Hello Vet! How are you?

Lee Joon had shown a positive reaction upon hearing that small dogs were more easily adopted.

However, his expression darkened when the topic of Chihuahuas arose, prompting Nam Gung-hyun to inquire.

“Is it difficult for you? I noticed it stood out among the small dogs.”

“It’s small and cute, but that puppy… well, I’m not sure there’s anyone who’ll take it because the treatment costs are quite high.”

Nam Gung-hyun looked puzzled by Lee Joon’s comment.

“Treatment costs? It did seem a bit weak. Is something wrong with it?”

“Both knees seem to be causing discomfort.”

“You mean patellar luxation, right?”

“You know about it.”

“I’ve heard it’s common in small dogs. Is that why you said adoption might be difficult?”

“Most likely.”

Lee Joon replied briefly.

However, to Nam Gung-hyun, it sounded like; ‘Would anyone adopt a dog that needs surgery when there are healthy ones?’.

The two fell silent for a moment.

After a brief pause, Nam Gung-hyun broke the silence.

“Since it’s so small and timid, I thought it would be good if it found a home quickly…”

Nam Gung-hyun continued with a bitter expression.

“I saw it again last week.”

“Oh, did you?”

“Yes, I went in to clean the small dog area, and it was shivering alone in a corner.”

“It probably couldn’t mingle due to its shy nature and leg pain.”

“Do others ignore it because it’s in pain?”

“Partially, and it doesn’t approach its peers. It’s in self-defense because someone could make it hurt more.”

“It’s pitiful.”

“Indeed.”

“It seemed lonely and unable to mix with friends because of its pain.”

“Being timid probably didn’t help either.”

“Hmm… if it gets surgery, will adoption become more likely?”

“I can’t guarantee it, but the chances should improve compared to now.”

“You mean there’s a higher chance it’ll be adopted if it has surgery?”

“Yes, that’s correct.”

Lee Joon nodded slowly.

“I’ll cover the surgery costs. Would the director be willing to perform the surgery?”

“What? What do you mean…?”

Lee Joon blinked at Nam Gung-hyun.

“I think it would be good if it finds a loving home. It’s not adapting well here anyway.”

“It won’t adapt well in the future either. It’s too scared because of the pain, afraid someone will come too close.”

“Such a small thing, it’s truly pitiful. Whether it gets adopted or not, it should get the surgery.”

Nam Gung-hyun’s sincerity was evident in his words and expression.

“I’m sorry if I burdened you by bringing it up.”

“Not at all. I’m doing it because I want to, so please don’t feel burdened, director.”

“Still, surgery isn’t cheap.”

“Don’t worry about it. Really.”

“Well, then let’s call the Chihuahua… I don’t even know its name yet. Ah. Let’s call it Lucky, because having your attention is luck in itself.”

To call it fortuitous to have met him.

Nam Gung-hyun felt good.

‘The director really has a way of making people feel good about themselves.’

“Haha, is that so?”

“Indeed. I only briefly looked at Lucky before the surgery, so its condition isn’t certain. It might not even be in pain.”

“That would be great then.”

“Yes, let’s do a check-up first, then we’ll talk again.”

“Alright.”

***

As the break ended, their daily tasks resumed.

Lee Joon continued his consultations, and Nam Gung-hyun continued his volunteering.

The morning check-up involved looking after the animals that underwent surgery earlier.

Lee Joon kept his morning promise.

Chomp, chomp, chomp.

The animal quickly devoured a canned meal and shook its head.

『Whew, I was starving.』

“Did it taste good?”

『Yes, yes, doctor. It was really good. I want to eat more.』

“You can have delicious food again at dinner.”

『Wow! Really?』

“But you have to behave. Don’t remove this, and don’t lick.”

Lee Joon gestured to the collar to prevent licking the surgery site.

『Yes, yes. I won’t do that.』

He then moved to Nureong.

Upon seeing Lee Joon, Nureong briefly bared its teeth.

Grrr.

“I’m not giving it to you!”

Lee Joon showed a bag, and Nureong immediately closed its mouth.

“That’s right, only if you behave.”

Lee Joon gave Nureong the same instructions.

“If you follow what I told you, you’ll get this until we remove it.”

『I will try.』

“Good. I believe you.”

Lee Joon gave Nureong the promised treat.

Nureong’s eyes widened at the sight of the soft stick in the feed bin.

『… Can I eat all of this?』

“Of course, it’s yours.”

『My… own?』

“Yes, your own.”

Nureong gently picked up a soft stick and chewed it slowly and cautiously.

Its lips curved upwards, forming a smile as its eyes turned into crescents.

After finishing one stick, Nureong looked down at the treat, licking its mouth.

Nureong’s tail wagged eagerly.

It meant it was thrilled.

Unlike other dogs that would obliterate given treats instantly, Nureong savored it.

“Eat as much as you want.”

『Thank… you.』

“And calm down your temper.”

『… Understood. When are you coming again?』

Nureong, who used to guard against people, showed goodwill towards Lee Joon.

