“Bruising. Fear response to raised voices. He wouldn’t eat for days. He’s made progress, but trauma doesn’t fully disappear.” She glanced toward the kennel. “Honestly, I’ve never seen him approach anyone the way he approached your daughter.”
They all turned. Ranger had pressed his nose gently to the bars again, watching Lily with an expression that—Emily swore—held something like worry. Lily giggled, reaching through with her tiny hand. Ranger’s tail gave one slow, careful wag.