[ WP ] An animal is about to sacrifice himself for his owner , tell his story .

He was in trouble, my master was in trouble. I could smell blood, hear his cries for help, so I ran. He was on the floor, curled up as another man kicked him. My fur bristled as a low growl rumbled in my chest. My master's attacker faced me with a startled jump, staring at me. I could smell his fear, it was distinctly different from my master's. 
 
 I started barking, shouting with the volume of a clap of thunder. This intruder was not welcome! 
 
 The man shouted at my master, looking between us and shaking a small object; it resembled a sharp, shiny stick. I bared my teeth and flattened my ears as I snarled at this intruder. Why was n't he leaving? 
 
 My master attempted to sit up as I distracted the other man, but did n't get very far until he held his side, the source of the blood I could smell. This guy was n't welcome, he was hurting my master, and he was *still* here. 
 
 So I did what any loyal animal would do - I attacked. I belted out a furious roar before I lunged, ready to rip out this guy's throat. 
 
 `` Stella!'' my human called, but it was too late. I was in full attack mode, and I bit down on the intruder. He screamed, and I drew blood. The ooze filled my mouth, and it excited a primal part of me that needed more. I let go to draw more blood when the man struck me. I snarled again, half in pain, and I clamped my jaws on the man's leg. He kicked at me, but my hold was firm. I could hear my master scoot away from the danger, which made me more determined to finish this threat. 
 
 But this guy was stubborn. He struck me countless times, shook his body to pry me free. I kept on going until I knocked him down. He was trying to push me away, but I was merciless. He hurt my master! 
 
 `` Stella!'' 
 
 I almost did n't feel the pain at first, but the more I fought, the more it hurt; the more I bled. The man squirmed away and my kicked my face until I had to let go. I was hurting everywhere, but even as the man ran away, a hitch in his step, I was determined to follow. 
 
 `` Stella, here.'' My master. He was okay. Safe. I looked behind me, giving a canine smile as I limped towards him. I felt safe with him, even in the midst of this... this chaos. 
 
 He held me close, stroking my head as he gently examined my side. I whined at the pain it caused, and he kept muttering, over and over. I was feeling weaker and weaker, but I was happy. I kept my human safe. I was a good dog. 
 
 I could hear him talking to me, a constant, soft, reassurance. He was sad, I could smell it. But he had no need to be sad. I protected him, like any good dog would do. He picked me up, put me in his truck. The fresh air felt nice. The world started to pass me by in blurry swipes, but the air still felt good. Better, actually. 
 
 The truck lurches to a halt, and my ears prick up at the sensation. I want to open my eyes, but it hurts. Everything hurts and smells like blood. We're moving again, and the air ruffles my fur. It feels nice, but I'm just so tired. I just want to sleep, and have good dreams. My master's hand pets my head and I whimper softly to let him know I'm still okay. 
 
 I'm still okay, I can still be a good dog... I just need to sleep. 
 
 My side no longer hurts. I can still smell the blood, both of ours, but I keep my eyes closed. I just want to sleep...
