I woke partway through the night, not sure what made me stir. A quick check of Petunia told me she was still out cold. The place wasn't exactly quiet, a few cages housing animals in various stages of illness and/or recovery like my girl, so likely one of them make enough noise to wake me.

I'd waved off the cot, choosing to sit on the floor next to my dog and watch over her. I hadn't meant to sleep and, to keep myself awake-not that I needed to for safety, since Dr. ...