A/N Really wanted to write a Bear story - still working on it. This will do in the meantime…

oO0Oo

Yet another fantastic day at work. Found some bombs, saved some lives, got some kibble. All in all, a great day. Now I've got some work to do on this new rawhide bone Master got me. It's the good stuff. Came from home.

Master's bedding down. He commands me to bed down next to him. Okay - but the bone's coming with me.

"He sure loves that thing, Danny."

I look up at the voice. That's John, Master's friend. He's trying to learn the Words of Command, but he doesn't say them right. It sounds strange from him. But he and Master act like litter-mates - like pups, so I listen to him even when he stumbles. He is getting better.

The light goes out and I rest. Morning comes early.

oO0Oo

Today was not a good day.

My leg hurts. I want to chew it - to lick it. But I am not allowed.

I don't understand what happened. But it's bad. I found three bombs, but the fourth was a problem. I don't know why, but when I signalled to Master that there was a bomb, he did not react. It was as if he didn't hear me. Then he stepped on it. I don't remember much after that.

My leg hurts.

Where is Master?

"Hey, Duke. How ya doin'?" A hand ruffles behind my ears in the way that I like. It's John. One of his front paws doesn't work.

I whine, asking for Master. John understands.

"I know, Duke. I know. I'm sorry. Danny's not coming back for ya." His face is wet. "It's okay. You did good. That area had been cleared. There wasn't supposed to be anything there. But you knew better, didn't ya? We shoulda listened. You're a Good Dog." He buries his face in my fur. He's just a pup. He needs Comfort. I can give that.

He continues to murmur all the right things, but I know that nothing is alright anymore. For either of us.

Master is gone.

What will become of me?

What will become of John?

oO0Oo

A/N I recently watched a documentary on dogs like Bear (and Duke). Amazing animals!

Thanks for all the great suggestions. Don't worry - I'm working on them! Along with at least two other POI stories...