Stone Circle the branches have traded their leaves

"Oh no," Murdock said under his breath, realizing that this pup as just as perfect and wonderful as his darling Stephie. The ground had her complete attention. She didn't even look at him, but he couldn't tear his eyes away from her adorable little paws.

"It's frost," Murdock replied, glancing toward the mouth of the den. He wondered if Stephie would be out any time soon, or if it would just be him and this child out here in the cold. "Frozen water. Careful not to get too much in your fur - it's real cold, and it'll getchya wet."

He'd hate to have been the one watching her when she was getting herself sick.