A smile spread across Lee Joon’s face.

‘This is what makes it all worth it.’

With the suture removal scheduled for a week later, everyone shook their heads at the thought of Nureong.

As a result, Lee Joon planned to visit again the following week.

“See you next week.”

『Got it.』

Expectation shone in Nureong’s eyes as it responded.

Finally, Lee Joon entered the small room.

Nam Gung-hyun, who had been waiting, followed him in.

Lucky, the Chihuahua, was sitting awkwardly on a small cushion.

It was neither sitting nor standing, just in that awkward position.

Lucky’s eyes met Lee Joon’s, and tears welled up as it opened its mouth.

“Does it hurt?”

『… Yes.』

“If you get this, it won’t hurt.”

Lee Joon administered a painkiller injection to Lucky.

He then placed a treat can in front of Lucky.

Lucky’s expression brightened.

“You wanted this, right?”

『Yes.』

“Eat once the pain is gone.”

Though it was certain that Lucky would not eat while in pain, Lee Joon placed the treat can near it.

Lucky looked down at the can and laughed, showing a toothy smile.

Lee Joon let out a bitter laugh at this sight.

‘I’d like to ask how this fellow ended up here…’

Surely, the answer wouldn’t be pleasant.

The brightly smiling Chihuahua before him was adorably cute.

Its coat was long-haired and chocolate in color, an indication of its good breeding.

‘A dog like that being lost out here makes no sense.’

He was told no one seemed to be looking for the Chihuahua.

When a dog goes missing, one would put up flyers or register it as missing on social media or lost animal websites for help, but there seemed to be no such effort.

‘They say it was found near a mountain area. That says it all. I hope my guess is wrong, though.’

Unaware of Lee Joon’s thoughts, Nam Gung-hyun spoke with a smile.

“This is the first time I’ve seen Lucky smile.”

Nam Gung-hyun’s lips also curled up.

After waiting a bit, its face appeared relieved.

It relaxed its hunched posture.

The painkiller seemed to have taken effect.

Lee Joon opened the treat can he’d placed next to Lucky and offered it.

『It looks yummy.』

Lucky ate the treat very carefully.

Albeit slowly, it ate the entire can.

“It eats adorably. If it were our Banji, the treat would’ve been gulped down in one bite.”

Nam Gung-hyun laughed happily, seemingly charmed by Lucky.

“Lucky, I’m going to run some tests on you.”

『What kind of tests?』

“You said your leg hurts, right?”

Lucky blinked at Lee Joon’s statement.

『It doesn’t hurt.』

“Great. That’s good to hear. Can I gently check your leg?”

With a start, Lucky retreated a step with wide eyes.

“I’ll be very careful so it won’t hurt.”

Shaking its head.

Lucky shook its head in refusal.

“Don’t you want to play with your friends?”

『… I do, but I’m afraid it’ll hurt.』

Its responses had become much more natural compared to before.

This was likely a result of recognizing Lee Joon as a good person who gave it delicious food and having less pain made it more confident.

“I’ll make sure it doesn’t hurt.”

『… Really?』

Lucky looked up at Lee Joon with hopeful eyes.

“Yes.”

As Lee Joon coaxed it and examined Lucky’s knee, his expression turned serious.

“Is it as you mentioned?”

“To be certain, I’d need an X-ray, but it seems beyond stage 2. The right side is between stages 2 and 3, and the left looks like stage 3.”

“Does it require surgery?”

“Yes. If left untreated, it might worsen, potentially damaging the cruciate ligament or even affecting the hip.”

“I ask this as a favor then, director.”

Nam Gung-hyun had already made up his mind and requested the surgery from Lee Joon.

“Don’t worry about the surgery fee. Instead, please find Lucky a home.”

“That’s not acceptable. I asked you for the favor, so I should cover the surgery costs.”

“No. I can’t let you bear such an expensive surgery fee. I’ve been to hospital where I’ve volunteered for a long time. We’ve done many surgeries on cases like Lucky. So, it’s only right that I do it.”

Nam Gung-hyun was perplexed.

‘I thought the director might respond this way, but he really is…’

He pondered how best to resolve the situation.

Lee Joon also mused.

Knowing Lucky was in pain, Lee Joon had already decided on the surgery.

So, performing the surgery was not the issue but one concern remained.

‘After surgery, it needs to be hospitalized and undergo rehabilitation.’

Woof Woof Animal Clinic lacked the conditions for 24-hour hospitalization or rehabilitation.

In the past, Lee Joon had always worked at places with 24-hour care.

The university animal hospital had it, and his past full-time position was at a 24-hour veterinary hospital.

Back then, surgery and hospitalization were not issues.

However, Woof Woof Animal Clinic wasn’t a 24-hour facility.

A day or two might be fine, but standing watch without sleep wasn’t feasible.

‘I need to improve the animal clinic quickly.’

The goal was to provide 24-hour animal care and one-stop rehabilitative services.

‘I’ll have to talk to my senior about Lucky’s situation.’

