Scooby never barked. Not at sudden sounds. Not at strangers passing the house. Even as a puppy, he remained silent, communicating only through posture and presence. The quiet unsettled Vanessa more than noise ever could have.
Within days, Vanessa noticed changes in Betty. She recovered faster from overstimulation. Her breathing steadied sooner. She reached for Vanessa’s hand more often after stressful moments, as if something inside her had softened.