Username: River Song
Name: Ashely, Ash for short.
Gender: Female
Quirks: Ashley loves milk
Fears: Ashley has a fear of sharp objects
"We all have our shattered shields,
our broken hopes and dreams,
cracked because someone who never knew you,
swung at you,
and all you did was shield the pain." I remember going to the aquarium. I remember the smell of algae and rotting fish. The water was murky and dark, and I could barely see the movement. It was a small tank. To small. The AW inside was cramped against the slimy grey green glass. She blinked at me, eyes screaming a silent plea.
Help meI gently reached a hand into the water, breaking the layer of green plants on the top. The AW blew a stream of bubbles, twitching her tail in a gesture to say:
HelloShe reached a paw onto the tanks edge, and I was shocked to see a scar running over it. I slowly placed my hand on top of hers, feeling each bone beneath her matted fur. A shudder passes over me as I think of someone abandoning their pet like this. I know that Marco, the other person on my animal rescue party is somewhere near. I call out, my words echoing off the dusty walls. A fringe of orange hair shows my friend arrival, and he gasps at the sight of this poor AW. He looks to me, unspoken question in his eyes. I nod and he turns, going to get a carrier for this girl. My name is Savannah Grey, I work rescuing animals and over the four years I have worked here, I have seen horrible things, things that it pains me to recall,, things that have filled me with doubt at humanity. But this AW, she called out to me. Maybe it was the fact I could relate to the panic in her eyes and the story they held. And yes, it was a sad story, a story of pain. sorrow, confusion. But just maybe, she needs someone to listen.
"I promise..." I murmur to her, "I will be the one to listen."
The moment we stop the car, Marco and I quickly take Ash to the Veterinarian, Dr. Polo. They looks over her, frowning at the scars running over her body.
"Now, where did you find her?" They ask.
Marco replies, explaining the cramped cage. At the mention of the plants, the doctors frown deepens.
"Well..." Their voice is heavy with concern. "We may have to take a blood sample, make sure she has no contagious diseases." The doctor turns, heading out of the office, going to get a needle.
Ashley sneezes, blinking her bright pink eyes slowly. She send a cautious glance around the doctors room, and once contented all is safe, she settles onto the table. I gently take a brush and run it over her fur, carefully working out the tangles. The doctor returns, needle in hand. Ashley whips her head around, a shallow growl in her throat. Her eyes focus in on the needle, narrowing in anger. Her bark rings in the small, whitewashed room, and the doctor glances at the upset AW. She fluffs up her fur, rising from a laying position to a sit.
"Wow girl...." I speak softly, reaching out a hand. She turns her yellow head to glare at me, yet I gently place my palm on her muzzle. She exhales, chest rising again, than falling. The vet reaches out, running a hand down her spine. She is calm. A sharp yelp escapes her as the vet inserts the needle, yet she does not struggle. I gently rub her nose, telling her over and over that it will be alright. Once the vet is done, they give Marco and me some AW food for Ashley. We smile and thank them, returning to my dark blue pickup truck and driving home.
It is night when I go to check on her again. She sits on the side of the pool in which she currently resides, watching me with those pink eyes. As I go to sit next to her, my ankle twists under me. I feel myself falling, and cannot stop a yelp as I cascade into the pool. My head hits the deck as I slip under the surface, and my world fades to black.
I awake to the beeping of a machine. White ceiling tiles look down on me, and I realise I am in hospital. A newspaper sits on the table besides me, and I am shocked to the he headline.
Aw saves girl.At twelve pm, Savannah Grey went out to feed her newly rescued Aw, Ashley. However, she slipped, and fell in the pool, falling unconscious. Ashley, seeing her friend in trouble, dove underwater, and getting her owner out of the water, she howled and whined until Savannah's neighbour Bill Parker, went to check on the AW. There he found her with Mrs. grey on her back.
Ashley saved my life.
Three months laterAshley quickly splashes to the side of the pool, her fur streaming behind her. I toss the fish into the water, and she leaps out of the pool, spinning in the air and snatching the salmon in her jaws. I signal with my hand, and she flips over in the water, the fish still clamped in her teeth. She gulps it down in a few seconds, and looks at me expectantly. I smile, placing the bowl down, and Ash moves back to the edge. She laps at the milk, then, with a bark of glee, flips the bowl over and onto her head, spinning in a mocking dance. I can't help but laugh as Marco sticks his head out of the house, and seeing Ash, gives me a concerned glance implying:
Are you sure she isn't crazy?As if to state her point, Ashley whips the bowl at Marco's head, and with another chuckle, I dive into the salty water, feeling the warmth of my brave, loyal friend beside me. And I will never know, how she got her scars. I will never be able to heal her scars. But
