The morning sun spilled through the car window as Chooch sat quietly in the back seat, his warm brown eyes watching Dad with complete trust. Today was an important day—his vet appointment. Chooch didn’t know exactly what that meant, but he could sense from Dad’s calm voice and gentle pats that it was something important.
When they arrived at the clinic, Chooch stayed close, his sturdy frame leaning slightly against Dad’s leg as they walked inside. The smell of antiseptic and the sound of other animals made him tilt his ears nervously, but Dad’s reassuring hand on his back told him everything would be okay.
The vet greeted them with a smile, giving Chooch a gentle scratch behind the ears before beginning the examination. They checked his heartbeat, looked in his ears, and even gave him a few treats to keep him comfortable. That’s when the vet noticed something—a small growth on Chooch’s gums.
“It’s called an epulis,” the vet explained kindly. “It’s not unusual, and we can remove it easily when we clean his teeth.”
Dad listened carefully, nodding, his eyes soft but protective. He reached down to scratch Chooch’s chin, whispering, “We’ve got this, buddy.” Chooch didn’t understand the words, but the tone told him everything—Dad wasn’t going anywhere.
After the appointment, they climbed back into the car. Dad pulled out his phone to update their friends and family: “His vet appointment went okay. They did find an epulis on his gums which they will remove when they clean his teeth…”
Chooch sat proudly in the back, his red harness snug, gold chain glinting in the sunlight. He felt safe, knowing Dad was right there, guiding him through every step.
As they drove home, Dad glanced in the rearview mirror and caught Chooch’s eyes. “I’m right by your side, Chooch,” he said softly. And in that moment, it wasn’t just a promise—it was the truth of their bond.
Whatever came next, they would face it together, side by side.
