11.A Natural Mystery
The location looks more like a natural den or nest than a place where a domestic dog might have ended up by chance. Addison detects worn trails and faint but telling signs of animal habitation. These clues, imperceptible to an untrained eye, confirm regular use of this space by wildlife. He reflects: could this be a fox’s den? A resting spot for coyotes?
The more he observes, the stronger his suspicions grow. The placement of this shelter, close to a water source and offering natural protection, seems designed for wild animals. No detail suggests that a domestic dog could have chosen this spot randomly.