The Dalmatian's Mission

A Dalmatian is a dog on a mission to save lives when Alpinists are lost, or even worse are buried underneath an avalanche that carried them down the valley. Hear my bark, I am rushing to find them; I sniff several times and warn the rescue team that they are still alive, but not for long. I may hear voices calling for help, I quickly run to that spot and start digging with my claws, hoping that they can breathe a minute longer... and with my breath I start melting the snow, making a tunnel for them to get a glimpse of the bright sky; a frozen hand reaches out to me, his feeble voice is heard, " I am alive, come and pull me out of this icy hole! " The helicopter arrives in minutes landing feet away; joyful commotion fills the hearts of the rescuers, " Hold on, young man...you'll be okay! " When the pale boy, barely eighteen, is pulled up, he broadly smiles and pats me on the head; I bark back to show my happiness, being proud that the mission was achieved without a loss. July 10, 2012