Tails of Sanctuary

Cody arrived at the top of the ramp to see thick branches covering the entrance to the top of the Oak. He heard hushed voices whispering and strained to hear what they were saying, “We know you’re there” a voice called out and the branches parted. A wolf and Bailey were both staring at Cody, the other wolves were still on the edges of the Oak, watching every corner of the land. Cody walked in and bowed his head before the wolf. The wolf came and greeted Cody before turning back to the conversation, “What would you have us do?” The wolf asked Bailey. Bailey walked over to the edge of the Oak, overlooking the clearing, “We have to drive them out.”     Cody shook his head, “We can’t do that.” The wolf turned his attention to Cody, “And why would that be?” He asked whilst narrowing his eyes. Cody met the wolfs stare with a defiant look of his own, “It’s not the way of the Oak.” Bailey scoffed, “We aren’t at Sanctuary anymore and it’s not like we have a way t...

Cody glanced towards the Sentinel who was already too far away for him to catch up. He then looked back down towards the pups and smiled. “Have you ever seen a lab before?” A few puppies began jumping up and down in response, and Cody beamed at them. “Yes just like you! And just like me! You see, the first lab was made not as long ago as you may believe. It was after much of the forest had been formed. Many Great Trees still stood, and the forest was teeming with life. Small rabbits hopped about while songbirds shared their melodies. Even a few bears roamed the woods. Though, in those days the bears were mostly peaceful and happy creatures. The Great Trees wanted a dog who could help guide the animals of the forest while keeping them from danger. They created three dogs. the first being the labs. Each was given a specific task. The first was entrusted as peacekeeper to ensure harmony between the animals of the land. The second was asked to watch over the birds and trees m...

Prologue Part Three - The First Golden     Once everyone was settled in, the pups became restless, and they wanted to hear Cody tell them another story. They were clamoring to hear how the first Golden Retriever was made. Cody smiled and told them all to come closer and he would tell them.     “All of the first dogs start and end the same way, they are made of clay and at first are pure white, their eyes are precious gems from the mountains and they always have a heart of gold, as does every dog who makes it to the door of the Oak.” Cody smiled and chose his words carefully so the dogs here would know he spoke of them too. “The first golden was the same. He loved to run and fetch things for the Great Trees. Whether it was sticks, or balls, or nuts, he enjoyed running through the forest to grab whatever he was sent to get and return it to the Great Trees. They heaped such praise upon him too! As he would run and chase whatever it was he was retrieving...

Once Cody had gone back into the Oak, he was greeted with many ecstatic dogs. They were very excited because not only had Cody gone to tell these stories to the other dogs and little pups but also he was able to tell these stories with such skill. Captivating even the youngest pup for the entire duration of the story was a skill every dog could envy.  Cody invited the dogs to come with him next time, to sit with them and get to know them. “We’re all here now; we might as well get to know one another. Don’t you think?” Cody said. Though some dogs were swayed to his side, many were fearful to go out. Bailey, a very large shepherd, was unhappy Cody was going out of the Oak to mingle with these other dogs. She didn’t want any dog from the Oak leaving it to help them. It was bad enough Storm had forsaken them to go off on an adventure looking for Hojan. Now, she had to deal with Cody entertaining these dogs in their very front yards. Bailey decided she would confront the old do...