A Lone Puppy on the Edge
The small golden puppy looked up into the clear blue sky as massive brown wings tilted directly overhead. Its tiny paws shifted on the loose gravel along the sheer drop of the mountain ridge.
A hiker wearing a heavy backpack moved down the incline toward the narrow ledge. He kept his boots firmly planted on the dry dirt to avoid triggering a slide.
The bird banked wide across the valley before swinging back over the rocky point. Its shadow passed directly across the puppy’s blue collar.
Closing the Distance
The man bent his knees and lowered his center of gravity against the steep slope. He spoke in a low, even voice, extending one open hand across the rocks.
The puppy kept its front paws planted on the rock face, tilting its head toward the outstretched palm. Its tail gave a cautious twitch against the dirt.
Step by step, the hiker shifted his weight forward, bringing his fingers within reach of the dog’s muzzle. He remained crouched on the uneven terrain, waiting for the animal to move.
Reaching for Safety
The puppy took two tentative steps across the rocky ledge toward the man’s fingers. It leaned forward, pressing its nose gently against the center of his palm.
The man closed his fingers beneath the puppy’s chest and scooped the small body up from the cliff side. The bird turned away toward the distant peaks, beating its wings into the open air.
Sitting back against the loose stones, the hiker pulled the puppy into his chest. The dog buried its face into his green jacket while the golden light faded across the mountain range.
Know someone who loves animals and the great outdoors? Share this cliffside moment with them.
