One evening, while walking her dog, a high school girl named Emily was approached by two men who aggressively offered to take her for a ride. Shed never seen her dog, Daisy, like this beforeher eyes blazing with fury, teeth bared in a warning snarl. Before Emily could even process what was happening, Daisy lunged at the man whod grabbed her arm, knocking him to the ground. With a menacing growl, she loomed over him like a shadow of pure rage.
When Emily turned seven, she got her own bright, spacious bedroom. But she flat-out refused to sleep there alone. Every night, one of her parentssometimes Mum, sometimes Dadwould tuck in beside her until she drifted off. If she woke up and found herself alone, shed grab her pillow and blanket and march straight to their room. No amount of pleading or reasoning workednothing changed, even as she grew older.
That is, until one day, the solution literally rolled right into her lifea fluffy white ball of fur that yelped in fright, then promptly puddled on the floor. Up close, it turned out to be an utterly adorable puppy, so sweet and tiny that Emily immediately begged, Mum, can we keep her? Please? Negotiations followed: good grades, keeping her room tidy, walking the pup herself, andmost dauntingsleeping in her own room without Mum or Dad. The first three terms were easy; the last made her hesitate. But then it hit her: I wont be alone anymore!
And so Daisy came homeofficially a Westie, but in spirit, a proper little lady with a will of iron. Surprisingly, Emily kept her word. From the moment Daisy arrived, she slept in her own room, with the pup curled up beside her, a loyal companion in dreams and daily life alike.
Daisy was a true beautywell-groomed, aware of her charm, and every bit the dignified little madam. She mostly ignored other dogs but tolerated childrens eager pats with patient, almost regal indifference, as if humouring their admiration. Other dogs, though? One step too close, and shed flash her teeth with an offended yap.
To curb Daisys attitude, Mum and Emily enrolled in dog training classes, attending diligently for weeks. But whether the trainer lacked experience or Daisy was just too stubborn, nothing changed. The final verdict? She sees you as her pack. She doesnt need anyone else. Fine by themthe three of them were happy as they were.
For walks, Emily and Daisy preferred the overgrown, abandoned lot behind their house. Once home to old barracks, now just crumbling foundations and wild fruit trees remained. One side bordered a row of weathered timber houses clinging to their final years. Most dog owners opted for the fancy nearby park, but Emily and Daisy loved this tucked-away spot, with its wild, free vibe.
And it was here that Daisy met her fate.
That summer, Emily turned fifteen, and Daisy, eight. Emily had grown tall and slender, always lost in thought with her phone in hand. Daisy, meanwhile, carried herself like a confident, self-assured duchess. They strolled the lot togetherEmily lost in her head, Daisy sniffing the grasswhen suddenly, the ambush! A huge, scruffy dog barrelled toward them, something like a sheepdog but shaggier, bursting with endless energy. A big, boisterous goof, he circled Daisy, nudging and licking her, his tail wagging hard enough to stir up dust. Daisy froze, utterly baffled by this cheeky intruder.
Dont worry, lovehes playful, but harmless! called out an elderly woman in her seventies, leaning on a walking stick. Never bitten a soul in his life!
I can tell, Emily laughed, crouching as the enthusiastic fluffball licked her hands, his tail whipping up a mini dust storm. The only danger here is death by slobber!
Ive only ever let him out in the yard beforenever brought him out proper. But my grandson visited yesterday, let him loose, and he was so happy! Thought Id give it a go. Then he spotted your little one and made a beeline.
And mine cant take her eyes off him. Think shes smitten.
Well, thats lovely! Twos always merrier. This rascals called Rufus. Im Margaret.
From that night on, Rufus became a regular on their evening walks. Sometimes hed already be waiting at the lot, and if he was late, Daisy would let out a sharp, ringing barkand within seconds, hed come sprinting. Theyd chase through the grass, roll in the dirt, play until they collapsed.
Emily would spread out a blanket under an apple tree and read while Daisy and Rufus, worn out from their games, flopped beside her, noses touching. Sometimes Margaret joined them, bringing biscuits, perching on the edge of the blanket, and sharing stories. Emily loved listeningMargaret lived alone, her son and grandson visiting rarely. Shed gotten Rufus five years ago as a tiny pup, thinking hed stay small. Instead, hed turned into a gentle giant.
Wouldnt manage without my sons help. Feeding this lad on my pensions a proper challenge, Margaret sighed, while Rufus gazed up at her with adoring eyes.
As September rolled in, walks shifted to evenings. One night, theyd just stepped onto the lotRufus nowhere in sightwhen a black SUV roared over the uneven ground, blaring music, three drunk lads inside. Two stumbled out, swaying as they flanked Emily.
She backed under the apple tree, quickly switched on her phones voice recorder, and slipped it into her pocket. Then she whispered to Daisy, Go get Rufus. Now.
All she could do was hope Daisy understood.
No encouragement was neededDaisy erupted into deep, furious barks, a full-blown alarm.
Oi, this ones got spirit! one lad grinned, looking her over. Glad we stopped!
Proper little firecracker, his mate agreed, which only made Daisy snarl, lips peeling back in a vicious snarl.
Why stand around? the first one said, suddenly grabbing Emilys arm. Come on, lets go for a ride. Promise well bring you back in one piece
Mostly, the other laughed, grabbing her other arm.
Lads, youre making a mistake, Emily said flatly, buying time. Another dogs on the way. You should leave while you still can.
What, another mutt? one sneered, kicking Daisy aside before yanking Emily toward the car. Come on, hope youre at least a laugh!
Might even bite us, the other cackled, slapping her thighbut the fun ended fast. The next second, he was sent flying as Rufus plowed into him like a battering ram.
Emily had never seen him like thiseyes wild, foam frothing at his mouth, teeth bared like hed tear into them without hesitation. Before anyone could react, Rufus slammed into the one holding Emily, snarling as he pinned him down. In seconds, he was standing over him, a mountain of fury.
The other lad scrambled back to the SUV, dove inside, and sped off, tires screeching.
Emily pulled out her phone, stopped the recording, and dialled 999.
Meanwhile, the pinned lad lay soaked in slobber, trembling under Rufuss weight. When the police arrived, thats exactly what they found.
Thats enough, Rufus, hes done, Emily said calmly, gently tugging his collar. Ugh, dont choke on that filth. Let him go dry his trousers.
The officers hauled the lad upand sure enough, dark patches stained his jeans.
As Emily held Rufus, she knelt, one hand stroking his panting muzzle, the other wrapping around Daisy, who still trembled, whining softly as if asking, Are we safe now?
Margaret said you couldnt even growl, Emily murmured, leaning into Rufus before adding softly, Yeah, right. Thank you, my hero.
October evenings grew colder. One night, Emily and Daisy headed to the lotbut no Rufus. Daisy barked cheerfully, as always, but no answer came. When they reached Margarets house, an ambulance stood outside. Margaret was carried out on a stretcher.
Taken poorly, a neighbour explained. Been coughing for days, barely moving. Then today, Rufus started howling like madhes usually so quiet. I rushed over, found her passed out, burning up. Called an ambulance straightaway. Hope she pulls through.
She will. Ill visit tomorrow, Emily said.
God willing But the dogIve got a male at home. Two wouldnt get on.
Well take him. Its tight, but Ill talk to my parentsthey wont say no.
Rufus, in his new home, was happy to be with Daisy, but sadness clung to him. Every time Emily returned from visiting Margaret in hospital, hed bolt
