Part 1: The Morning My Dog Wouldn’t Stop Scratching at the Door

was different.

The sound was urgent. Sharp. Almost panicked.

I pushed my chair back slowly, my heart beginning to race. Since everything happened, every unexpected noise set my nerves on edge. I walked toward the back door, my steps cautious.

“Baxter?” I called softly.

The scratching stopped for a moment.

Then came one short, sharp bark. The kind he used continue reading …