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Daniel Jackson was driving home late that night. It was after midnight and he had worked late on a report on some sentient tall, hairy race for SG7. He was tired but fascinated by their apparent similarities with Sasquatch of Earh. The headlights of his car were the only illumination of the dark narrow road that led down from the mountain to Colorado Springs. He was tired and hungry and was deciding whether or not just to go home or to drop in at Jack’s house to beg some already made food instead of going home to his dark, cold little house. Though either one was better than the SGC’s dining hall this late at night.
As he rounded a steep curve in the road his headlights glanced off two shining green emeralds hiding in the brush. He only drove a short distance before curiosity caused him to pull off the road.
He put the car in park and turned off the engine. He left the flasher lights on and as he got out of his car, pulled his large flashlight from the trunk. He walked back along the gravel edges of the road looking for the unusual glitter he’d seen with the car’s headlights. There, there it was again.
He walked slowly through the weeds and gravel, then he saw the source. The two emeralds were eyes looking up at him. There, hidden in the tall grass on the side of the road, was a small brown body, about the size of a shoe, lying half hidden in the sparse grass. Daniel bent down and touched it. The little creature was breathing and crying softly, the tiny yellow eyes blinked in the bright light.
”Oh good grief.” He breathed and sat back on his heels. It was a tiny puppy and appeared to have at least one badly injured back leg. The torn skin and fur exposed raw flesh and the end of a broken bone was exposed. “Baby, you’re hurt. Bad hurt.” Daniel spoke softly. “ Come on, let’s do something about that.”
He reached into his jacket’s pocket. Nothing. Finally in his back jeans pocket, he found his folded bandana. He sat the flashlight on the ground and in its glare, discovered another similar body in the brush, but it was obviously dead. Daniel then turned his attention to the living victim. He placed the cloth around the tiny creature to help support and protect its injury as he carefully picked it up and carried her to the front seat of his car. The little beast changed it tone from pained whimpers to cries of pain and the showing of baby teeth.
He reached into his car, located his cell phone and flipped it open, but there was no signal. He’d left it unplugged too long during a busy day and it wasn’t charged. “Damn it. I’m sorry baby. I can’t help you, but I’m taking you somewhere safe and warm. Maybe Jack will know what to do.”
@@@
Daniel pulled his car into Jack O’Neill’s driveway. He hurriedly got out and ran to his friend’s front door. There he began to pound furiously.
Moments later the door was pulled open and Jack, clad in a T-shirt and sweatpants, sleepily looked at his friend. “What’s wrong? Why are you banging on the door?”
“Jack, I need help! I found a baby puppy on the side of the road. She’s still alive, but really hurt. Please help me. She needs medical treatment!”
“What! I’m not a veterinarian! I don’t know what to do!” Jack shook his head, but he followed his friend out to the still running vehicle. When Daniel opened the door the interior light came on exposing the injured little animal. Jack looked at her a moment then exclaimed in frustration. “Awe damn it. Danny, this is too much for us. You stay here. I’m gonna go find the address of an Emergency Vet. Keep your car running and her warm.”
He turned and ran back into the house and came back with his cell phone. “Here’s one listed on Broadway.” He dialed the number and when someone answered, Jack spoke into the receiver. “Hi, I got a hurt puppy, hit by a car. He paused and listened. “Yeah, her rescuer is on his way. Okay thanks. He’s Daniel Jackson.” He looked at Daniel. “They’re waiting for you at the 24 Hour Veterinary Clinic. It’s on Broadway next to Walgrams. Do you want me to drive?”
”No, you’ve got to go to work in the morning. Just count me a day off!” He hurriedly got back in his car and left with squealing tires out of Jack’s driveway. Jack watched as long as the tail lights were visable then he turned and went back into his house shaking his head,
$$$
Fifteen minutes later, Daniel pulled into the parking lot. A young man, who was obviously expecting them, came out of the door with a gurney and he gently transferred the injured puppy on to the flat surface. He then told Daniel to come in and do the paperwork.
Following the gurney bearing the pup inside, Daniel was stopped by a white swinging door that closed in front of him cutting him off from following.
