wraps the injured paw with Mr. Carlson following every step. “Maggie tells me that you and Scout are new partners,” she says. “How long have you been working together?”
    â€œExactly one week. We’re going back to the guide-dog school tomorrow for a follow-up visit. It’s a good thing, too. I have lots of questions.”
    â€œScout looks like a skilled guide,” Gran says. “I’m sure the two of you make a terrific team.”
    Scout wags his tail happily. He can tell when someone gives him a compliment.
    â€œWe’re still learning,” Mr. Carlson says. “I wish we had had more time to get used to each other before I went back to teaching. There’s just so much going on right now with school starting: my students, my dog, not getting lost in the building... ”
    â€œDidn’t they teach you about all this stuff at the guide-dog school?” I ask.
    â€œThey did a great job,” Mr. Carlson says. “But it’s still a big adjustment.”
    Gran tapes the bandage in place. “I’ve read about guide-dog training, but I’ve never seen the school. Do you want some company tomorrow? ”
    â€œThat would be great,” Mr. Carlson says. “In fact, I’d feel better if you came along. You can explain what happened to the school’s veterinarian. ”
    They discuss the details of getting together on Saturday while I put away the bandaging supplies. After breakfast, Gran will pick up Mr. Carlson and Scout and drive to the guide-dog school in her van.
    â€œWould you like to come, too, Maggie?” Mr. Carlson asks as Gran helps Scout off the table.
    Spend Saturday with