The construction site was quiet under buzzing sodium lights when Maria heard a soft, uneven rattle along the fence. Her flashlight caught two frightened eyes. A shepherd puppy—skinny, shaking—was trapped at a narrow gap in the chain-link, pawing desperately, whining every time he failed to squeeze through. When Maria spoke, he scrambled back, collar clanking against the wire. “It’s okay,” she said gently, kneeling. “I’ve got you.” The fence was old and loose. As she pulled a panel free, the pupp