Well, go away! The man picked up a stick from the ground and swung at him. He’s not welcome… –

Rain was falling, cold drops piercing the shelter of branches under which Graf had taken cover. His fur was soaked; he shivered from time to time, trying to preserve what little warmth remained. His stomach twisted with hunger—he hadn’t eaten since yesterday. Hunger had become a familiar feeling, though there were lucky days when he managed to catch a mouse or find something edible.

He didn’t know how long he’d been living like this, but each day he returned to the house that had once been his home. Graf had lived here for three happy years, adoring his owner and ready to give his life for him. But everything changed when his owner suddenly clutched his chest and collapsed to the floor. Graf licked his face, whimpered and barked, trying to bring him back, but strangers came and took the man away. Graf was left alone…