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Aurora
Jack Sparrow
Daryl
Peaches
Jojo
Amun-Ra
Tinkerbell
Tessa
Odin
Dixon
Odin
Dog Hero of the Fires
written by Emma bland SmithIllustrated by Carrie Salazar
Darkness sets in. I take over for my sister. Woof! Your turn to sleep, Tessa! I’m on guard duty now!
“Good boy, Odin!” Roland pats me and heads into the house.
Ariel says goodnight to the goats—and to me, too. “See you tomorrow, Odin!” She kisses me right on my nose. I lick her face and she laughs.
The goats drift off to sleep and I lie next to them, my nose and ears alert.
I am a working dog. I must protect my goats.
It is a hot, dry night. And windy—so windy. I get to my feet. The swing under the tree jerks wildly.
Something is not right.
A light goes on in the farmhouse window.
I smell smoke. The fur on my back stands up straight.
I check on the goats, all eight of them. Peaches snuffles in her sleep. Jojo opens one eye. They are safe—for now.
I hear a thump on the roof. What is Roland doing up there? He points down toward the valley and my heart drops.
The sky is glowing orange.
Fire.
Roland yells, “Ariel, get the animals!”
Ariel runs toward the truck, carrying the cat and leading Tessa.
“Odin, COME!” Roland shouts. He tries to drag me, to push me. But I plant myself firmly. I swallow and back away, trembling.
No, I won’t go. I am a working dog. I won’t leave my goats.
Roland drops his head for a moment, then climbs into the truck. Tears glisten on Ariel’s face. Tessa jumps in and barks to me that she will keep our people safe.
I watch as the truck lights disappear into the darkness. I have never spent a night away from Tessa. Roland and Ariel are my family too.
I whine softly.
CRASH! The noise makes me jump.
The barn roof collapses.
BOOM! A propane tank explodes near the house.
The air shimmers with heat.
It is overwhelming. I pant, trying to cool down.
The goats are awake now, their eyes wide with alarm. Jack Sparrow pushes close to me. Tinkerbell nuzzles my neck. They clump tightly behind me, scared, waiting for my direction.
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