Disclaimers: I do not own The Lord of the Rings. J.R.R. Tolkien does. The Sussex Spaniel and his name belong to me.
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The morning dew trickled off the smooth leaves. Spring had reached the Shire and with it came the flowers, the children, and even the dogs. For Chester, the liver-colored Sussex Spaniel, Spring meant something else. It meant the time when he would explore Hobbiton and Bywater more often with his master, Frodo Baggins, who adopted him two years ago.
Chester loved spending time with Frodo. He was quiet but filled with energy, something they both value. If this Sussex Spaniel had a knack for finding good company, then he would bark it to the world!
He and Frodo had been thick as thieves ever since he was a puppy. So far, their lives were splendid! However, something was off today!
Chester barked until he wore down! Where was Frodo? What if he was in danger? Chester would have to save him before something bad happened to him. Then this dog, for sure, would lose his master and that wouldn't be good!
Chester whined. He would have to break free of this fence and explore. The Party Tree wasn't far away! Just down the green grassy slope! There were the hobbits moving to and fro about the area. Oh! There was Frodo, heading this way! Good! Chester yapped, delighted to see his master.
"Well, Chess, are you ready for your walk?" Frodo asked, untying the leash from the fence.
Chester barked happily! Oh, he loved walks, almost as much as he loved his meals!
Frodo chuckled. "Well, today we're heading to the Bywater Pool. You like the water, don't you Chess?"
The dog barked a few more times. Oh, this was a field trip! He loved that lake! Why couldn't they go there more often in the winter? Well, he wasn't one to judge. He just wanted to be near the game. He wanted to hunt! Was it enough that his master was dragging him down the road?
No! Frodo wasn't dragging him. In fact, he was waiting for him to follow. Chester did, smelling the crisp lake water and the fishy smell. Oh, fish! Why did it have to be fish?! He didn't want to hunt fish! He wanted to hunt other game! And why was his leash being attached to a post?
Chester gave his best barks towards Frodo, doing what he could to keep his master with him. Frodo could be in danger here and Chester, like a good doggie, would have to save his life! It was very important that he keep his master safe and sound.
Chester barked again, watching Frodo as he dived into the lake. The Sussex Spaniel couldn't take it. No! What was Frodo doing?! Was he drowning? Chester struggled to break free of his leash… he had to do this… he had to save Frodo!
Yank!
The Sussex Spaniel was free from his prison! He ran towards the lake and dived into the water. There was Frodo, laughing joyously.
"I don't need saving, Chess!" Frodo said, swimming with his dog back to shore.
Well, Chester was glad to see his master safe! He thought Frodo was drowning… or so it looked! At last, they made it to the bank!
Chester shook himself off, getting the excess water off his liver colored fur. He looked at his leash absentmindedly. It hadn't broken, but the post he was attached to was also not broken. How odd! He expected it to break! He didn't want his leash to be attached to the post again, but that's what Frodo did.
The Sussex Spaniel barked, struggling to break free again. NO! His leash was tightened. Frodo had to be saved! He couldn't just sit and watch! Frodo returned to the water, staying afloat. Oh, what was Frodo thinking? This was pointless. Chester had to save his master! This was not what this dog had in mind! Not at all!
He kept barking, doing his best to keep his composure together. Frodo was in danger and Chester would save him, no matter what.
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Thanks for reading. :)