Mountain Climbers

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" Let's go boy" I shout to Miles, my hound dog. Today we are hiking Trapper Peak. We were experienced and often went with friends, but today it was just me and Miles.

No map was needed, my navigational skills will have to do. The peak was huge and we needed supplies that would last us throughout the day. I gather everything into each of our packs and we set out on our journey.

Leaves crunched under our feet.

"Stay close, Miles" I command and he trots to me. I remember what my father said earlier, "Beware of the cougars and bears."

"I know" I replied, rolling my eyes. Little did I know that I would use his advice.

It was dusk and the sun was setting in the west. Miles and I spent the day hiking and tracking. Our day was successful and we were heading back to the car, but I couldn't help but notice the pure joy that Miles was showing, that put a smile on my face. I realize that no matter what, he would be there for me. He looked at me, trotted over and waited for his favorite words.

"Good boy, Miles."

That joy quickly turns into worry. I look to Miles to see if he's worried and sure enough his ear's are high and alert, looking back and forth between me and the surrounding woods. I look around and listen for any signs of movement. My face changed instantly when I hear a third set of footsteps crunching the leaves.

"Miles, we're not alone." I whisper.

Hidden into it's surrounding, I spot it and it sees us. A large cougar, bigger than any I have ever seen, starts walking towards us. I slowly start backing up, away from the cougar, but it starts walking faster towards us.

"Run, Miles!" I shout, turning around to sprint back to the car. We are only half a mile away, if we run we have a shot at making it. I notice that Miles isn't following. I look back and I completely didn't realize how fast the cougar could run, but Miles could.

Within seconds, they are on top of each other, both protecting what they love. The cougar protecting her family and Miles protecting me. Neither of them were going to go down without a fight. There was no time to freak out, I have to take action. My screams and shouts fill the air, trying to scare him off.

"Miles! Come here! Get off of him!" It doesn't work. I start throwing rocks, careful to avoid Miles. The seconds that go by feel like an eternity.

I should have taken my father's advice, I think over and over. My panic turns into worry when they untangle and part ways. My feet have never moved faster and I fall to the ground next to Miles.

"No, no, no, it will be alright boy." I say crying. Carefully I pick him up to rush him to the car. The whines go through me like knives and my muscles ache from carrying his weak body.

The car is a pleasing sight. My hand pushes through my pocket for the keys and I unlock it. Miles is in a lot of pain and is very hurt. What he did for me I could never repay. He saved my life without even thinking of the potential danger. The only thing I could do is help save his. Rushing through the traffic, we finally make it to the vet's office and I grab him and run in. Everyone looks up from what they are doing and gasps in disbelief. Help has finally arrived.

To this day we both hold the scars from our dangerous adventure. With every person I tell, they only grow deeper, reminding us of our near death experience. Our relationship has grown stronger. Miles risked his life for me, and in the end we saved each others. Our story lives on through the woods where we suffered. Miles is truly one in a million and we have never left each other's side and that is the way we like it.