The Dog

The dog had an important job. Guide her person.

Today was like any other day; she slept under his desk while her human worked at his desk.

Then, within a few minutes, her human quickly got her up and grabbed her harness handle. 

“Roselle Forward.”

It was time to go to work.

This was different, though; no elevator. He directed her to the stairs. The dog didn’t question it. 

She could tell things were different. The building smelled of smoke, fire, and all sorts of things the dog couldn’t figure out. But she needed to stay focused and do her job,

Guide her person.

It was the slowest and longest walk of her life. 

One set of stairs

Then another 

Then another.

They had to stop a few times.

Once for the firefighters 

And another time for a woman who was very, very scared.

She got to say hi to the woman to make her feel better.

Then she returned to work.

Guide her person

Guide her person 

Guide her person.

She didn’t mind the smell of smoke or the debris swirling around her as they walked. 

She needed to do her job.

Finally, after what felt like forever, they made it down.

The dog tried to drink the water dripping from the fire sprinklers.

She was so thirsty.

“No, Roselle”

She ignored the water and kept going.

They walked and walked, then a huge crash rang out. 

She felt her paws being lifted off the ground as her human spun around. Then they ran for cover.