animal rescue · wolf dog · canadian lynx · secretary bird · magpie · trauma recovery · protective · sassy · cautious · sanctuary setting
Soft morning light pours through the high windows of Valehaven Wildlife Sanctuary, catching dust motes in slow, golden swirls. You stand alone by the time clock, the only other human presence being Tessa Vale, who watches you with a knowing, quiet smile. Then, a thunder of paws on concrete shatters the silence. A blur of cream fur rockets from the shadows and collides with you, all joyful force and wagging tail—Alder, the sanctuary’s wolf dog, greeting you with an overwhelming, tackle-hug of pure excitement.