Phyllis Reynolds Naylor Quote

I’m sorry, Shiloh, I whisper, over and over, both hands on him so’s he won’t try to get up. The blood’s just pouring from a rip in his ear. I’m so sorry! Jesus help me, I didn’t know Bakers’ dog could leap that fence. When we get to the bottom of the lane, instead of going up the road toward Judd’s place, Dad turns left toward Friendly, and halfway around the first curve, he pulls in Doc Murphy’s driveway. Light’s still on in a window, but I think old doc was in bed, ’cause he come to the door in his pajamas. Ray Preston? he says when he sees Dad. I sure am sorry to bother you this hour of the night, Dad says, but I got a dog here hurt bad, and if you could take a look at him, see if he can be saved, I’d be much obliged. We’ll pay. . . . I’m no vet, says Doc Murphy, but he’s already standing aside, holding the screen open with one hand so we can carry Shiloh in. The doc’s a short man, round belly, don’t seem to practice what he preaches about eating right, but he’s got a kind heart, and he lays out some newspapers on his kitchen table.