Jays in Winter

Where's Apollo?

November 26th, 2002 6:20 PM
When I woke up, I was still in the snow. Just laying there on the ground..it looked, darker outside then it was when I blacked out..how long was I asleep? Were the animals okay? Did I even remember to feed the animals? I sat up and stood, looking around. Did Apollo go check on the animals? Is he inside? Did I forget to let him out? I walked around slowly and went towards the barn. I began to call out to him "Apollo?? Apollo!! Come here bubs!! Let's go inside!!" I yelled, my voice echoing throughout the large farmland. I sighed and opened the side door, stepping into the barn and shaking the snow off of myself.

I looked around, seeing the Highland Cattle looking to me, before lazily laying their heads back down on the straw beds. I smiled and went to check in on the pregnant female we had. Her baby would be born next May, but she was ready very large. I went to her and pet her head as she mooed at me "Good afternoon Stella" I kissed her head and gently felt her belly, the calf was getting bigger every day it seemed. I filled up her hay net and filled her water trough. I stood and waved goodbyes before leaving the barn once again.

I went out and frowned, still no sign of Apollo.."Apollo!! Where are you boy?" I yelled out, afraid of what could've happened to him..I became increasingly weary as I realized how dark it was getting..I began to run around to look for him "APOLLO!!" I yelled. Before suddenly fear struck me. I saw his large puppy paw prints..leading out into the forest. I teared up and ran inside, immediately going to the attic and opening Grandpa's old gun case. 4 bullets, one shotgun..I shakily picked it up and trudged back downstairs. I cleaned the shotgun and loaded it up, my hands still shaking as I held it...I never expected I'd have to do this, to disobey Grandma's orders, but I knew I had to..I grew up with that dog, and he was the most important thing to me. I wouldn't let him go after I just lost Grandma and Grandpa. I picked it up, turning to the door and storming out in fear and rage.

November 26th, 2002 6:40 PM
I went towards the woods, holding my shotgun close to my chest as I began to follow his tracks, praying in my head that we'd both make it out of these woods alive..I walked for about 30 minutes, moving farther and farther from the farm. I looked back to see if I could see it, all I could see was the small silhouette of our farmhouse. I squeezed my hands shut and turned around, my eyes widening as I saw the horrid sight in front of me..

November 26th, 2002 7:11 PM
My eyes watered and I dropped the gun at my feet "..Apollo?.." I spoke softly, as there, just 10 feet ahead of me, lay Apollo. Surrounded by red snow..lots..of red snow..I ran to him and fell to my knees by his side "Apollo?! Apollo bubba can you hear me?!" I gently shook him, before seeing the large, deep claw marks on his side..I teared up and began to cry, before seeing him lift his head up ever so slightly, whining at me..I could see the pain and sorrow in his eyes..he didn't know what happened either. I struggled, but I picked him up and ran back through the snow to the farm. Noway I was letting my only companion die on me now...no way.