Returning From Deployment
Howard had just returned from his deployment in the Middle East and was excited to see his dog, Major, who had been staying with a local veterinarian.
But when he arrived at the clinic, he was told that he owed $200 for Major’s stay, even though he had been promised a discounted rate for being a veteran.
To make matters worse, the vet refused to release Major until Howard paid the full amount. Howard tried to reason with the vet, but he was met with deaf ears and a cold demeanor.
Helpless
Feeling frustrated and helpless, Howard left the clinic and went to a nearby coffee shop to calm down. As he sat there, he tried thinking of a way out of his situation.
Then the idea came to him. The vet had no idea that he had connections in places he could never dream of.
His trembling hands reached for his phone.
Nothing Without Him
Howard knew that he was nothing without his canine. Even though the veteran had seen a lot, he was nearly brought to tears by the thought of losing his dog.
He looked through his contacts until he found the number. It might have been an extreme measure, but what other choice did he have?
He would do anything for his dog.
Calling The Number
A waitress brought him a cappuccino to calm his nerves, and he started calling the number on his phone.
He tapped his fingers on the table as he waited for the person who could help him to pick up.
Finally, he heard a click, and then a woman’s voice answered. He smiled and said, “Hi, Honey.” The vet was going to pay.
Recounting Events
Howard spoke to his wife for twenty minutes. He explained everything that had just happened to him. She was furious and told him that she’d be there as soon as possible.
He anxiously waited for his wife. Most people thought that he was the scary one with his military background, but his wife wasn’t someone to be trifled with when she was angry.
She also had far-reaching influence.
Finding Him
After an hour, Howard saw a familiar car pulling up to the pavement. It was his wife, Laura.
He met her outside, and they spoke about their plan of action. She had just the plan.
She told him to rendezvous with him at the vet in an hour. She would make sure he got his dog back, and he wouldn’t have to pay that outrageous price.
Going Back
Howard went back to the vet an hour later and met with his wife outside. They walked in together towards the counter.
The receptionist told him that the vet wasn’t seeing anyone new, but they wouldn’t take no for an answer.
They went straight past her and into the vet’s office. He was startled by their presence but quickly stood his ground. “Leave now!”
Making Him Pay
But Laura had other ideas. She told him who she was, and his facial expression immediately changed to one of horror.
He wasn’t ready for what she told him.
His smugness from a moment ago turned to begging. But it was too late, and he was going to pay for what he did.
Howard Mahoney
Howard Mahoney had done something few men and women dared to do – he had served his country.
He was a soldier and had spent time overseas in Iraq, fighting for his country.
After months of being away from home, he was finally due to come back to his beloved wife, Laura, and his loyal dog, Major.
Thinking About What Was Important
Howard was a dedicated soldier who had been serving his country for several years.
He was stationed in a foreign land, far away from his family and loved ones.
Every day, he thought about his family back home and how much he missed them. But it was his wife, Laura, who occupied his thoughts the most.
A Fateful Day
He remembered the day they first met, like it was yesterday. It was in a crowded bar near the military base where he was undergoing basic training.
He had noticed her from across the room, and the chemistry between them was undeniable.
Despite his busy training schedule, Howard made time to see Laura as often as he could. They would spend hours talking and getting to know each other.
Moving Quickly
He knew that he had to move quickly because he would soon be off to another country.
One day, Howard took a deep breath and decided to talk to Laura about his feelings.
He was nervous, but he knew that he had to take the chance. To his surprise, Laura felt the same.
Waiting For Him
Despite Howard’s deployment in Iraq, Laura always waited for him when he got back.
They had been navigating around his military career for years and eventually even got married.
The husband and wife couldn’t have been happier with each other, but despite their love for each other, something always felt missing for Laura.
Lonely
While Howard was out fighting for his country, Laura often found herself feeling lonely and longing for companionship.
Howard knew this and wanted to do something special for her.
One day, he had an idea. He decided to surprise her with a new family member, a four-legged companion that would keep her company while he was away.
Major
He found an ex-military dog named Major that needed a new home. Major was a sweet and disciplined dog who immediately found love with his new family.
Laura was over the moon with joy when she met him for the first time.
Major was well-trained and obedient, and he quickly became Laura’s constant companion.
Due To Come Home
With Major by her side, Laura no longer felt lonely or sad when Howard was deployed. Whenever Howard was overseas, Major was there for her.
But five years later, something unexpected happened.
Howard was due to come home in just a few days when something changed. Major, who normally never had any problems, started vomiting. Laura knew that she had to do something.
