Page 13 of The Journey of a Lifetime (Tiny Homes and Happy Tails #2)

W alker’s whole body ached from their long walk. Not that he minded. It had been a while since he’d been out in nature. There were so many new sniffs that he wasn’t used to.

It was a lot better than the depressing garage Maggie’s mom put him in.

His sight was not as clear as it once was. But his smell was getting keener by the day.

He smelled the squirrel on the trail before Maggie saw it. She had to hold tight to his leash to keep up.

Of course, the yard rat got away. They usually did.

Lying next to Maggie as she cooked dinner was the best end to their day.

He smelled the anger and fear somewhere close. He lifted his head and growled.

Maggie rested her hand on his head. He didn’t stop growling. He now heard the man’s raised voice.

He didn’t like the way his voice sounded. He could tell from his smell the man was bad.

He let out another growl to let the man know he would protect Maggie.

When the man’s voice went quiet, Walker felt Maggie relax.

She rubbed the top of his head and spoke in a soft voice. “Let’s go inside for a bit, Walker.”

He followed her inside the van.

Once the door shut behind him, he sat beside Maggie on the bed. He rested his head in her lap and closed his eyes.