Two days later, the paperwork cleared. The mastiff with no chip, no past, and a thousand miles of courage was officially adopted. His tag read Rover Valorian Warren. Elena hugged them all before discharge, her smile full but trembling. “You keep him close,” she told Claire. “He’s a hero with fur.”
As they stepped into the sunlight, Abigail turned and waved, her other hand buried in Rover’s thick coat. “Bye, Nurse Ellie!” she called. “Rover says thank you!” The mastiff barked once, deep and joyful. Elena laughed, wiping her cheek with the back of her hand. “Take care, braveheart,” she whispered.