The pup did neither. He stayed where he was, watching Betty. His breathing slowed to match hers. He did not whimper or bare his teeth. He simply remained still, as if he understood that stillness was the safest response.
After a long moment, Betty slipped off her jacket. She moved carefully, deliberately, and laid it over the pup’s thin body. Her hands shook once, then steadied. The pup did not resist. He settled into the warmth as if he recognized it.