'Falling in the Woods Again' by Glo Curl

The woods are full of fresh scents; I'm picking up fox with a waft of badger and sprig of squirrel. Mum's calling me back, but I'm forging on through the undergrowth, nose to the ground, doing my 'working cocker thing' as she calls it. I'm free as a bird.

Oh no, I'm falling, how did that happen? I never fall, I'm strong now. Someone has caught me, they have me tight in their arms. Too tight. I struggle to free myself. Where's Mum? I try to shout but my muzzle is held shut.

I'm in a dark place. I know this place, I've been here before. I'm being pummelled by four puppies at my elongated teats. I hear the whimpering of others further down the barn. Fear grips me. My ears hurt from the pus, my skin itches constantly, but I have babies and must tend to them. I hear his heavy footsteps outside the huge door. Will he hit me again?

The door opens and I blink as the sunlight pours in. He pushes me out of the way and picks up my pups, one by one. I try to stop him and he kicks me in the ribs. I have to escape because I sense there is another life beyond that door. I dart around him and fly into the warmth of the sun. I see Mum, waiting for me, arms open. She's calling me.

A gentle hand is stroking me as I surface into reality.

'Another bad dream, sweetheart?'

I lift my head to look at her as the images fade, stretch to release the tension in my body, and sink back into exhausted sleep.