”Sir?” A young woman sitting behind the desk called to him. “ Over here please. The Doctor will talk to you shortly. Could you fill this form out, please?”
He nodded, looked at the form on the clipboard and started to fill it with his information, then looked at the rest of empty lines. He glanced up at the woman. “I don’t know any of this. I just found her on the road.”
”Oh, then just do what you can.” She smiled at him.
”Okay.” He took a deep breath and looked down at the paper. Name: Baby, Age: baby, Sex: female, Breed: unknown, Spayed or neutered: no. How long have you owned dog: 30 minutes.
Daniel took the paper back up to the girl. “That’s all I know. I saw her on the road coming home from work and brought her here.” He took a deep breath. “Is he a good doctor?”
”We think so.” She looked up at him after glancing at the paper. “Oh, you just found her. You’re a good man, Mr. Jackson. And Baby is a very lucky dog.
”Can I wait to see what the doctor says?”
”Of course, but it may be an hour or so, and he will want to keep her here for observation.” She looked at him kindly. “Just have a seat 0ver there.”
”That’s okay, I work for the military, I’m used to waiting.” He smiled at her. “And my Boss knows where I am.”
???
After about an hour, The doctor, a tall black man wearing a white coat and glasses came out and introduced himself. “I’m Dr Wayland. Did you bring in the puppy in?”
”Yes, I saw her on the way home. Her brother was already dead, but I couldn’t just leave her.” He replied worriedly.
”I can understand completely. But let’s sit down so we can discuss your options.” The doctor led him through the door and into a small waiting room off another larger room with a white draped, instrument laden table. “Mr. Jackson, let me explain what may or may not happen with this puppy.” He sighed. Then went on. “So far she’s been a very lucky, little girl. She has one badly broken leg on the left rear and her right hip was dislocated. But her forelegs are intact and with only a scrape or two on her shoulders. Her head is apparently completely unscathed other than a possible concussion.” He waited while Daniel thought for a moment. “But her best luck is that you you stopped and found her when you did.”
Daniel nodded soberly. “Then she’ll be alright?”
”Well, Mr Jackson, that depends on you.” The Vet looked at him thoughtfully. “She’s going to need a lot of care for weeks, possibly months. You need to decide what you want to do with her.” He frowned. “If you turn her into the city shelter, they’ll euthanize her because they don’t have the time or money to treat or care for an animal this badly injured. If you want to keep her, it will be a lot of care, especially if you want to try and save the leg. Honestly, we here are an Emergency Hospital. So, if you want to keep her, I recommend you find a vet with orthopedic expertise tomorrow. One who can help her. I can keep her here out of pain, splint her leg, and support her by giving her liquids and antibiotics but she needs a vet that can take her treatment forward.”
Daniel nodded soberly. Having been through injuries himself he understood. “Can I see her? I never really got a good look at her.”
”Certainly.” Wayland nodded. “She’s sedated, so sleeping. And I have put a splint on her leg. Luckily, this was a recent event so there is no obvious infection.”
The two men stood at the incubator looking through the glass pane at the sleeping puppy. Baby Jackson looked tiny, skinny and was a medium brown color. “She’s so little.” Daniel commented sadly. “How old is she?”
”Five or six weeks. Old enough to wean but certainly not old enough to make it on her own.” The doctor sighed. “Probably dumped…”
”Because a mother wouldn’t leave them.” Daniel finished as he looked closely at the sleeping puppy. She was brown with pointy ears and a long tail. Her face gave no hint of breed as it was still rounded in youth. Daniel stood up straight and the doctor did also. “Doctor, can you keep her safe here for a few hours. I haven't slept in a day and a half. I need to sleep and do some research for another vet. Can I call you later?”
”Of course, we’re open 24 hours.” The vet smiled and shook his hand.
@@@
When he arrived home, Daniel immediately plugged in his dead phone. He then went to his house phone, looked at the clock and frowned. It was six thirty and Jack was probably at work. He picked up his land line and dialed Jack’s office phone number.
”Brigadier General O’Neill’s Office. Chief Harriman speaking.”
”Chief. This is Daniel. Is Jack there yet?”
