39

As Heather finishes packing, you notice movement to the south behind a pile of broken branches, which you now realize was kindling used by this camp for fires. You raise your AK-47 and track the motion. Before you have a chance to warn Heather of potential danger, you spot a dog scamper from behind the kindling. You immediately recognize him as a German Shepherd, with a sharp muzzle and black nose, long tan-and-black hair with a solid dark mask on his face. His large ears pop straight up, and his large eyes watch you. His tongue hangs out as he pants, and his body is thin and worn. As he takes another step, you see his left, front paw is slightly injured and dried blood speckles the fur. He creeps forward but stops a few feet away.