Mush

As he sat there - the wind was beginning to pick up and ruffle his fur, but he didn't mind. The cold air tried to bite at his skin but it failed - his layers hid him from the lashing gusts. He didn't even know what cold was. He endured it and he waited.

The thing we waited for would emerge soon from the tent that was set up not far from where he sat. He knew his job, how to do it, and he did it. He slept periodically through the night, stirring for extended periods to sit watch where he was chained to the frozen ground. He was to make sure nothing came out of the darkness and approached the tent. To survive, he needed what was in that tent to survive.

As the sun continued to crest over the horizon, he knew the man would soon stir and walk out onto the tundra. Stretching and yawning along the way. He couldn't wait to see his master. Sitting out alone at night listening to the howling wind scared him at times. His instincts would kick in and the urge to run would be overwhelming - but he knew he could not last without the man.

As anticipated, the tent shook and the man emerged, shielding his eyes from the glaring sun that was almost overhead. His eyes glowed with a special warmth as he smiled at his guard. Turning around, he reached into the tent a pulled out a bowl.

At this point - he just couldn't help it. He began howling and yelping, running back and forth as far as the chain would let him. When he'd reach the end - he'd hop up on his hind legs. His eyes glowed with life. Without thought, he tail wagged.

It wasn't because the man was bringing food that he was excited - it was because he hadn't seen his friend the entire night.