Must. Help. That’s the only thought that goes through my head again and again as I run. I run so fast that I just sail over the white landscape. I barely have time to register the cold snow between my toes before I’ve left the ground again. This coming storm is a big one. I run even faster.

I’m panting and small cries are escaping my mouth when I see the first signs of civilisation. It’s late, but in the arctic circle at this time of year the sun doesn’t set. Small animals (and an elk or two) scurry out of my way as I bound through the fresh powder towards the little town. There will be help there.

I reach the outskirts. If I stop now, I won’t be able to get up again. My old bones can’t handle this type of strain. A branch snags at my skin but I don’t have enough air in my lungs to cry out. I must save him.

I get more than a few stares- I must look crazy to them. A dark stranger. A wild beast emerging from the forest and charging towards them. A child cries before its mother swoops in like an eagle. She even screeches at me for good measure.

The next person in my path isn’t so lucky. I crash into him and collapse. I need air so badly I can’t breathe fast enough.

“Woah missy, what’re you doing?” he’s older. Kind and wise. He can help. “Hey old girl, it’s okay” he soothes, bending down to stroke me. He checks my collar and looks around. “Where’s your owner, Sadie?” I get up onto my paws and shake off the snow. I’m feeling dizzy, but I can’t stop now. I must save Bennie. I take off in the direction I came from, hoping he’ll get my message.

Stranger picks up his bag and starts to follow me. He smells like the woods. He knows this place. I try to speed up but the wind is blowing against us now.

Can’t. Stop. Save. Bennie.

I whimper at the thought of not getting back in time. I must save him. He is my world.

The snow is blinding, but I push on. It’s not long before I see the smoke. Then the fire. “Holy...” Stranger trails off. He runs even faster towards the burning cabin.

I use the last of my strength to run to the steps and bark. Over and over. I work myself up into a frenzy before I see him come out of the cabin, carrying Bennie. I collapse.

***

Bennie is doing better. They don’t let me into the hospital much, but Mr Martinez (I don’t call him Stranger anymore) has been taking care of me. He tells me every day how good and clever I am for saving Bennie. I try to thank him and tell him he’s brave for saving Bennie, but of course he doesn’t speak my language.