Barking. Several dogs. Gabby ducked low and moved quietly along the cracked side fence, heartbeat thudding in her throat. She reached the back corner and peeked over the wooden slats—and her blood turned cold. A dozen dogs, tied with ropes, wilted under the brutal afternoon sun.
Some of them looked injured—ribs showing, fur matted, tongues hanging low as they panted furiously. One was limping in circles. Another one was licking an open wound on its leg. And in the farthest corner, curled into himself and trembling, was Juniper. His glossy coat dulled, his eyes darting around in fear. Gabby nearly gasped aloud.