A'ight, I have been obliquely hinting at stuff about it, but time for full disclosure.
This is a setting idea I had when I was about fourteen or so that I just recently (and heavily) retooled for RP-purposes. I knew nothing would ever come of it, hence why I cannibalized it. I'm still thinking through elements of it, so pardon any underdeveloped bits.
Basically, it's the 1960s, and the United States and the USSR are locked in an arms race, except instead of nukes, it's with genetically-modified war animals. There was a huge genetic engineering renaissance in the 40s, leading to shit that surpasses what we have today happening.
Anyway, 60s, a government-contracted facility in the United States creates these new bioweapon prototypes and shows them to the military and stuff. They're basically the live equivalent of concept car showroom models, so they can all kinda-sorta do their thing, but it's understood that certain aspects of them will be ironed out in the working versions.
Long story short, long series of demonstrations, critters have nice science dude who's their handler, things are happy. But then, once the military decides that it's gonna mass-produce the suckas, it's time for the showroom models to be put down. The handler dude has kind of bonded with them and wants to arrange for them to go hide out with one of his science buddies in a rural area, but he is abruptly assassinated for possibly being a dirty Commie spy. The critters flee into the wilderness and have to make a long, arduous trip to Friend Dude's hideout. Wilderness trek things ensue.
Aw dicks, that was longer than I thought it'd be.
make it through this year if it kills you yet | 2001-2019

I am a proponent of the "it's just a noncanon plot in the grand scheme of things" plan.
mario is red, i am green, i try my best, but everyone's mean