“Hey, little guy,” Daniel murmured, stroking the pup’s frail back. Its eyes fluttered open, dull and unfocused. A weak thump of its tail made Daniel’s throat tighten. He pulled out his water bottle, tipping a few drops into its mouth. The puppy barely licked at it before going still again.
Daniel scanned the area, his gut tightening. There was no sign of a mother or owner. This puppy hadn’t wandered here—it seemed to have been left. He exhaled sharply, anger bubbling under his skin. Who would abandon a helpless animal out here, where it wouldn’t survive? It made no sense.