”Yes, he is Dr Jackson, he just walked into his office. I’ll put you through.”
Jack shuffled some papers as he picked up the phone and held it against his shoulder with his chin. “O’Neill.”
”Jack, it’s Daniel. Hey, about the puppy. She’s made it through the night and I’m researching for another doctor to get her to see an orthopedic vet. So, I can get an appointment for her. She is going to need special care with her leg. It may have to be amputated.”
” Whoa Daniel,” Jack said in a calm voice. “It sounds like you’re gonna spend a lot of money on a dog you found half dead on the road.” Jack said slowly. “Are you sure? I mean, ya know, sure sure?”
“Yeah, but, well if I take her to the pound they’ll kill her, and I’ve already spent some money on her at the Emergency Vet’s. But he thinks she’ll live if I get her to a good vet for her leg.”
Jack sighed as he replied. “If that’s what you want to do. Let me know if I can help. I’ll call around for a bone vet for her. Oh, and by the way, get some sleep, will ya.”
”Okay, Jack. Thanks for the help last night.”
O’Neill shook his head and chuckled as he hung up. Then he called out to his admin. “Walter, you have something for me?”
The Chief came in with an arm full of folders and stacked them on the desk. “New personnel, Sir. Some are for the Security Teams in the gate room.”
“Really. More folders? At least that’s good news. What service?”
”Air Force, I did notice the Senior Master Sergeant has Middle East experience,” He looked at his General knowingly. “He was K9, I believe. He has asked to make an appointment to speak to you about something too.”
“Is he here in the mountain now?” At the Chief’s nod, he frowned and said. “Call him and have him come up to see me before I get started with all of this, uh, reading materials.”
Walter nodded and left. Jack then picked up the office phone to tell Carter her archeologist was on another mission and wouldn’t be in this morning.
When he hung the phone up, Jack heard the knock on his open door. He called out “Come in” and looked up to see a freshly starched Air Force Senior Master Sergeant march to his desk’s center front.
The man came to a halt at attention and sharply saluted O’Neill. “Sir. Senior Master Sergeant Cane reporting as ordered.”
O’Neill returned the salute and watched SMSgt Cane finish his salute and come smartly to attention. “At ease, Senior Master Sergeant.” O’Neill watched as the man went to an at ease pose.
”Thank you, Sir.
O’Neill looked at the man and nodded in satisfaction. “So, you asked to see me after only a few days here. What can I help you with, SMSgt? Oh and please, relax and sit down.” O’Neill indicated the chair in front of his desk, “You’ve proven you know how to act, so what are you doing here in Stargate Command?”
“Well sir. It’s a humanitarian posting for me. My mother is very ill. She lives in Denver and this job best suits my experience. And my wife hates me being gone overseas so much”
“That makes sense.” O’Neill nodded. “What do you want to talk about?”
The SMSgt sat down and took a deep breath. “Sir, as you may know from my file, I’m certified as a K9 handler and trainer. I’d like to discuss the possibility of bringing dogs into the Command.”
O’Neill looked at him, surprised and thoughtful. “Well, I have to admit that though that is an interesting concept. Do you believe they can work here with the Stargate? It’s a very challenging location. They’d have to remain stable during its operation and be accepting of various aliens and the dangers they represent.” He frowned. “I respect the K9s and I admit I’m a dog lover, but could they adjust to the life here underground and interact safely with other species that come through the gate?”
”I understand Sir. Honestly I didn’t see a purpose for them here. But now that I’ve been here for a couple of days, I feel they could be a great help. I’ve seen them work in all kinds of surroundings Sir. And with all kinds of people. A well trained K9 with a good handler can manage anything.”
”I have seen them work on the ground in the Middle East and they are impressive.” The General nodded at the new SMSgt. “After you get settled with your duties and have seen how the SGC works, I’ll be interested in a written recommendation from you.”
“Thank you, Sir. I’ll have one on your desk shortly.”
Jack frowned thoughtfully as he looked at the SMSgt. “Now I have something to ask of you.”
“Yes Sir?” SMSgt Cane asked curiously.
“Do you know a good orthopedic vet in the area? I have a friend with a dog who needs one badly.”
