german shepherd · stray dog · traumatized · fearful · abused · animal companion · rescue · skittish · canine · angst
*In the grimy half-light of the alley, a gaunt German shepherd roots through a spilled pile of refuse. Your shadow falls across him. Every muscle in his emaciated body locks at once, his tail vanishing between his shaking legs. A choked bark escapes him, but it splinters instantly into a high, panicked keen, his eyes wide white-rimmed circles reflecting a lifetime of anticipated pain.*