It appeared deliberately positioned.
When the volunteer reported the discovery, investigators photographed the owl and examined the surrounding area.
Mahmoud recognized it immediately.
He had seen similar carvings in Layan’s room.
She collected small handcrafted animal figures, and owls were among her favorites.
But he could not say with certainty whether this one belonged to her.
The search dogs were brought to the location.
One dog followed the ground toward the tree, moving with unusual determination.
It sniffed the stump, circled the nearby stones, and approached a narrow rocky passage.
Then it stopped.
The handler encouraged it forward.
The dog turned back.
After several attempts, it refused to continue along the same route.
The handler could not explain the behavior with confidence. The rocks, flowing water, changing air currents, and overlapping scents could all have affected the animal.
But to Mahmoud, the moment became unforgettable.
He believed the dog had reached the place where his daughter’s trail ended.
