He Finds a “Puppy” in the Woods, but the Vet Calls the Police

8.A Lost Puppy
Addison advanced carefully, eyes fixed on the small form ahead. The cries grew clearer. He moved with extra care to avoid frightening it. His pulse quickened—anticipation and anxiety mixing. Leaves rustled; twigs snapped underfoot. He winced, afraid to scare it off. The closer he came, the more urgent the cries sounded. Though trained to identify species by sound, this one felt unfamiliar. Scanning the brush, he spotted a small dark shape curled beneath a fallen trunk. He held his breath—he had found it. From a distance, it looked like a tiny black puppy. It trembled, fur tangled and dirty. He fought the urge to rush in. Even a small, frightened animal can be dangerous. He crouched low, speaking softly to soothe it. As he inched closer, a thought flickered: Was it truly a puppy—or something else? The answer would decide his next move.

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