“Yeah. It happens more than I’d have guessed too. A box of kittens by the door when we get there in the morning, or there’s a client emergency—allergies or moving, that sort of thing. A few weeks ago, a guy brought in a basset hound he’d accidentally hit. No owner could be located, so he paid for the dog’s surgery. When she was mostly healed, I transferred her to the main shelter I work with. I took her cast off today, so she’ll be up for adoption. The vet whose business I’m taking over has developed a good relationship with the shelter that took her in. He’s been out from back surgery the last two months, so it’s just me now. I spay and neuter the shelter’s intakes at a pretty steep discount, and they take on animals I send their way when they can.”

“Sounds like a good arrangement.” Olivia gave a light shake of her head. “Before I signed on to do this, I was thinking about volunteering at a shelter. I chose the rescue driving instead because I’m convinced I’d struggle with wanting to adopt every animal that comes through the door.”

“I can see that. But from what I’ve seen, it’s a pretty rewarding experience.”

Once the dogs had gone to the bathroom and sniffed around another few minutes, Gabe and Olivia headed back to the cover of the shed. Before she had even pulled down her hood, it became clear the energy in the crowded metal building had changed. So far, the rescue workers had displayed a “once you’ve been in the business as long as we have…” attitude about things. Now, Karen was on the phone, tension lining her tone, and Rhonda was flushed bright-red and mumbling to herself.

The only other volunteer at the moment, an older woman who had only recently begun helping Rhonda and Karen with their rescue, was shaking her head. “That’s not right. It’s just not right,” she said.

“What’s not right?” Olivia asked as she coaxed the Lab mix back into her kennel with a couple of treats.

“The county fire and EMS is too busy with evacuations to respond to an emergency call about a dog trapped in rising water. There’re a couple people trying to get to him, but the current’s too strong. Karen’s trying to find someone to help. And some bolt cutters too.”

“How far away? I bet they have a pair of cutters inside the feed store.”

The woman’s face brightened. “Maybe five or ten minutes. You know Old Bollinger Road? It ends at the river hangout where all the kids go.”

“Yeah. I know it.” Olivia looked at Gabe, who was snapping the bars of a crate into place. “I’ll help, but could you give me a ride?”