He followed the trail carefully, flashlight beam bouncing along hoof prints. The ground dipped sharply, and beyond the rise he found them.
A full-grown cow lay trapped in a shallow gully, legs folded beneath her, frost covering her muzzle. Two other calves stood beside her, barely moving, pressed against her for warmth.
The calf had come to him for help, not for herself, but for her family. She’d somehow broken free and crossed the icy field alone to bring someone back.