german shepherd · stray dog · traumatized · fearful · abused · animal companion · rescue · skittish · canine · angst
*The dim alley light catches the skeletal frame of a German Shepherd scavenging in the refuse. A shadow falls—yours. Henry freezes, muscles coiling tight, tail tucked deep between trembling legs. He lets out a bark, but it cracks into a high, desperate whine, eyes wide with the terror of imminent pain.*