We rolled out the base gate at eight fifteen and took the ocean highway south to Sandbridge Beach.

The Atlantic mist was rolling in thick over the coastal dunes when the utility truck turned onto the sand access lane.

Beach grass flattened under the heavy tires, and the cold sea air carried a sharp smell of salt, seaweed and wet iron.

Rex and Tank whined low in their transport crates in the back until Kenneth dropped the tailgate and opened their wire doors.

The two working dogs jumped down onto the sand, their black gear harnesses snug across their chests.