The Shaggy Angel
Holly was inching backwards, not taking her eyes off the giant dog sitting right in the middle of the road, completely unbothered by her presence.
Good boy, youre alright, arent you? she kept whispering, voice barely above a breath, careful not to startle him.
The dog looked formidablehis solid body draped in a dense, untidy coat, tangled here and there. His eyes, dark and watchful, followed her every tiny movement. His ears pricked and twitched, taking in even the faintest noise. Holly could feel her insides curling with fear, her knees almost knocking despite all her efforts to appear composed. Shed always been frightened of dogseven the little purebreds people carried in handbags. That fear had burrowed deep, back from childhood.
Shed only been four when her parents took her to visit her nan in a tiny Hampshire village. Next door lived a chap who bred dogs. Holly had been wildly curious by naturealways wanting to touch, peer, nose around. So of course she couldnt pass up a chance to cuddle an adorable puppy that had wandered into their garden. While the grown-ups chatted inside, she carefully scooped the pup up and toddled towards the house. She didnt make it farsuddenly, a large dog blocked her path: the mother, teeth bared. She didnt attack, just growled deep and lowbut it was more than enough. That single moment stuck in Hollys memory for everpure fear, total helplessness, cold dread that froze her stiff.
Years passed, but her fear of dogs remained. And now there was this hulking creature, clearly not intending to budge. Holly decided shed rather not take her chances; better to go around. She slowly turned away and walked in the other direction, trying to keep calm. But every handful of steps, she risked a glance behindsure enough, the dog was following. Not close, always keeping his distance, but trailing her all the same.
Clever thing, she muttered, sneaking another peek at her silent shadow. Keeps his distance, as if he knows Im scared. But whys he following me? Wheres his owner? On and on the questions spun, unanswered.
Finally, she caught sight of her flat at the end of the street. Half-walking, half-running, she hurried up the steps, swiped her key card at the front door and slipped inside. Turning back, she saw the dog sitting, exactly where hed stopped. He didnt move as the door closed, just watched with those steady, thoughtful eyes.
Inside, Holly set her bag on the hallway shelf, took off her shoes, and paused, straining to listen. Silence. The muffled hum of the city drifted through the windows, but nothing more. She needed to be sure the dog hadnt camped out at her door, so she dashed to the living room and peeked through the window.
There he was, still, his shaggy silhouette unmistakable. He seemed to sense her watching: his head tilted, then his tail gave a slow, lazy wag. At last, he ambled off, disappearing into the dusk. Holly let out a sigh of reliefhed gone. For now.
From then on, it turned into an odd little ritual. Every evening, just as Holly left work and turned onto her road, the dog appeared out of nowhere, quietly tailing her right up to the flats. At first, he kept at least ten metres behind, never coming close. But gradually, the gap shrunk. Soon five metres, then threethen one night, he was almost shoulder to shoulder with her.
Holly was still uneasy, the edge of old terror nudging her ribs, but that knee-jerk panic started to fade. Where once a twitch or yawn from him set her nerves screaming, now she only watched him warily. Her body remembered the childhood fright, but her mind started to believehes not here to hurt me. Hes just walking alongside.
With time, she noticed more about him; his stridecalm, almost noble. His ears, once stiff with alertness, now often relaxed. His eyes, still dark and sharp, no longer looked menacing.
One night, as she let herself into the building with the scruffy dog just behind, she realised it actually felt nice knowing he was nearby. Maybe he needed a name. It didnt take long to decidethere was something almost magical about his silent company, something ancient and big.
Merlin, she said aloud, trying the name on for size. He immediately looked round, as if he understoodthis was his name now. Holly grinned at the perfect timing.
Work was full-on; she managed projects at a small advertising agency, her days crammed with morning meetings, chats with clients, copy edits, phone calls and emails. By evening shed stagger home, desperate to kick off her shoes, brew up a mug of tea and melt away in front of her laptop.
Now, though, the walk home was more than just a trek from office to flat. Merlin, in his quiet way, made these moments special. He never barked, never leapt up, never demanded her attentionjust kept her company, walking with her in step, as if he knew this gentle presence was exactly what she needed.
Sometimes Holly slowed down, letting him draw a bit closer. Occasionally, her courage surged and shed actually throw him a glance. Merlin would meet her gaze, calm and collected, as if to say: trust takes time. And, brick by brick, her old fear softened, replaced by something newtentative, gentle, and not frightening any more.