“Uh, sure Sir.” He looked surprised but answered. “My old retiree K9 dog is a tripod. The Vet we use helps us out a lot.” He leaned forward to get his wallet and pulled out a card. “I hope the dog will do well with him.”
O’Neill came around and took it then shook his hand.”Thanks for the info. I and my friend are both concerned. He found a pup on the way home last night. She’s pretty messed up. I appreciate your help.”
When the man left his office, Jack went back to his phone and dialed the number on the card. He then arranged an appointment for Daniel’s puppy that evening. He spoke briefly to the Vet Tech and explained the situation. Then he set about his other daily stressors.
@@@
That afternoon, Jack left early to head to Daniel’s house and pick him up. Knowing that his friend was seriously sleep deprived, he planned on taking him to go to get the pup from the ER Vet. He would then drive them to the new vet. Jack drove up to Daniel’s house and knocked on the door, then pushed it open. “Hey, it’s me, don’t shoot.“
”I don’t usually, unlike some people.” Daniel came out of the kitchen with a cup of coffee in his hand. “What’s up.” He handed the cup to Jack. At his friend’s dubious look, Daniel smiled at his friend. “Don’t worry it’s black.”
He took the cup and followed Daniel back into the kitchen where he saw him fix his own cup. “Psychic, much? Thanks.”
”I was sorta expecting you, but a little later.” he sipped his own cup. “Did you find a vet?
“Yes, actually. Baby Jackson has an appointment at 17:30.” He looked at Daniel’s surpized expression. “You haven’t changed your mind have you?”
”No, no, of course not. Thank you. I’ll go get ready.” Daniel headed back to his bedroom to pull a shirt on ver his T-shirt. “How did you find one so soon?”
”That pup must have a lucky star, or you do. SGC just got our new squad of Security Police in and the new ranking NCO has K9 training and he also has a Tripod, which is a three-legged dog. He says this guy is really good.
Daniel came out dressed and he was carrying a large brass tray and a towel. He smiled at his confused friend. “It’s for Baby. Her leg is in a splint and the other hip was dislocated, I don’t want to hurt her again.”
”Good idea.” Jack looked at it oddly. “Is that an artifact?”
”No, it’s just a tea tray, but it was made in Egypt.” Daniel smiled at Jack. “Seemed suitable.”
Jack smiled at his friend. “Certainly does. You ready?”
Daniel smiled weakly. “Might as well get it over with.”
???
After arriving at the 24 Hour Emergency Vets office, the two men went in to collect the puppy. Daniel pulled out his credit card and headed to the payment counter. The.Vet Tech took the tray and brought Baby Jackson out to the counter where Jack stood. He looked at the tiny creature as she lay sleeping wrapped in a towel and laying on the brass tray.
”Is she even alive?” He asked the technician dubiously.
”Oh, yes.” She replied. “Baby is sedated. We weren’t sure of how you were moving her so we didn’t want her in pain. Her leg is splinted, so she shouldn’t be moved too much. This tray is a good idea.” The woman looked at him. “She ate some puppy formula this morning from an oral syringe, looked at me and growled just a bit. She’s got spunk. You’re taking her to another vet?”
”Yes, one of my SPs recommended an Orthopedic Vet to me, a Dr Albright, on the other side of town.”
She nodded. “I’ve heard he’s good.”
O’Neill smiled at her. “I hope so. She looks like she needs a good one.”
Daniel came back over and peeked under the towel. “She’s so tiny.”
“Yeah, let’s get her where we need to. You carry your baby, and I’ll drive.”
%%%
Thirty minutes they drove into a nearly vacant parking lot. Jack got out of the pickup and opened the door. “Don’t drop her.” He cautioned.
”Don’t worry. We’ve come to his far. I’ll be careful.” Daniel stepped down carefully. “After what she’s been through, I sure won’t drop her now.” He looked around. “Not many cars here.”
”Normal people’s hours, Danny. You’re used to military time.” He closed the truck door and quickly walked past them to open the entrance door. A young man looked up at them. “May I help…oh, that must be our new surgical patient. I’ll get Dr. Albright.” He quickly stood up and went to the door, holding it open for them. He indicated a small exam room. “You can wait In here, I’ll get him for you. You can put your puppy on the table.” He disappeared through another door.
