Picture by Mule - Story by Buffybot - WARNING!!! This is written as a children's story!!
The Brave Little Dog
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The day started like any other day. Dan the dog and his sweetheart Goldie made their way down to their favorite watering hole. The air was thick with humidity due to the recent heavy rain, which mixed with the hot summer weather that had returned as soon as the big rains had stopped.
Goldie and Dan were sweethearts. They had known one another since they were all but pups. Even though Goldie’s father disapproved of their relationship, the two of them were inseparable. As they neared the edge of the stream, Dan was quite surprised at how far the water had risen since the big rains. Normally he could go as far as the weeping willow tree without getting his paws wet, but today was different.
Dan: Something is not right, Goldie.
Goldie: What is it Dan? What’s the matter?
Dan: The water has risen quite an amount since yesterday. If the valley fills up there will be nowhere for the animals to go, we would be stranded! We should alert an elder!
Goldie: My father perhaps, he would know what we should do.
Dan wasn’t sure if Goldie’s father was the best choice, but this was an emergency and they had to act quickly.
They hurried off to the home that Goldie shared with her father. Dan’s stomach was churning with nerves, he had never felt comfortable in the old dogs presence.
Goldie: Dad! Dad!...Dan has something to tell you.
The old dog stared down his nose at the small black quivering mess that Dan became whenever he was around the old boy.
Jed: Well boy? Speak up! What is so important that you have woken me from my nap???
Dan: Sir, I believe the stream is rising and all the animals of the woods are in danger of being stranded… or worse yet, being drowned!!!
The surly old dog laughed.
Jed: That’s a big call for such a small dog! What do you suggest we do.... call the troops? Move all the women and children to higher ground?
Dan: Well actually sir, um…yes! We need to do something. Follow me!!!
And with that Dan ran off at full speed towards the swelling waters, careful not to get too far ahead of the old dog and Goldie. He would show Goldie’s father the rising water! Jed would have to believe him if he saw it with his own eyes. Dan couldn’t believe his own eyes when they reached the stream, for the water had risen further!
Dan: Sir its higher then before! We need to let everybody know! We all must leave immediately!
Goldie’s father scoffed at him.
JED: Nonsense, the stream isn’t rising at all! What is this Daniel, a trick? Are you trying to pull one over on me? I have always known you were trouble. You are forbidden to see Goldie ever again.
Goldie: But father, we need to leave! Dan is telling the truth!
Goldie pleaded, but her father would not listen.
Dan: Goldie, we need to leave. We need to tell the others, please come with me…
Goldie was torn; she knew Dan was telling the truth, but she could not understand why her father would not believe Dan.
Jed: If you leave now Goldie, you are not welcome back into our family home.
Goldie: I’m sorry Dad, I am going with Dan. We need to warn the others...
With that, they hurried off leaving the old yellow dog astonished.
The two dogs set out to tell as many of the woodland animals as possible, warning them to leave now while they can. They were stopped in their tracks by three of their closest animal friends, Fawn, Chia and Chester. They explained about the rising water, and about the urgency to leave the woods now.
Chia, the leader of the bunch, told them that the only way to higher ground was to go through the bear cave at the end of Beargulch Canyon. It was a days walk, and the cave was said to be inhibited by a very unfriendly bear who didn’t take to kindly to strangers traipsing all over his so called private property.
Nevertheless it was the only way, so the five friends set off towards Beargulch Canyon.
After what felt like an eternity of walking through the valley, the animals found themselves at the foot of the bear’s cave.
Dan: Well guys, this doesn’t look too scary really...
GRRRRRRRRA deep rumbling echoed through the cave. The five of them stood frozen with fear.
Fawn: uuhh I’m not sure about this Dan, I think maybe we should head back.
Dan: You don’t get it Fawn. We can’t head back just yet. Look out across the valley…the big rains have caused the dam to swell, and the humans in all their wisdom have probably opened the flood gates by now, and then everything that is in the woods will be washed away! We cant go back right now...
Goldie looked uneasy, the events of the day were running through her mind and she was worried about her father, but Dan was right, they needed to leave. Her old man should have swallowed his pride and came with them.
Goldie: Dan’s right, we need to keep going, this is the only way. The water will reach this peak soon and we too will be stranded.
Dan looked at his beautiful Goldie. Thinking of her standing up to her father gave him the courage to push forward, and so one by one they ventured into the dank, dark cave.
GRRRRRRRRRAgain the noise stopped the five friends dead in their tracks.
Chester: D-d-d-d-d-d-d-dan? I don’t think I be liking the sound of that…no siree, that don’t sound l-l-l-l-like n-n-n-no friendly sound!!
DAN: Chester? It’s ok. I’m a little scared too. But the five of us together…we can overcome anything that might be lurking here in the dark.
Goldie felt a surge of pride rise inside of her. She loved Dan with all her heart. He was so brave and calm, she knew he was the one she would grow old with.
GRRRRRRRA thunderous grumble echoed through the cave again. The animals couldn’t believe their eyes when there before them appeared the biggest bear they had ever seen!
Chia squealed like a girl and Chester hid behind Fawn. But Dan remained calm, and approached the big hairy beast.
DAN: hu-hu-hello? I’m Dan… My friends and I need to get to the other side of the canyon, and the only way is through your cave. Would you be so kind as to let us pass through?
The mammoth grizzly stared Dan directly in the eyes, and then in the sweetest voice imaginable said, "Why, of course you may, I will see you through to the other end of the tunnel if you so wish. I know these caves like the back of my paw!"
The animals were gobsmacked. This couldn’t be the bear that haunted their childhood nightmares! Perhaps the stories told to them by their elders was just a way to keep them in line as youngsters.
