saved her! She ran to Rush and licked his wound, hoping, praying that he would be alright. Rush weakly opened his eyes, he smiled and then shut them again. The farmer picked him up and carried him carefully back to the farm with Saskia following him.

     Once in the house the farmer phoned the vet.

     “He’s on his way Saskia,” he patted her on the head, “you done well tonight,”

Saskia looked worriedly at Rush, his breathing was shallow. She hoped he would be alright. She then remembered, she had never been in the house before. It was warm and cosy and there was a little fire place on the wall. She looked back at Rush in the farmer’s arms. Would he live?

     Finally the vet came. He examined Rush and stitched up the wounds. He frowned and said, “I’m not sure if he’ll make it… all we can do is hope,”

The farmer led him to the door and thanked him and the vet left. It was starting to get light now. Saskia sat on the couch, not taking her eyes off him, and praying that he would wake.

     By the time morning came Rush was still in he same position. Saskia was tired but she fought it back. She licked his face. His eyelids twitched. Her heart started beating wildly.

     “Rush?...” she said softly.

His eyelids twitched again. Tears were streaming down her eyes and she couldn’t see because of them.

     “Hey,” came a feeble voice.

     “Rush? Rush! You’re alive!” she jumped up in happiness and barked to let the farmer know. He came in.

     “You’re awake boy,” he said softly and he stroked his silky head lightly, “Wait there,” and he went to get him a bowl of water.

Dash lapped at the water. Saskia now had tears of joy streaming down her face. He was going to be alright.