A few minutes later, a middle-aged, distinguished looking man came into the small office. He went directly to where Baby lay on her makeshift stretcher. He pulled the towel back and looked at the pup. He glanced up and spoke to them. “I’m Dr Albright. One of my regular patient’s owners had called earlier and advised me you would be coming with a serious injury. And then I found that you, General O’Neill”, he glanced back up at the two men, “had already called.”
”I’m Jack O’Neill and this is my friend, Dr. Daniel Jackson.”
”Sorry we had to meet in this circumstance, but I’ll do my best.” He unwrapped the puppy’s leg and looked at it. “So, she’s spent several hours at an ER vet and it looks like he cleaned her up, protected the injury as best he could and determined that her injury was survivable. So he gave her puppy formula and pain meds.” He looked up and smiled. “I had just gotten their report via email when you arrived.” He looked at the two men. “This is a very special pup with her luck.”
Jack nodded. “I told the lady at the ER Vet where we were headed.”
“They’re very efficient to have sent her paperwork. Makes it faster for us.” He nodded. “ Now, I want to do a few more X-rays, draw a little blood, but no more pain meds, she’s had enough for now.” He looked up at them. “I don’t want to overdose her. You can wait outside.”
Jack glanced at Daniel and answered for both of them. “Yes, we’ll wait.”
The Doctor nodded and carefully picked up the tray and carried her back to the large exam room. “Should take about thirty minutes.” He called as the door swung shut behind him.
The two men looked at each other then sat down to look at each other and old pet magazines.
After what seemed an endless wait, finally Dr Albright came out with a solemn expression on his face. He motioned his assistant to close the door and lock up while he came over and sat down on a bench across from them.
He looked up at them. “Now, Dr. Jackson. The first question, do you want to save the bad leg?”
Daniel looked at him seriously. “Do you think that it’s possible?”
“Well, it’s not impossible but,” He paused. “But, it would be long, painful and expensive. I won’t make you any promises but I’ll try if you want.”
Daniel met his eyes. “What do you mean?
”You saw the leg.” the doctor continued. “The femur is broken and the bone was exposed. The tibia and the fibula are also fractured and the interphalangeal joints or toes are, well I hate to say, are all shattered. The bones of a puppy of her apparent age are all still soft. Even if the foot tried to heal it would only be a club.” He shook his head. “And it would be a long painful experience for such a young puppy. Some people would euthanize her.”
Jack shook his head. “Daniel, he is right. He’s talking lot of time and money, but she’s your dog. You do what you think is best for Baby.”
Daniel took a deep breath, then sighed. “What about the other possibility?” He looked to Jack, then back to Albright. “Can she survive a, well, an amputation. That’s what that Sergeant was talking about, right?” He looked to the doctor. “The man who sent us to you, his dog….”
”You mean Sgt Cane?” Jack put in. “His dog lost his leg to a mine in Iraq. He’s a big K9 dog, not a puppy.” Jack replied, then looked at the doctor. “Can you amputate her leg successfully? Or is she too badly hurt to survive?”
“Actually,” the doctor said thoughtfully. “I wasn’t sure you would want that. There is still some risk involved, and a long healing period, but it might be the best option for her.”
Jack looked at the vet, then back to Daniel. “She’s your puppy. But, she’d be cute either way to me. I bet her tail could still wag.”
Dr Albright smiled at the two men. “Yes, her tail would most likely be able to wag. He other back leg was originally dislocated, but the other vet had managed to get it properly seated in the joint, and both her front legs show no major injuries.” He nodded. “She may not even remember she had four legs as young as she is.”
Daniel sighed. “When would you do it?”
“First thing in the morning. I’ll have my night person get her ready with an early transfusion, and when I come in at eight, she’ll be the first thing I’ll do.” He smiled. “I’ll call you when I get through to advise you how it goes.” He paused. “Do you want to see her? She’s sleeping but…”
At their nod he escorted the two men went into the room where Baby was sleeping. The Tech was straightening the office and looked at them. “I overheard your decision.” He commented. “Dr Albright is very good and she’s a tough little girl. She even growled at me earlier.” He smiled. “We’ll take good care of her for you.”
