Mickey lay his long snout and neck across Lick’s back and gently pressed her down. Her tail still twitched and jerked, but her body and back legs were held in check as Lucky started scrabbling at the bark of the trunk, trying to force it to widen. It was much harder than he had imagined. It was nothing like digging against soil—the bark was tough and solid.

Grunt and Wiggle stood a short distance away, yipping desperately.

“Our litter-sister!” Wiggle cried.

“Lick!” barked Grunt. “Lick! You have to get out of there!”

The little dog trapped inside the tree trunk must have heard as she shunted against Mickey, her tail jerking wildly.

“Stay calm!” urged Mickey, addressing all the pups at once, though Grunt and Wiggle continued to scamper about frantically.

Lucky ignored them, scratching away at the trunk until a splinter of wood came free. It wasn’t enough. . . .

“She’s not struggling as much!” barked Mickey, his voice trembling with fear. Lucky pulled back. Lick’s tail had fallen limp.

She can’t breathe!

Lucky abandoned his efforts at the wooden trunk, sliding his paw beneath Lick’s body and jabbing at the soil at the base of the gap. This started to come away and he dug and scraped feverishly. He knew he had to be quick—even now Lick’s hind legs were slumping on the ground behind her. He clawed the ground until his paws throbbed with exhaustion and pain shuddered through his limbs. Then all of a sudden Lick toppled back out of the hole and fell gasping on the ground.

Lucky and Mickey yelped in relief, washing her small tan face. Grunt and Wiggle joined in, shunting their litter-sister affectionately.

Grunt turned to Lucky and licked his muzzle. “You saved her! Thank you!” he yipped, before turning back to Lick. Wiggle didn’t say anything but he nuzzled his head against Lick’s side protectively.

Lucky flopped onto the grainy earth beside them, panting as the tension quivered out of each hair and whisker. He felt a hot surge in his chest as he realized that he would do whatever he needed to in order to keep them safe.

Mickey dropped down next to him with a whine. “That was close!”

“Too close,” Lucky sighed. He was finally beginning to relax. He watched the pups from the corner of his eye. They were now walking about in a tight, writhing circle, nipping and licking one another as though nothing had happened. They’re so lighthearted and full of energy. Was I like that once?