CHAPTER TWO
First Aid

Weston felt better when he heard Dad step up next to him near the rabbit cages. His father usually knew what to do to solve a problem, especially when it was a problem involving animals.

“Dad, my three rabbits are Mini Lops like Ruby,” Wendy whispered. “I love this little black spotted one.”

“Maybe they’re Ruby’s cousins,” Glen said with a grin as he hugged Wendy.

“Oh, Dad. We all know Ruby wasn’t born in Tyler Stop!”

“Well, how do we know these rabbits weren’t born up in Oregon, too?”

“Hey, Dad. Do you know what kind mine are?” Weston asked.

“Looks like your guys, or gals, are Rex Rabbits.”

Mrs. Fletcher was smiling when she returned a few minutes later.

“Dr. Lake will be here within thirty minutes. When I described your quick action, the vet said he thinks the rabbits will survive. He’ll give each of them a check-up. I also called the telephone number listed for the family who exhibited these rabbits.”

She looked at Glen and lowered her voice. “I guess maybe I shouldn’t say this next part in front of your children.”

“You can talk in front of us, Mrs. Fletcher. Me and Wendy aren’t little kids anymore. We can take it, right, Wendy?”

The nine year old pumped her head in agreement. Mrs. Fletcher waited for Glen’s nod before going ahead with her story.

“I spoke to a relative of the family. The family’s truck broke down yesterday on the way to the fairgrounds to pick up their rabbits. Then they got pushed into a ditch by a car that didn’t stop in time. All five of them had to stay overnight at the hospital. The doctors said everyone will be fine eventually, but they need some extra rest and special care for the next week or ten days.”

“Just like the bunnies,” Wendy said.

Mrs. Fletcher paused.

“Yes, dear. The relative asked if anyone could foster the rabbits until the owners are able to take these animals home for good. I told him I’d have to get back to him about that.”

“What does ‘foster’ mean?” Wendy asked.

“It means to take care of,” Weston said.

“That’s right, son. How did you know that?”

“A new boy, Sammy, started school in our class about a week before summer vacation. He told me he was a foster child and what it meant.”

Weston and Wendy were instantly at their father’s side begging him to let them be foster parents for the rabbits.

“Please, Dad. Wendy and I will do everything to take care of them. You won’t even know these extra rabbits are around. You and Mom always tell us to treat everyone the way we want to be treated. I’m sure you meant for us to be nice to animals, too.”

“We can do it, Dad. You’d want somebody to foster Ruby if she was in trouble. Please,” Wendy added.

“I need to call your mother before I answer. Give me a few minutes. Keep talking to the rabbits in quiet voices and refill their water bottles. Stay here while I go to the fair office to use the telephone.”