One September evening, she was held up late at work reworking a pitch for a big client. By the time she finished and packed up, it was nearly eight. She hurried through the chilly London streets, leaves spinning around her shoes in the autumn breeze, but her mind buzzed with worry.
Merlin wasnt there. Normally, as soon as she turned onto her street, hed appear from behind a parked car or lope out from the cornerIll admit, Id started to count on it. Without him, the walk felt strangely lonelyand even a little bit unsafe.
What if somethings happened? Maybe hes unwell? Or maybe his owners come for him? Or did he just get tired of waiting? she fretted, picking up her pace. She tried not to dwell on it, but the worries stuck. She carried on, eyes darting to every hedge and shadow in hope hed still show up.
Dusk set in fast. Streetlights hadnt flickered on yet, the lane quickly shrouded with solid shadows. Holly didnt enjoy being out after darkevery sound felt sinister, every figure a potential threat. She wished, for the first time, that Merlin was theresomehow, his company always made her braver.
She was nearly at the crossroads when a mans sneering voice rang out from a side alley:
Alright, beautifulfancy a chat?
Inside, Hollys heart seized up. She sped up, desperate not to show any fear, but her hands were trembling.
Where do you think youre off to so fast? Scared, are you? The man stepped closer, his footsteps loud behind her. Without warning, he grabbed her arm, fingers digging in painfully.
Im talking to you, love. Dont like being ignored. He leaned in, breath hot and sour.
Holly wrenched away, panic thundering, but his grip only tightened.
Let go, or Ill scream! Her voice shook, but she tried to sound firm.
Oh, go on then. He sneered, holding her fast. In the sickly glow of the streetlamp, she saw steel flasha knife, glinting in his outstretched hand. All she could do was curse the late finish at workif shed left on time, none of this wouldve happened. And now… now the street was empty but for her and this man with eyes full of malice.
Frantic thoughts tumbledshould she make a run for it? But with that knife, one wrong move try talking him round? But his slurred words and off-kilter swagger betrayed he was drunk, barely making sense. She was terrified, but she dug her heels in, refusing to give up.
Suddenly, the stillness was shattered by a deep, thunderous growl. The man whipped round, and the hand clutching her slipped away. In the blink of an eye, he was knocked to the ground, a massive shaggy form looming over him.
Get lost, you mangy mutt! The man howled, trying to wrench his arm awaybut Merlin had him by the wrist, jaws tight.
The knife clattered to the pavement. Holly didnt hesitateshe booted it away into some nearby bushes, out of sight.
Let him go now, Merlinbut dont let him run off! her voice wobbled, but she tried to sound commanding. Im calling the police. God knows if hes done this before
Obediently, Merlin released his grip, but stayed right in front, eyes drilling holes into their attacker. Each time the man moved, Merlin growledjust enough warning. He sat down, mere feet away, unwavering.
After a little while, police arrived. They cuffed the bloke, bundled him into the squad car, and just like that, the street was quiet again. Only then did Merlin trod over to Holly, who was still huddled on the kerb, knees drawn to her chest.
Gently, he rested his great head on her knee and gave a soft sigh. There was so much warmth and silent comfort in the gesture, Hollys tears finally broke free and slid down her cheeks. Her hands shook, but she wrapped her arms round her saviour.
Thank you, she murmured into his tangled fur. Thank you for being here.
After that night, everything changed. Holly couldnt imagine her world without Merlin. She brought him home, and soon enough, he had a bed at the foot of her own. Every evening he was at the door, big brown eyes following her as she popped the kettle on and pottered round the flat. He wasnt just a pethe had become her most loyal bodyguard, an ever-watchful friend who always seemed to sense when she was in need of comfort.
Even though she still jumped at sudden bangs or shouts outside, Holly no longer felt alone. Not with Merlin, whod once and for all shown hed protect her, no hesitation.
*****
The first days in Hollys flat werent easy for Merlin. He crept in, ears flat, nose quivering as he tried to make sense of all the new smellscleaning products, perfumes, food, paint. He slowly circled each room, poking his nose into corners, pausing to listen to the distant hum of neighbours or odd little squeaks in the pipes. Holly let him take his time, not fussing or forcing him into the new dog bed she had bought. Instead, she stayed close, speaking in a soft, steady voice and letting him go at his own pace.
