Believe it or not

by Sumana Saparamadu

Rosa Carrington living in Palmerston, New Zealand saved a puppy from an animal shelter. She could possibly have died there. Rosa named the puppy Hannah.

Hannah recovered and grew up, healthy and playful.

One night Hannah started whining and jumping on Rosa's bed. Rosa woke up with a start. Hannah was nuzzling her (rubbing her nose) and trying to get Rosa's attention.

Rosa's husband was away working on a night shift.

She got out of bed to check what was worrying Hannah. She heard the crackling sound of fire in the sitting room. She grabbed her baby and Hannah and fled out of the house.

When neighbours came to find out what had happened she told them how Hannah had nuzzled her and woken her to alert her to the fire.

"I saved her life and she saved ours - my life and my daughter's," said Rosa looking gratefully at Hannah.

One good turn deserves another! whining - making long drawn cries. In Sinhala we would say Kendiri Ganawa.