A puppy stars? (5,5)

I believe the answer is:

canis minor

This might be a double definition.

'a puppy' is the first definition.
Although both the answer and definition are singular nouns, I don't understand how one could define the other.

'stars?' is the second definition.
(I've seen this before)

(Another definition for canis minor that I've seen is " stars".)

I've seen this clue in The Times.

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