He said, “With the rising number of infected, medical equipment and medicine will soon run short, Caleb’s gone to procurs more. He’s warned you’re overworking yourself.
“We’re neighbors, so looking out for each other is only natural. You’re doing something big, saving lives. My own charity plans didn’t work out, so i figured I’d volunteer during the pandemic and do what I can to help you out.”
Anyone familiar with Owen knew whenever he felt guilty or had something to hide, he’d unconsciously start overexplaining
Aria wasn’t that familiar with Owen yet, but hearing his words, a relaxed smile bloomed across her face. “You’ve done more than enough.”
Aria said, “Let’s head inside.”
Watching her walk away, Owen thought to himself, ‘Thank God I explained in time! Managing a strained smile, he nodded and replied, “Okay.”
Outside the pig farm stood makeshift living quarters. Aria and Owen donned their protective suits before heading inside.
The wooden pig pens were built with slats, their
offering glimpses of the interior.
Huddled weakly in the corners, the pigs, cows, and sheep looked listless, showing little sign of life.
Even the usually energetic cats, dogs, chickens,
cks, and geese now lay weakly on the ground, their usual liveliness gone.
The feeding troughs were piled with food, only about half of it eaten.
Despite signs of cleaning, patchy stains of vomit and waste still lingered on the ground.
Owen followed Aria toward the pigsty. Nearly twenty pigs glanced their way, but most showed no reaction, remaining in their slumped or prone positions. Only a few managed weak, occasional grunts.
Aria crouched down to take a closer look. The pigs‘ skin looked a bit red, especially around the base of their ears.
It looked like they’d got a fever.
The two then proceeded to check the other livestock pens.
In Jamelan, pigs and cattle were the main livestock, with few sheep and no horses. Based on visible symptoms alone, most were suspected to be infected.
Chickens, ducks, and geese showed no symptoms, while about half of the dogs, cats, and rabbits were suspected to be infected.
A large quantity of veterinary blood collection kits was needed.
Aria stood up. “Let’s separate the asymptomatic cats, dogs, and rabbits into different pens. Time to work.”
“Okay,” Owen said.
They started by separating the easiest ones first–the cats and rabbits–leaving the dogs for last.
The dogs that still had energy were barking like crazy, their deafening noise making their eardrums ache.
The only two dogs that were tied up–both large and muscular–were barking the loudest. They lunged forward so violently that their leashes strewed taut, looking ready to snap at any moment.
With those two leading the charge, the rest of the pack erupted into a frenzy.
Aria blocked Owen’s path with an outstretched arm. “Keep your distance,” she warned.
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Chapter 273
שטי
Owen considered how to handle them. Knocking them out with a kick might work, but he was afraid he’d use too much force.
Aria said, “Step back. I’ll handle this. Pass me the medical tools.”
Those two years she spent learning animal acupuncture from Gael were finally paying off.
Owen caught on immediately, quickly took a few steps back, and opened the medical kit.
Aria pulled out a needle. Seizing the split–second pause of one of the dogs, her lightning, striking true into a critical pressure point.
wrist snapped with practiced precision–the silver needle shot out like
The once–frenzied dog gradually calmed down. Its body slowly sank to the ground, then lapsed into a drowsy, semi–coriscious state.
Owen carefully carried the sedated dog to another pen.
The barking grew even more deafening.
Aria once again applied the needte, while Owen took charge of the transfer.
The barking quieted down considerably.
Aria eyed the dogs, holding a needle. “Are you going to move to another place on your own, or shall I make you?”
Even the two leashed dogs didn’t dare to make another sound.
Working together, Aria and Owen effortlessly moved all the asymptomatic dogs.
AD
