Old Jake
It was a cool, fine autumn day. Bright blue skies and a crisp bite in the air. It was the sort of day that makes you feel glad to be alive.
The chance to get out and walk the quiet country lanes, and woods was too tempting; I parked the car on the roadside and got out. I put on my old my old Barbour coat and set off.
The light shone a golden glow, sending shadows dancing over the trees. The warmth of the sun touched my face, easing the tiny biting teeth of the frost.
The strong mossy scent from the damp leaves hung in the air. I walked along the small, winding lane.
It was whilst I was walking I became aware of something beside me. I glanced over my shoulder, and there, padding alongside me was a large friendly dog, his long, shaggy coat was matted with dirt, where he had been digging. Big friendly eyes looked out from beneath the matted fur, his tongue, large and pink, lolled out of his mouth to one side.
“Hello fella, where have you come from?” Looking over the fields to a small scattering of farms, I guessed one was home. “You shouldn’t be on the road fella, you might get hurt you know.” “WOOF” He let out one big deep bark, which made me jump. “Ok, ok, you can walk with me for a while then home.”
Off he bounced and picked up a large, grubby stick, and padded back to me, dropping it at my feet. “WOOF”, he went, looking full of mischief. “Oh, I guess you want to play eh?” I threw the stick and he bounded after it. “Come on bring it back then”. He bounced back to me and with a great leap, jumped up and almost knocking me over, put his huge paws onto my shoulders and licked my face. Shaking his fur, the wet mud splattered my face. “Urgh you disgusting dog,” I laughed. It was then I became aware of the slight musty smell on his fur and the missing claw on his front paw. “You have been up to mischief, you could do with a bath” “WOOF” he agreed. We continued on our way enjoying each other’s company.
The noise of the car dragged me abruptly from my thoughts.
I turned and looked behind me. Coming towards me was a large silver BMW, its lights flashing, weaving all over the road. I stood frozen to the spot, unable to move, like a rabbit caught in headlights. A scream rose up and stuck in my throat.
Suddenly from my side, the black dog took a great leap and with his great paws, pushed me to the kerbside.
I watched in horror as the car ploughed straight into the dog, sending him flying up into the air. I screamed but the car drove on ignoring the accident he had just caused.
Crying, I limped towards the body of the dog and cradled his head in my arms. The dog had saved my life and paid with his.
I sat for sometime in the road kissing the limp, lifeless body. Tears streaked my face, dripping softly onto his tangled coat.
“WOOF.” An eye opened and the big dog pulled himself, tail wagging to his feet. Shaking himself, he bounced onto me licking me furiously. “Oy, hold on,” I laughed, glad to see him safe. Struggling to my feet, I gave him a big hug and patted his wet coat. “Come on let’s find my keys, we need to get you checked by a vet”
We stumbled slowly towards the parked car, my hands deep in my pockets. I searched for the keys. The blood dripped from the grazes on my hands, I winced as I opened the door. “Come on get in.” I turned to the dog. With a great leap he got into the seat beside me and we headed towards the farm.
The musty fragrance from the dog’s wet fur smelled strong as it dried in the car. “You smell really bad, dog,” I said glancing towards him as I drove. The brakes of the car screeched as I brought it to a stop. The dog had gone.
I drove towards the farm, determined to find out about him.
I knocked on the door; the farm looked old and friendly, with wood smoke floating from the chimney. The door opened, and old lady stood in the doorway. Feeling foolish, I explained what had happened. She nodded and smiled. “Oh yes, that’s old Jake, He is buried under the Yew tree in the churchyard over the fields. He was put under the tree to protect people from the devil. He wanders the lanes to help people who need it.” I felt sick, the musty smell, the missing claw, the dirt on his face. The dog had dug himself out of his grave to save me. As I walked to the car dusk was falling, over the fields the shadow of the dog stood and howled to the moon.