As Joe dropped Pugsley’s leash, the dog lost his balance, tumbling into the cave.
"Mr. Maxwell!" Joe yelled.
Dropping to his stomach he was able to see Pugsley in a large cavern. He leaned over too far trying to grab Pugsley's jumping paws.
Sliding into the hole Joe heard Pastor Maxwell calling his name. Now boy and dog lay on the floor together.
Pastor Maxwell was frantic, asking loudly, "Are you okay?"
“Yes!” Joe answered. After boosting Pugsley out, strong arms lifted him.
Uncle Larry gave Joe a big wink. "You were very brave," he said.
The rest of the church youth hike was icing on the cake. Everyone joined in a prayer of thanks for Joe's safe return, ate lunch and later had a snowball fight.
By the time they returned to the car Joe was quite tired. But it felt good overcoming his fear of the dark to get his dog.
“Wait 'til mom hears about this trip,” Joe said, his face breaking into a smile.
Then he whispered, "Thank you Jesus...for everything."
* * *
© Richard & Esther Provencher 2007
All Rights Reserved
URL for Richard L. Provencher
http://writers.ns.ca/Writers/rprovencher.html
Comments
Richard L. Prov... | January 22, 2008 - 14:48
The above actually happened. Thank goodness, the cave entrance was only a five foot drop. How time flies, when you write about memories. Joe is now an officer in the Canadian Engineers, and almost finished training for possible duties in Afghanistan. Pugsley is an older doggie enjoying a more sedate life. R&E
Sooz006 | February 7, 2008 - 18:35
Nice story, luckily all turned out well.