When their anxious rescue dog bolted into the woods that crisp autumn morning, Daniel and Jake had no idea that what started as a simple hike would turn into an extraordinary experience that neither of them would ever forget.
Buddy, their golden mixed breed, had always been a little skittish and prone to bursts of energy that came out of nowhere. But that day, his behavior was different—urgent, focused, almost purposeful.
The forest was quiet except for Buddy’s frantic barks and the distant rustling of squirrels. When they finally caught up to him about fifty yards from the path, they saw him pawing frantically at the ground near a fallen tree.
And there, partially hidden among the leaves and debris, lay an elderly woman, unconscious and barely clinging to life.
Her gray hair was matted with dirt and leaves, her skin icy to the touch. Daniel’s first instinct was panic; he felt his stomach twist into knots as he checked for a pulse. It was faint, almost imperceptible, but it was there.
“Jake, call 911!” he shouted, trying to steady his voice. While Jake fumbled with his phone, Daniel knelt beside the woman.
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