Jack looked at the pup. “Yep, Baby Jackson would be tough. Say, what kind of dog do you think she is?”
“Can’t really tell the breed she’s so young, but I’d say a lucky one.”
XXX
Jack took Daniel home with him with a promise of a good meal and a boring movie. The next morning, they headed to the SGC in the truck. Daniel was nervously awaiting the phone call from the vet but Jack tempted him to breakfast with coffee. Carter and Teal’c met them at the commissary. Carter was discussing her progress on some invention as Daniel sat nervous and very quiet. Teal’c was watching speculatively waiting to learn of the reason for his friend’s concern.
O’Neill saw SMSgt Cane enter, fill his tray and look around for a place to sit. He raised his hand and waved the man over.
Jack introduced him to the others. “This is Senior Master Sergeant William Cane, our new head of Gate Room Security. He’s also talked to me about his suggestion for some K9s to help keep the bad guys out.”
Carter looked at him with interest, while Teal’c frowned. “Of what use would canines be?”
The man took his place at the table where O’Neill indicated a chair. “Not regular dogs, Sir. Dogs that are trained to identify the enemy and defend their teams. They would be able to recognize unexploded ordinance or alien visitors immediately. They would smell or sense any non-humans, either in disguise or bearing a symbiote. And they would also be handy in any search and rescue missions.”
O’Neill nodded, “Hopefully, though their program will have to be tested and approved. But Cane here has a lot of experience with the dogs.” He smiled and nodded. “SMSgt Cane, this is SG1: LT Col Sam Carter, Teal’c and Dr Daniel Jackson, he pointed as he went around the group.
“Oh, this is the puppy’s hero?” Cane smiled as he put his tray on the table and sat down.
”Puppy hero?” Sam looked at her friend and team-member. “You have a puppy? When did this happen?”
Daniel turned pink and played with his scrambled eggs. “Oh, it was about eleven thirty night before last on the road down the mountain. Right, Jack?”
”It seemed later than that, but I guess that’s about right.” The General nodded. “That’s why Daniel was off yesterday. She is his new project I told you about. In fact Baby Jackson is having surgery this morning.”
”You haven’t heard anything from them yet?” Cane asked.
Daniel shook his head. “She’d been hit by a car.” He replied quietly in explanation. “I couldn’t just leave her there.”
”How old? How big is she?” Sam asked gently.
”The vet said about 5 weeks old. He wouldn’t even guess at what breed she is.” Daniel sighed and wiped his eyes. “So tiny.” He glanced at Cane. “He’s got to amputate her back leg.”
The MSgt nodded and said. “Dr Jackson, I’m glad you made that decision. I’ll be it better for her.” He smiled encouragingly as he continued. “As young as she is, she’ll heal fast and be fine.”
After they talked a bit, he was showing them pictures of his retired K9, TTriumph , when the expected phone call came in.
Chief Harriman’s unmistakable voice came over the loudspeaker. “Dr. Jackson you have a call in the General’s office.”
Daniel jumped up and ran for the door. “I’m coming” he yelled needlessly as he rabbited down the hallway.”
O’Neill shrugged. “No cell service down here. I have put in the request for more phone lines though, I just can’t run like that anymore.”
Teal’c raised an eyebrow. “You never could, O’Neill.”
”Haaay!”
%%%
After about fifteen minutes, Daniel returned to the mess hall. Everyone at his table was sitting at alert and waiting with empty plates and silverware stacked on trays. As he entered, they could already tell by his expression it was good news. Jack stood up and met his friend at the door, then slapped him on the shoulder. Then they went back to the table.
”Dr Albright said the operation went smoothly. He did take the back leg up to the stifle, uh knee joint, and he had to smooth that off, but she didn’t have any problems with the sedation or her condition during the operation. But because of her age, he said she needed round the clock observation and feedings of a good canned puppy food every few hours.”
