mitchell had found the vet 's name in a phone book earlier that morning and phoned for an appointment , but even so , they had to wait nearly forty-five minutes , during which time kate filled out the vet 's information sheet and max sniffed every inch of the cramped room , including an indignant cat , a shy poodle , and a terrified yellow canary in a birdcage , all of whom were already there with their owners when mitchell and kate arrived .