Leo gasped dramatically, then clapped as Spencer waded into the cold water, glad the dog wasn’t too far out.
Jax was still calling the dog, and Ryan asked if he should call the coastguard.
Spencer told them not to move, then tried to walk a bit faster, reaching for the dog as the rolling waves splashed against his stomach.
The children cheered as the dog was whipped up into Spencer’s arm just as another dark wave rolled their way.
Spencer was relieved the sea wasn’t too choppy as he plodded to the shoreline, lowering himself and the soaked dog panting in his face.
Leo tugged his cape so it draped on the animal. ‘It’s all right. You’re safe now.’
The dog licked Leo’s hand, making the boy smile.
Ryan flopped to his side. ‘He’s so small. He must have got swept away.’
The boys started to fuss the dog while Spencer scanned the beach for an owner.
‘He looks fine now,’ said Jax.
‘You need a good sleep,’ Leo told the animal, stroking its brown fur.
‘Hello. Hello,’ a high-pitched voice squealed.
They all turned to see a young man running their way.
‘It that my baby?’ he cried, approaching.
The dog jumped up, tail wagging.
‘Your dog was drowning,’ said Leo, standing as the man bent to his pet.
‘He ran off. I only let him off the lead for one minute. Didn’t think he’d get far on his little legs, but then he saw another dog, and zoom, he was gone. I’ve been looking everywhere. I had no idea he came down here.’
‘Spencer saved him,’ said Jax proudly.
Spencer half smiled, glad the dog was okay, but fed up with his legs being soaked through to the bone.
‘Your dog isn’t a good swimmer,’ said Leo.
The man cradled his pet close to his face. ‘Thank you so much for saving Tiny.’ He turned to his pet. ‘What were you thinking going in the sea?’
‘Maybe he chased a seagull,’ said Jax.
‘Or was paddling and got swept out,’ said Ryan. ‘It’s not the same as a swimming pool, you know. There’s all sorts going on out there.’
‘Barracudas,’ said Leo, scrunching the damp part of his cape to his chin.
Ryan frowned at him. ‘I meant the undercurrent.’
‘We’re just glad your dog is okay,’ said Spencer.
‘Thank you once more.’ The man let the boys stroke Tiny again before he headed off, looking slightly teary.
Leo glanced at Spencer. ‘Do we get a badge for that?’
‘For what?’
‘Saving Tiny.’