After reaching a conclusion, Lee Joon spoke to Nam Gung-hyun.

“I’ll go see the chief.”

Lee Joon approached the senior who had struggled with Nureong.

“Dr. Lee. Good timing. Do you think Nureong is okay?”

“You mean worrying about infections, right?”

“Yes. Since we can’t disinfect it like the others.”

“I’ve counseled it thoroughly, so don’t worry.”

The senior laughed at Lee Joon’s assurance.

“You really sound like you’re talking to Nureong. Like you actually communicate. Dr. Joo says you’re like that with Dalcom too.”

“How’s Dalcom doing?”

“Completely recovered. You really are a skilled doctor, a master.”

The senior gave a thumbs-up.

“I have something to discuss.”

“A discussion?”

“I called it that, but it’s more like asking for your help.”

“What is it?”

“Upon examining the Chihuahua, I found it to have patellar luxation.”

“You mean the one operated on today?”

“Yes, both sides. I’d like to correct it.”

“You want to perform surgery and asking for hospitalization?”

“And rehabilitation too.”

“Alright, sure.”

“Thank you.”

“No need for thanks. I should be the one thanking you. By the way, if there are more cases like Dalcom, please handle them too.”

“Anytime.”

After concluding the conversation with his senior, Lee Joon returned to Nam Gung-hyun to explain the situation.

Nam Gung-hyun, without asking any questions, straightforwardly said.

“Please take good care of our Lucky.”

‘Our Lucky, huh? Already attached?’

Lee Joon watched Nam Gung-hyun holding Lucky.

Nam Gung-hyun was softly stroking Lucky’s forehead repeatedly.

And his touch was incredibly gentle.

This time, Lee Joon’s eyes shifted to Lucky.

Cradled in Nam Gung-hyun’s arms, Lucky appeared extremely comfortable.

“Actually, since our Banji passed away not long ago, I hadn’t considered bringing another pet home.”

“I understand.”

“But I thought if ever, I would adopt from here.”

“We’re very grateful for that sentiment.”

“But after hearing your words, I made up my mind.”

“Oh? What did I say?”

“You told me to find Lucky a home.”

“Ah, yes. I did say that.”

“I’m thinking of bringing Lucky home.”

This time, Lee Joon’s eyes widened.

“Really?”

“Yes.”

“Thank you.”

Just like that, another pet had found a loving home.

Lee Joon expressed his genuine gratitude.

“From now on, it is my dog.”

“Indeed.”

“I’ll pay the veterinary fees myself. Please take good care of Lucky during the surgery.”

“You leave me speechless.”

“There will be many times I’ll need to rely on you in the future. If you do it for free now, I won’t be able to ask for favors later. It’s all for my benefit. Haha.”

Nam Gung-hyun laughed heartily.

“Your name is Lucky now, how does that sound?”

『Yes.』

Lucky grinned with delight.

“The person holding you will be taking care of you from now on.”

The expression on the dog who was pleased to have a name suddenly darkened.

『Do I have to go to the mountains again?』

Alas, my suspicion was confirmed.

Lee Joon’s brows furrowed slightly.

Both Lee Joon and Lucky showed poor expressions, causing concern to pass over Nam Gung-hyun’s face.

“Why, why? Does Lucky dislike me?”

Nam Gung-hyun had completely misunderstood.

That’s understandable since the atmosphere had changed sharply after Lee Joon introduced him to Lucky.

“No, it’s just afraid of being abandoned again.”

“That’s impossible. No animal that comes into my home can leave at its own whim. It leaves only in death.”

Gasp! Lee Joon’s gaze narrowed as he looked at Nam Gung-hyun following his stark remark.

‘From his spending habits and speech, what exactly does he do? He doesn’t seem like a bad person though…’

His looks were striking, like a model.

However, animals were Lee Joon’s primary concern, not their owners.

Lee Joon conveyed Nam Gung-hyun’s sincerity to Lucky.

『Really?』

“Yes, he promises to never abandon you.”

『Heh…』

Lucky, reassured, rested its small head against Nam Gung-hyun.

***

With good news received, work flowed smoothly.

Communicating with the animals was effective and his mood was uplifted.

Lee Joon had a highly satisfying volunteer session.

At last, it was time to depart.

As everyone packed up and boarded the bus, Nam Gung-hyun approached Lee Joon with Lucky in his arms.

“Director, I’ll see you next week.”

“Yes, thanks to you, everyone is in high spirits. Every one of our members is uplifted.”

“Meeting Lucky is what truly makes me happy. I’m grateful for letting me make a decision.”

“Such kind words leave me at a loss.”

“It’s the truth. By any chance… could I have a contact number? It’s my first time handling such a small dog.”

“Oh, yes. Feel free to call if anything concerns you or if you have questions.”

As Lee Joon handed over his business card, Nam Gung-hyun also placed one in Lee Joon’s hand.

Lee Joon’s eyes widened upon reading the card.

Observing this, Nam Gung-hyun spoke politely.

“In that context, I have a suggestion I’d like to propose.”

—