At seven in the morning, I woke up to the frantic barking of my dog, who was doing everything in his power to rouse meand then I saw something terrifying.
This morning, something happened that Ill never forget.
It was just before seven. Outside, the quiet of early morning still lingered, and I was relishing a rare day off. After yesterday, I was utterly drainedtoo exhausted even for the usual morning walk with my dog. Id been sleeping like the dead, lost in a peaceful, ordinary dream.
Then, I felt something heavy pressing on my chest. Half-asleep, I cracked my eyes open to see my dog, Max, standing over me, paws planted firmly on my chest, staring intently into my face.
What do you want? I mumbled, closing my eyes again, assuming he was just hungry or begging for a walk.
But he didnt leave. Instead, he started pacing anxiously, licking my cheek and whining softly, as if urging me to wake up. I still didnt understand why he was being so persistent. When I ignored him, he suddenly barked right in my ear, then jumped onto the bed, barking louder nowsharp, urgent, almost desperate.
Thats when I opened my eyes again and noticed something strange. Then, at last, I realised why Max had been acting so oddly.
I opened my eyes fully and caught a sharp, acrid smell. At first, I didnt recognise it. But after a few seconds, my brain clicked: smoke. And it was getting stronger.
I bolted upright, my heart pounding so hard I could feel it in my temples. I leapt out of bed, barefoot, and dashed into the hallwayonly to freeze.
Thick grey smoke curled down the corridor, already seeping into my room. And in the living room, flames roareddevouring half the room with a hungry crackle, sparks flying.
Max stood beside me, barking at the fire, then turned to me as if to say, *Hurry!*
I grabbed my phone, fingers trembling as I dialled 999. Without wasting a second, I rushed out of the flat with Max.
Only once we were safely outside, as I gasped for air, did it truly hit me: if not for him, Id have stayed asleep and might never have woken up.
Later, I found out Id been ironing clothes the night before and, in my exhaustion, had left the iron on top of a pile. That was what started the fire.
I hadnt remembered a thing. But Maxhed smelled the smoke before I did and did everything to wake me.
Without him I might not be here to tell this story.
Some heroes dont wear capesthey have four paws and a heart full of loyalty.
