And whoever left him there had known it.
Daniel stripped off his heavy police jacket and wrapped the puppy inside it, holding him close against his chest while running back toward the patrol vehicle.
“Dispatch,” he said urgently into the radio, “I need emergency veterinary assistance immediately.”
Twenty minutes later, Daniel burst through the doors of the all-night veterinary clinic across town.
The vet tech behind the desk stood instantly when she saw the puppy.
“Oh no…”
“Please,” Daniel said breathlessly. “You have to help him.”
They rushed the puppy into the treatment area immediately.
The veterinarian on duty, Dr. Karen Mitchell, examined him quickly while technicians inserted IV lines and placed oxygen tubing near his nose.
“Severe dehydration,” she said grimly. “Malnutrition. Hypothermia.”
