Creatures of God

Concern for a Human Plague

A jackal with an unusual arm fracture was found alone, lying next to the forest tree line, just off the perimeter grounds of Anderson Science Center. The poor, wretched creature was hysterical, rocking back and forth, throwing his head backward and howling in a louder-than-expected manner. Perhaps he was left there by his own pack to perish, as severe injuries to animals are typically untreatable and fatal. Infection, starvation or death by another predator were all possible endpoints. Fortuitously though, the abandoned jackal was taken in at a nearby human medical center for treatment.

Aghhh-ow-Aghhh-aha-owow-ha-ha!

Inside the center, the jackal lay distraught on an exam table, inexplicably alternating between insufferable moaning and excitable laughter. He positioned his broken arm tenderly, while covering his face and gripping the collar at his neck with his other arm.

A human orthopedic team composed of Dr. Tomas and a junior resident named Ian prepared for the canine's medical treatment.

"How do you suppose this canine sustained this type of fracture?" Dr. Tomas asked. "It's not the kind of break we typically see from running or jumping."

"Uh, yeah, yeah. I agree," Ian answered. "It's not a typical break. Umm, I don't know. I'm not sure how it could have happened."

Dr. Tomas paused.

"Okay, well then, how would you describe the fracture? What would be your approach to fixing it?"

"Describe it?" Ian asked. "Well, umm... is it a complete break?"

Dr. Tomas furrowed his brow and dropped his shoulders. "Are you telling me or asking me?"

"I don't know."

"For heaven's sake, Ian! I know orthopedics is not your area of study, but you chose it as an elective! At the very least, please make an attempt to answer some of the questions. Don't always answer 'I don't know' to everything. Think for a change! Think, think, think!"

Hee-hee-hah-hah-whahahahah!!

The mongrel beast let loose a roar of laughter, like a hyena, while Ian turned red.

"This one sure is an ugly mutt," Ian muttered.

"Ian, please be kind to your patients," the elder scientist lectured.

Whahahahah-hee-hee! Ho-ho-oh-oh-oh!

The Canine laughed and snickered once again, then seemingly stuck out his tongue.

"Not to this stinking Sherman," Ian said under his breath.

"Ian... " Dr. Tomas called out again.

The golden jackal with black spots continued to chuckle, until he abruptly stopped.

The elder, human instructor had brought in a super-sized syringe with a corresponding oversized needle. He handed the sedative to the student.

Ian's eyes brightened.

"Since this patient is such a peppy fellow," Dr. Tomas instructed, "he'll likely need a larger dose of sedative, which means a larger volume of anesthetic. So you must make sure you place the needle deep into a large, fleshy muscle; one that can handle such a large dose."

"Like the butt muscle?" Ian asked, looking straight into the concerned mongrel's eyes.

" 'Butt muscle' is not correct medical terminology, Ian," the professor lectured. "There are several good-sized muscles at the animal's upper leg for administration... "

As Dr. Tomas continued talking, Ian neared the terror-stricken mongrel. He held the massive syringe in open view. He whispered something the jackal did not understand.