Two firefighters knelt by the drain, listening. One nodded, then began the delicate process of removing the heavy grate with the help of a crowbar and gloves.

Everyone held their breath.

Finally, one of the firefighters climbed down carefully, a flashlight in hand. A few tense minutes passed before he called up, “We’ve got them! Five of them. Alive!”

Gasps of relief spread through the crowd. A moment later, the firefighter emerged, cradling a damp, shivering bundle in his arms.

Tiny kittens. No more than a few weeks old.

Benny barked again, wagging his tail furiously. He wriggled free from Annie’s gentle grasp and ran straight to the firefighter, sniffing and nudging the kittens with urgency and unmistakable concern.

It was then that people understood.

This dog had been feeding them.