That evening was overcast, and a light mist hung over the water. I was about to turn toward the bridge when I noticed something strange near the riverbank — a lump of mud, grass, and fur.

At first, I thought it was just trash, but suddenly the lump moved. I came closer… and saw that it was breathing.

It was a small creature, soaked to the bone. Its fur was matted with dirt, its ears drooped, and its eyes were barely open.

— Poor puppy… — I whispered.

Someone must have abandoned it, maybe even tried to drown it — the river was right there. I felt an overwhelming wave of pity.