Max, a spirited golden retriever, loved his bright red ball more than anything else in the world. One sunny afternoon, while playing fetch with his owner, Emily, he launched the ball into the air with every ounce of his strength. Unfortunately, it flew higher than expected and landed precariously on a low-hanging branch of their backyard oak tree.

Max tilted his head, his floppy ears flopping in confusion. The ball sat just out of reach, an enticing beacon of play. He leaped up, paws scratching the air, but the ball remained stubbornly perched above him.

Not one to give up, Max paced around the tree, barking excitedly as if the ball might simply roll down on its own. Emily laughed, watching her dog with amusement. “You can do it, buddy!” she encouraged. Max barked again, determination surging through him.