Taking Him To The Vet
After a day, things didn’t get better, and Laura had to rush Major to the vet and hope that everything would be okay.
But she also had to pick up her husband from the airport.
With a heavy heart, she left Major at the vet so he could be looked after while she went to get her husband. But she had no idea how hard it would be to get him back.
Waiting Anxiously
Laura was waiting anxiously for Howard’s return at the airport, with mixed emotions of excitement and worry.
When Howard finally arrived, he ran towards Laura, took her in his arms, and kissed her passionately. It was a long-awaited reunion, but Laura had bad news for him.
“Major has been taken to the vet,” she said, tears welling up in her eyes. “He has been ill for a few days now, and the vet said he needs to stay overnight for observation.”
Heartbroken
Howard’s heart sank. He had been looking forward to reuniting with his furry companion, Major, after months of being away.
But now, he wouldn’t be able to see him immediately.
Laura noticed the disappointment on Howard’s face and said, “Don’t worry, Howard. Major will be back to his old self soon. The vet said it’s nothing serious.”
Keeping His Spirits Up
Howard nodded, trying to keep his spirits up. He knew that Laura was right, but he couldn’t shake off the feeling of longing to see his loyal companion.
He decided to be the one to drive to the vet’s clinic the next day and pick up Major. He couldn’t wait to see his dog.
But he had no idea that the vet was going to make things difficult.
Returning Home to Reunite with a Loyal Companion
Howard’s heart was racing with excitement as he returned from deployment, eager to reunite with his beloved canine companion, Major.
However, his joy quickly turned into frustration when he was told that he had to pay $200 for Major’s stay at the clinic. The man seemed to stare at his uniform in disgust.
The vet refused to release Major until Howard paid the full amount, and Howard’s attempts to reason with him fell on deaf ears.
Seeking Solutions
Feeling helpless and overwhelmed, Howard took a deep breath and decided to take a break at a nearby coffee shop. He had to think about his next plan.
He knew he needed to come up with a plan to get Major back.
As he sipped his cappuccino, he brainstormed different solutions to his predicament.
A Loyal Companion
For Howard, Major was more than just a dog; he was a loyal companion and a true friend. He had kept his wife company all the years he was deployed.
The thought of losing him was unbearable, and Howard couldn’t help but feel vulnerable and worried.
No matter what, he needed to get his dog back.
Taking Action
Determined to get Major back, Howard found the number he needed and dialed it with shaking hands. She would be the only person that could help him now.
A kind waitress brought him his coffee, and he waited anxiously for someone to pick up the phone.
When it came to these things, he knew that Laura would be able to straighten things out.
A Supportive Partner
Howard’s wife, Laura, answered the phone, and Howard recounted everything that had happened.
Little did he know he had unleashed her wrath.
Laura was furious but supportive, promising to help Howard in any way she could. Her words of encouragement gave Howard a glimmer of hope.
A Plan of Action
An hour later, Laura arrived, and Howard felt a sense of relief wash over him.
They discussed their plan of action, and Laura’s determined demeanor gave Howard a newfound sense of confidence.
They were going to go back and get their dog; that’s the plan. With his wife by his side, he knew he could do anything.
Determination and Persistence
Howard and Laura returned to the clinic, determined to get Major back. The receptionist tried to turn them away, but they refused to take no for an answer.
They ignored the receptionist’s threats of calling the police and waltzed straight past him.
They marched straight into the vet’s office, ready to fight for what was right.
Justice Served
The vet was taken aback by their presence, but Laura revealed her true identity. In an instant, the vet’s smugness turned to horror as he realized the gravity of the situation.
Laura demanded justice, and the vet had no choice but to comply.
In the end, justice was served, and Howard and Major were finally reunited, but first, Laura had to tell him who she was.
Revealing Who She Was
The vet seemed intimidated by the persona that Laura put on as soon as she spoke up. But it was for good reason.
He recognized the jargon she started using. It was the same thing that he learned during veterinary school.
That’s when she finally revealed who she was. She was a veterinary surgeon who had a lot of connections with the vet’s world. She could have told them about what he’d done.
Reunited
The vet reluctantly let Major go along with reducing their bill. He explained that he hated patriotism and soldiers. Finally, they understood why the vet had double-charged him.
From that day on, Howard made it his mission to advocate for veterans’ rights and ensure that they were treated with the respect and dignity that they deserved.
And he knew that he could always count on his wife to have his back.