reached her. Mitch watched as her body shook with the strengths of her cough. For the first time ever he threw back his head and howled with all his strength.

Gill and Nicole heard the little howl just as they got to the cave’s entrance. Nicole looked in alarm at the place they once called home. All they could see was fire. Without hesitating the two parents flung themselves through the burning entrance. They found the pups huddled near the in the farthest corner. They were coughing badly with tears streaming down their small faces. Grabbing Thistle and Rex in her mouth, Nicole ran back out to the meadow. She looked back frantically for Gill.