”No problem. You’ll be on leave. Carter and Teal’c can work with the new group of SFs and I’ll see if I can get some K9s. SMSgt Cane says he can bring in his retiree to test on any alien that comes through the gate. Maybe get Bratac to help supply some Jaffa with and without symbiots.
”Indeed, I will be most interested in working with SMSgt Cane’s canine soldier.”
”So, when can we pick her up?” Jack asked with a smile at his excited friend.
”Dr Albright said he’ll keep her today and maybe tonight to be sure she’s recovering properly. I’ll have to call back on that. He also asked if I wanted a DNA test done. He’s got the forms already.”
”And of course, my anthropologist said yes.” O’Neill smiled over a cup of coffee.
“Well, it might make a difference in her characteristics. All we know is she’s brown.” Daniel commented as he got up to refill his coffee cup and get a donut.
”With pointy ears and a long tail.”Jack nodded.
”Sounds suspicious to me.” Cane said. “At such a young age she could be anything, even a Malinois like my dog though a bit smaller. Not many of them up here.”
””Well, hopefully, if everything works out we can change that.” O’Neill commented with a smile.
Carter looked at Cane. “Where do we get them?” She asked curiously.
Cane smiled at her. “Only one place, Ma’am. Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio Texas. They breed them specifically for the K9 corps. And their breeding dogs are made up of experienced war dogs.”
”Well, I guess, since I’m ‘the Man’, Jack did air parenthesis with his hands “and there is apparently work to do, let us go there before the commissary staff runs us off.”
***
That afternoon Daniel called the Veterinarian and he was happy to learn he could pick up his puppy. Since he had spent the night and ridden in with Jack, he had left his car at Jack’s place. So the two men stopped at a pet store where Jack insisted on picking up an 12 pack of expensive canned puppy food. Then they headed to the Veterinarian’s office to pick up Baby.
”Jack, you really don’t have to do all this.” Daniel spoke as they pulled up in front of the building. “I appreciate all you’ve done for her already.”
O’Neill smiled at him. “Daniel, you’ve never had a dog before, much less an injured puppy.” He put the truck in park and turned the engine off. “She will be as weak as a, well, a sick baby. I’ve had both so please put up with me.”
Daniel nodded with a smile. “Well, I know you know a lot more than I do so I guess I’ll have to admit my studies don’t cover puppies, so I’ll appreciate whatever you can teach me.”
“Luckily you already know how to use that credit card.” He opened the truck’s door and climbed out. “Come on, quit worrying. Let’s go get Baby.”
The two men went into the building and were greeted by a young woman at the counter. “Hello, can I help you?”
”I’m Daniel Jackson. We’re here to pick up the brown puppy.”
”Oh, you’re Baby’s owner.” She pulled out an already filled out form. “Poor little thing, but she’s doing well this afternoon. Doctor is pleased with her progress.” She handed over the paper. “She growled at him this noon when he was coaching her to eat.”
Jack chuckled. “Are we sure she’s not a timber wolf?”
“The woman glanced up at him. “We don’t think so.” She said primly and smiled at him. “Baby is too small and the wrong color.”
Daniel shook his head. “No Jack, she’s more like a Red Wolf.”
At that moment the Doctor stepped through the door. “I thought I heard your voices. Baby is doing well and is ready to go home. And her DNA should be here in a month or so. I don’t think she’s a wolf even though she growls nicely.” He stepped out and motioned them back into the treatment room. He stepped over to a cage and opened the door. He carefully lifted the brass tea tray out and laid the puppy on his table.
”Are you able to spend a few days with her? She’s still in pain but you can give her this liquid every 6 hours to help. Heres some oral syringes. Do you have food for her?”
”Yes,” Jack nodded. We got her some Perfect Puppy canned food. I know she’ll need hand feeding for a while. One of us will always be home with her, or she’ll be with us. No worries.”
Albright smiled at how Daniel was gently stroking the groggy pup as she lay on her makeshift stretcher. “Looks like she’ll be fine.” He nodded.” You’ve got my office number. My staff can reach me all the time.”