Apparently Goldie had been elsewhere in her thoughts when the kind bear had spoken,
for no sooner had the bear finished talking when she let fly with threats and fighting words. As soon as she had stopped, all the animals stood in silence and in unison, burst into fits of laughter. Realizing her faux pas, Goldie felt embarrassed and apologized to the sweet bear.
True to his word, the bear let them through the cave. He even showed them a short-cut which would cut hours off their traveling. They bid farewell to the kind bear and continued on their journey. They soon found themselves on the edge of the canyon. One by one they made their way across the thin crumbling ledge, never daring to look down at the fierce rocks and waters that lay under them. Knowing that one false move or slip would surely lead to their deaths, the friends remained quiet and concentrated on reaching the other side of the ledge.
Meanwhile, Goldie’s father, who was napping after his confrontation with Dan, was woken by a small wet feeling on his paws. Startled by this strange sensation, he woke to find the water lapping at his doorstep. He sprang to his feet, feeling embarrassed and stupid. He set off after the two small dogs, praying he hadn’t left it too late, and wondering what he was going to say to Goldie and Dan when he finally caught up.
The five friends had made it to the other side of the canyons ledge, and they were all ready to celebrate when Dan noticed the rope bridge that they needed to cross to be completely safe from the rising waters.
Dan: This is our last obstacle friends. Once we cross here we will be high enough from the swelling waters, I can’t promise it will be safe, as it has been made by humans, and we all know how incompetent they are at building things. I will go first, then Goldie will follow, then Chia, Fawn, and Chester.
They all agreed.
Slowly Dan edged his way out onto the rickety bridge, he knew he couldn’t look back. He had to keep his eyes straight ahead. He also he knew he had to be brave for his friends. As he crept slowly across the decaying boards, tiny splinters gave way to even larger pieces of wood, all falling down to the raging torrent below. A lump crept up into his throat, they had to get across quick! He didn’t know how long this bridge would hold out.
After Dan reached the other side, he signaled for the others to follow. One by one they slowly made their way across.
Fawn: Yay!!! We’re safe! Dan, you’re the best friend an animal could have!
Goldie couldn’t agree more. As soon as she knew her friends were safe, she planted a big wet kiss on Dan
Goldie: I love you Dan! If it was not for you we all would have drowned! You’re a true hero, and I couldn’t be more proud! Dan, who was modest, turned his eyes to the ground. He was happy his friends were safe, but there was still an uneasy feeling
in the pit of his stomach. What had become of Jed? Was the old dog safe? Had he been stupid enough to remain where he was and had he met his end in the rising waters?
But then, no sooner than he thought it, he looked up to see Jed standing on the opposite side of the rope bridge. Goldie squealed with delight at the sight of her old man alive and well. Dan too felt happy to see the old fool.
Jed: Dan, I’m sorry! I should have listened to you! The village is gone, nothing left! The waters took it all.
Dan: You can apologize when you get over here! That bridge isn’t too safe; its human made, might be best to move quick.
No sooner than the words had left Dan’s mouth, the bridge gave out. Jed was quick to back away from the danger, but he would still have to get to the other side.
Jed: Dan, I can’t jump that far! I will have to stay here.
Dan: You can’t! We need to get to the peak to be truly safe from the water. Right here will be under water in another hour or so, so you will have to jump!
Goldie couldn’t believe what she was hearing. Her father was old, and wasn’t capable of jumping across the divide. But she also knew he had no choice. All of the animals together urged the old dog on. "You can do it,” they all cried out together.
Jed: You’re right..... I have to do it....
Jed took a deep breath and with everything he had leapt high into the air...
The old dogs feet connected with the bridge, he was safe! He had made it, and he was quite proud of himself to boot!
Jed: Not too bad for an old dog, eh?
CRACK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!..The bridge gave out!!!!!!!!!!!!
Goldie’s father clung on with tooth and nail…
Dan: Hold on sir, I will get you!
Goldie was shocked at what was unfolding before her eyes...she stood frozen in fear for her father...Dan edged his way closer to the old dog. If he could just get hold of him he knew he could pull him up. He was only a small dog, but he was strong...
There wasn’t a sound from the others, they all stood silent in anticipation.
The old dog took one last look at his precious daughter, and knew that if the little black dog came any further they would both fall to their deaths.
With that he said his goodbyes to himself and let go. He knew that Dan would look after Goldie. He never really disliked the little dog, he just felt he had to put on a
stern face with the small fellow. It was his duty as a protective father he figured.
Dan watched as Jed plummeted to the raging waters below, he had no choice but to jump in after the old dog. He was fit and a strong swimmer. He knew if he could reach him in time that he could save him as well.
The others hurried down the cliff face to the shore below. They were all shocked at what they had witnessed, but they had faith in Dan. None of them knows what happened during the time it took them to reach the bottom of the cliff face, but when they got there, Jed was waiting for them, breathless and wet, but still alive. They cheered and were celebrating when Goldie realized Dan wasn’t cheering along with them.
Goldie: Dan....Dan....
DAN!!!!!
Goldie’s father knew what had happened. The little dog had given his own life to save his. He comforted his daughter, who by now had come to the realization that Dan was gone.
Jed: I’m sorry Goldie… Dan was truly a brave dog, the bravest dog maybe...
Goldie and the others were speechless. They made no other sound but the sobbing of true friends who had lost a loved one. They all gathered around Dan’s lifeless body and said their farewells. Had he not acted so quickly none of them would be there. He truly was the bravest little dog.
the end.
No animals were harmed in the production of this story.
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