Thomas’s throat tightened. The mother dog wasn’t trapped—she was shielding her puppy from the freezing rain, using her own body as a barrier.
“Oh no…” he whispered. He touched her shoulder gently, feeling how cold she’d become. The pup let out the faintest sound, so small it barely reached his ears.
He looked around for shelter—nothing but trees, mud, and endless rain. The truck was too far to carry both in one trip. He’d have to move fast.
“Alright, mama,” he murmured. “Let’s get your baby safe first.” She didn’t fight him when he lifted the pup into his jacket, only watched with tired, glassy eyes.
