It was the next morning. The snow had stopped for a while. It had melted as grit lorries put the salt like stuff on the ground for people to drive. There were many cars on the road that day.

Phoenix felt better after all the food and warmth from the day before. Lilly, Delilah and Jinx made sure she was fed and watered. She felt grateful for all the care. She felt happy now!

"Morning," said Delilah who was beside her. "Are you ready for the journey ahead?"

She stared at Phoenix who stretched out, her paws feeling a lot warmer. The older dog smiled at her.

"Yeah," said Phoenix wagging her tail in agreement. "But we need to thank Lilly!"

She sighed. She would miss the husky. She was definitely a great host for them.

"Of course," said Jinx who was the other side of Phoenix. "She's been a great host."

The other two nodded.

"Agreed," said Phoenix. "She and her owner."

They all heard the bowls being put on the floor. Then Lilly came in. Her tail was between her legs.

"Hey, Lilly!" Delilah greeted her.

Lilly stared at the three of them. Phoenix felt for the husky.

"Morning you three," Lilly  said sadly. "Food is served. You need to travel on a full stomach."

She helped Phoenix up. Then they set off to the kitchen.

"You will miss us, won't you?" Phoenix asked the Husky, noticing her low spirits.

The husky nodded. Her head drooped and she got Phoenix to her bowl. Then she ate her own food slowly. Her owner looked concerned at the dog.

"You will miss them, girl!" She walked over and petted the downcast husky.

Phoenix watched the two of them and sighed. She wanted to be back by Ellie's side. She missed doing what she was trained to do.

"Aren't you going to eat, Phoenix?" The girl asked the golden retriever.

Phoenix lowered her head and started eating. She felt better.

***

"Thank you, so much, Lilly!" Delilah barked as the door opened.

They had finished their food and were getting ready to continue their long journey home. The four dogs were together, the three of them were looking at the doorway. Lilly watched them, forlornly.

"Hey," said Phoenix looking at her. "Cheer up. I will see if Ellie will meet up with your owner. We all can see each other again."

Lilly sat there, looking hopeful. Delilah's heart melted. She felt bad for the Husky.

"Phoenix never brakes promises, Lilly!" She reassured her.

Phoenix nodded.

"Delilah is right," she said.

Jinx nodded. Then he frowned at Delilah.

"How do you know, Delilah?" He asked the XL bully.

Delilah looked embarrassed. Phoenix laughed.

"She and I talked sometimes," she admitted.

Lilly smiled slightly. "Would you do that?"

Phoenix nodded. "We wouldn't just leave a friend and not meet up with them just like that!"

"Thank you, you three!" Lilly felt a bit more happier. "Hopefully see you in the future."

The three dogs made their way to the open door. Phoenix turned back.

"We mean it when we say thank you, Lilly!" She told the husky. "It meant a lot. Good job your human found us!"

Lilly grinned. "You are so welcome. I am glad we made you feel safe. Good luck on the jouney!"

"Thank you," said Delilah. "See you soon!"

Then the three dogs set off.

***

In the park two days later, Jinx and Phoenix sat down near the bin. Delilah caught up with them.

"I thought I saw Ellie's friend," explained Phoenix as the XL bully sat with them. "Her dog Coco was with her. But I wasn't sure if it was her."

Delilah looked round. Jinx also did so.

"Now where do we go?" Delilah asked. "Do you know the way, Phoenix?"

Phoenix smelt the ground. She caught the sent of Coco's paws.

"I know that my friend has been here!" She said in excitement. "But has Ellie been here."

She tried again. Then she finally caught a sent. It smelt like Ellie's house. Or maybe her mother's car?

"Phoenix?" Came a familiar voice. "Jinx? Delilah?"

All three dogs barked and wagged their tails. Then they bounded towards Daniela and Ellie who were coming out of the car. Phoenix found Ellie and went onto her hind legs as the girl hugged her. Her paws went on the girl's shoulders.

"Oh, Nixie girl!" Ellie tickled her guide dog behind the ears. "I thought I wouldn't find you!"

Daniela was examining Delilah and Jinx's wounds.

"That horrid man!" She said through gritted teeth. "Welcome home, buddies!"

Delilah licked her hand. So did Jinx.

"Straight to the vets, I think!" Daniela said.

"Get down, now, Nixie!" Ellie giggled.

Phoenix did so, feeling the harness being put on her. She smiled as she felt her job come back.

"Forward," commanded Ellie.

Phoenix obeyed, swishing her tail. Jinx and Delilah followed Daniela to the back of the car. Then they lay down in the crates feeling safe.

***

Soon, they were safe at the house. They were all patched up. Delilah was a bit sleepy. She had to have teeth removed and her neck stitched up. Jinx only needed stitches.

"Who wants a Puppuccino?" Daniela announced.

All three dogs got excited. Daniela laughed.

"Okay," she said.

Ellie smiled as she cuddled Phoenix. She felt complete again. Phoenix felt happy as she swished her tail.

"Want a hot chocolate, Ellie?" Asked Daniela.

"Yes, please!" Ellie said smiling.

Delilah nuzzled Ellie's leg. Jinx lay at her feet. Both dogs wanted to keep her safe.

"This is great," Phoenix told the XL Bully and the German shepherd. "Nice warm house, fresh water and kind people to take care of us!"

"What are all the decorations doing up?" Jinx asked. "Surely it's not quite christmas yet?"

"It's not long away," said Delilah. "All the houses we passed had their stuff up!"

"Good point," sighed Jinx.

All the dogs went quiet. Ellie got out her phone and texted Bella.

"What is she doing?" Jinx asked as they heard the phone talking.

"Texting her friend," explained Phoenix. "Her vision must be bad today."

"Is that why a robot voice is coming out her phone?" Delilah asked.

Phoenix nodded. Then she snuggled into Ellie who hugged her. Phoenix closed her eyes and fell asleep. So did the other two dogs.

—————————-

A/N:

Here is chapter 11. How was this chapter?

This isn't the last chapter, but it was a sweet chapter, right?

Q&A:

1: do you think the three dogs were good?

2: Will they see Lilly again?

Hope you enjoyed this and see you for the final chapter.

Wolfie out.

Word Count not including the author Note: 1058