The weight of self-blame pressed heavily on Kendra. She replayed the past hours in her mind, tormenting herself with what-ifs. Could she have noticed the puppy's distress earlier? Was there a crucial sign she had overlooked? These thoughts swirled relentlessly in her mind, each one a sharp jab of guilt. The sight of the puppy, so vulnerable and unwell, reinforced her self-reproach, making her question every decision she had made since finding him.