Another officer clipped a lead around the dog’s neck, speaking in a soothing tone. To Tina’s amazement, the animal allowed it, shoulders sagging as if the long vigil had finally broken him. He looked exhausted, yet unrelieved, still watching the kittens with unwavering eyes.
The worker shut the carrier carefully, tucking a blanket inside for warmth. “They’ll be taken to the shelter’s clinic tonight,” he assured Tina. “You did the right thing calling. A few more hours out here, and they might not have made it.”