He’d gotten the all clear to do the surgery from the older woman who owned the Yorkie, and his concerns this afternoon were regarding Olivia and Samson. Tonight was his and Olivia’s first real date, and he didn’t want to keep her waiting. Especially considering she didn’t exactly have a place to go once she finished her first shift at the shelter. Perhaps she could go to her sister’s, but considering what she’d shared about her sister’s life right now, he didn’t want to assume that was an option.

His other concern was regarding Samson. Yesterday, his dog had been raring to come to work, and he’d had an active day—at least for him—lounging behind the front counter, soaking up the unbridled affection given to him by the vet techs and assistants on staff, and occasionally hopping up to greet some of the dogs or cats as they came through the door. For a reason Gabe had yet to understand, some animals caught Samson’s attention from the get-go, even waking him from his periodic deep dozes. Yet, there were countless animals he didn’t have even the slightest interest in. Considering how Samson was wearing down easier now, perhaps it shouldn’t have been a surprise this morning when he’d chosen to go back to bed rather than head out with Gabe for the day after breakfast and his morning walk.

And since Gabe actually had plans after work that with any luck would stretch well into the night, he was going to need to head home before meeting up with Olivia. Samson had a strong bladder and bowels, but not that strong.

As Janice, his lead surgical assistant, readied the Yorkie for surgery, Gabe shot off two texts. The first was to Yun, telling her he was heading into a late-in-the-day surgery and asking if she could swing by and let Samson out on her way home. She knew the door code and had done this favor for him often enough, just as he did cat duty for her whenever she headed out of town for the weekend. The second text was to Olivia, explaining what had come up and letting her know there was a good chance he’d run a little late but that he’d text as soon as he was out. He also sent her the address of his office and told her she could feel free to wait in the waiting room if she finished up before him.