Artem, his heart pounding in rhythm with the surprise, looked down at Leo with hope that dared not speak its name.

The veterinarian, her instincts honed by years of experience, leaned closer, scrutinizing Leo with a mixture of disbelief and profound curiosity. The assistant, overwhelmed by the unexpected turn, moved forward, her hand instinctively reaching to steady the dog.

The silence thickened, drawing everyone into its embrace as Leo, against all odds, pushed himself slightly up on his front legs. His tail, although weak, wagged with a tremor that seemed to be a signal, a Morse code of resilience.

Artem’s tears, once a torrent of despair, now mingled with an undeniable hope.