A Boy Called Bat

Bat goes to Valerie’s clinic, which is named “Valerie Tam, DVM,” although Janie thinks she should rename the office something more creative. Bat does not mind the noisy and bustling atmosphere of the clinic, whereas elsewhere he “would definitely need his earmuffs” (105). He does not bother, Suzanne, the woman working behind the desk, noting that she is busy—a social cue he has learned to recognize. He approaches a customer and asks about the animal she has in a box. Bat and the woman talk about the woman’s sick cat, Pickles, and Valerie takes Bat to the back office. She puts on her coat and becomes “Better than a superhero” (107).

Valerie sends Bat to help vet tech Laurence give baths to dogs. Thor is sleeping in a sling wrapped around Laurence’s chest. He passes Thor over to Bat, and Bat can see that Thor’s fur is growing in. They get ready to give baths, but Bat is worried that Thor will get crushed under his apron. Laurence suggests Bat keep him company and supervise the baths, to which Bat agrees.