Chapter 67

There was some rudimentary agility equipment set up at one side of the park. He knew a group practiced there on weekends and had even watched a few times, amazed at the nimble Aussies, the clownish terriers, and diverse other dogs as they went through their paces. Athena watched, never showing any desire to join in the fun. He knew her racing days had put a lot of stress on her lean body. So far she wasn’t showing any signs of arthritis or trauma, so he didn’t want to push her. Besides, he didn’t have the time for a lot of training.

Today, for some reason, she did wander over to that area, though, and moved quietly among the poles, ramps, and teeter-totter, sniffing curiously. All at once, a gray streak flashed past him heading toward the much taller, leaner dog. The little dog, a funny-looking guy with a square, bristly face, ran in circles around her, barking urgently.