Backyard Mystery

Emma, Dad, and their dog, Dakota, were nearly home from their evening walk. Dakota had his nose to the ground. He sniffed. He howled. Ahroooo! Then he lunged forward. Dad held Dakota’s leash and pulled him back.

“Look!” Emma shone her flashlight ahead. Something furry lay on the ground under their bird feeder. It had a long, skinny tail. Its tongue hung out of its open mouth. Not one of its muscles moved. “That’s what Dakota