It came suddenly; one moment I was struggling to breathe. And the next I was unable to breathe.
I desperately tried to breathe again – it was the Law – but I couldn't. Something was stopping me.
Everytime Mother or the Bigger Friends tried to give me New Food, it spattered over the ground. It wouldn't stay in. But it had to stay in. Because I had to survive.
Very weak now; I could not stand up on my own. I had been on the ground, struggling for life, for a moon now. I felt myself withering away.
Would I live? Could I live?
My body shuddered and I howled in agony. I felt myself slipping away. The world was fading; or was I fading? I couldn't smell the grass, feel the wind in my fur coat, or run through our lush territory.
I was unable to do anything.
Whimpering in sorrow, I shook. And then it hit me.
I was dying. But would I survive from this dying disease?
I never had a chance to find out.
Author's Note:
The wolf puppy in this story passed away from a deadly disease that can affect all canine species; including domestic dogs. It is most prevalent in puppies, however symptoms can show at any age regardless of previous health.
The disease is known as Canine Parvovirus. Vaccinations against this terrible disease are available for domestic dogs.
For more information on how to protect YOUR dog or puppy from this disease, or how to recognize the symptoms of Canine Parvovirus, please contact your local veterinarian.
I am a huge sucker for animals, so I made this chapter short. It hurt to just write it.