They left the building with Daniel balancing his puppy on the tray. Jack was carrying a small bag of pain drugs and oral syringes until they got settled into the vehicle. When they arrived at the house and were getting out of the truck, Jack turned to his friend. “I think you two should stay here for a couple of days.”
”Why? I think I’ve taken enough advantage of you” his friend protested. “I mean, you even bought the dog food.”
“That’s nothing to what you just spent and besides, how many injured puppies have you had to take care of? I have experience with them.”
”Really?”
“Well, puppies and babies and hurt things. You know.” He smiled and shrugged. “And I just bought groceries over the weekend so there’s plenty of food. And there’s the tv and your guest room. If she has a problem at night, I’m right here, and if it’s an emergency and I’m at work your car's here.” Jack looked a little embarrassed, but continued. “And you’re closer to the vets.”
Daniel smiled and nodded. He would feel more secure with her here. And it’s not like he’d never stayed with Jack before. “Okay, where should I put her?” He asked as they entered the house.
”I’ll go get a box and put a folded towel in it so we can change it out when she soils it. It’s not nearly as complicated as diapers.”
Daniel nodded and sat the tray down. Baby awoke with the slight jar, watching in confusion as the new strangers gently picked her up placed her sore body on the towel covered softness of her new bed. Baby yawned then a little whimper followed. Jack smiled at her and said. “Okay, Daddy. Sounds like she needs feeding and a bit of pain meds. Welcome to parenthood.
###
Some weeks later, Daniel arrived at the SGC carrying his usual dog crate. He headed for his office after greeting several people in the hallway pausing momentarily to allow the fans of Lucky Baby to greet his mascot. He carried her into his office and placed her gently in her pillowed basket. He opened her small can of dog food and emptied it into the bowl marked with a green four leaf clover.
Within minutes, Carter’s blonde head stuck in through the door. “Good morning!” Sam said cheerfully. “I hope you don’t mind, you were running late so I made the coffee.” After her initial scratch on the puppy’s head, she went over and poured two cups from the pot and brought his cup o the desk and held hers to blow it cool. “No problems at the vet I hope.
Daniel shook his head as he stirred sugar into his coffee. “No, Dr Albright says she’s doing well. He warned me to keep her on the floor because she’s probably going to start trying to walk and no falls are allowed.”
“Makes sense.” The General sauntered into the office and went to get his cup off the shelf and fill it. He then walked over and looked down at the pup who barked at him. He dug a chewy out of his trousers pocket and flipped it into her basket. “Daniel learned all his dog skills from me and I learned it from my Granny.” He watched Baby prop herself up on her front legs and pull herself forward to grab the treat. “Carter, have you thought about trying your hand on a prosthesis for a dog?”
“The Vet says she won’t need one.” Daniel commented, watching his pup chew on the treat. “He said to let her get her growth and the one back leg will be able to support her. But she needs more muscle and she’ll get more balance. I’ll watch her though so she won’t hurt herself.”
There was a firm knock on the door and a voice called out. “Hello, it’s Cane and I have Teal’c with me.” The K9 Sergeant looked in. “Don’t mean to interrupt but I.heard voices.”
”Come in, Sergeant, Teal’c .” Daniel called out as they all nodded welcome to the men.
”I just wanted to see the pup.” He walked into the office and bent down to look at Baby. “She looks great, Dr Jackson. Soon she’ll be hopping around all by herself.” He stood up and came over to the desk to get the cup that Teal’c had poured for him along with his own. “You did a really good thing.”
“DanielJackson is infamous for his good actions.” Teal’c nodded smugly at his friends.
”Thanks, but Cane sent us to the right Vet. I’d say it was a group effort.” O’Neill smiled. “Oh, and by the way, I’d like a few names of SPs who have K9 experience. The dogs should be here in a few weeks.”
Carter looked at her friends curiously. “Speaking of dogs, did you ever get those DNA results on Baby?”
”Oh yeah.” Jack laughed at Daniel’s smug expression. “She’s half Malinois, a quarter Border Collie and a quarter Jack Russell.” He laughed. “ If she doesn’t self-detonate, she’ll be amazing.”
“ That’s great, Sir. You just made my day!” The Sergeant laughed. “And yes, downright amazing.”