Eventually, he settled down. First beside the front door, keeping watch, then he discovered the big window by the living room. He liked lying there, head just poking onto the sill, eyes flicking out to the world and all its happenings. That seemed to soothe him most.
Holly tried to make things as nice as she couldcosy bed with high sides, sturdy food and water bowls, and a small pile of toys: a ball, a rubber bone, a battered teddy rabbit. Merlin eyed them skeptically at first, but soon started nosing the toys, giving them experimental nudges and eventually carrying them round the flat.
Bit by bit, Merlin began to trust. Hed wait for Holly at the front door, head up at the first hint of her footsteps on the stair, then bounding over the moment she unlocked the door. Evenings, theyd stroll through the park nearbyHolly following the winding paths while Merlin ambled quietly by her side, sniffing at hedges or cocking his head to listen for blackbirds. She found herself increasingly comfortable around himin fact, not just comfortable, but confident. He was more than a pethe made her feel safe.
His loyalty warmed her heart. On weary days, shed curl up on the sofa, and there hed be, resting his big heavy head on her lap. At times she couldnt believe how close theyd grown.
One morning, getting ready for work, Holly noticed something was off. Merlinusually all tail-wags at the doorjust heaved himself up from his bed and shuffled over to the water bowl. Even then, he didnt drink, just stood for a moment then padded back to lie down.
Worried, Holly knelt beside him. His coat seemed duller, his eyes tired and his movements slow.
Whats the matter, lovely? she asked, hand gentle on his back.
He just sighed, laying his big head on his paws, too weary to hold it up. Holly pulled out her mobile and quickly rang the local vet.
The vet arrived that afternoon. After a thorough check, he said, Not to worry, its a mild infection. Probably from something he scrounged while out. Fairly common in stray dogs. Nothing too seriousbut hell need a weeks rest, some tablets and special food.
What should I do? Holly shot back, anxious.
Feed him this special stuff, twice a day, and make sure he takes his tabletsjust hide them in a bit of cheese or chicken, if you like, the vet said with a wink. Plenty of water. Hell be back to himself in a week or so.
Holly followed every instruction. She gave Merlin little meals, always warmed up for comfort, sneaking the pills into nibbles of roast chicken. She made sure his water bowl was always full, and often tempted him over with quiet praise.
He seemed to understand her care. After every meal or tablet, hed lick her hand, looking up with those wise brown eyesI know youre helping me.
Soon enough, Merlin perked up. Day by day, he showed more interest in toys, then in walks. Within a week he was back to his usual self, popping up at the door each evening with a happy tail-wag and a soft whine of welcome. Holly couldnt hide her delight; she was so grateful to see him well again, full of beans and shining with energy.
Life settled into a gentle, happy routine. Holly adjusted to being a proper dog owner, reading up on dog-friendly foods and making Merlin tasty little meals. She set meal times, regular walkies, and play sessions in the garden.
One weekend, Holly thought it might be good for Merlinnow so well-settledto learn a few tricks. She signed him up for a basic obedience class at the rec centre around the corner. She was amazed at how quick he learnedsit, down, come heresoon he was doing them all. The trainer praised Merlins concentration and eagerness, and Holly felt a surge of pride every time he nailed a new command.
Weekends were for the parkMerlin could sprint about, chase after balls, or introduce himself, gently, to other dogs. Holly would sit on a bench, a flask of tea in hand, watching him roll through the grass, his wagging tail flashing at every glance over his shoulderjust making sure she was there and watching. Sometimes hed play with new furry friends, circling and bowing before dashing off in a game of chase. These were her favourite hoursquiet, content, and safe.
But then, one ordinary weekday evening, something changed. Holly was heading home after a particularly long slog at work. The streetlamps were only just coming on. As she reached her building, a man she didnt recognise was leaning by the wall, watching her.
Evening, he smiled politely as she neared. You must be Holly?
She stopped, cautious. Yes. And you are?
Im Alex, he replied with a nod. Im actually this dogs owner.
Her breath caught. Those words just hung in the air, her mind scrambling.
You youre his owner? she managed. Whys he been on the street, then?
Alex took a heavy breath. Its a long story, he said. I was working up in Scotland for monthsleft Merlin with a friend thinking itd be fine. Turned out, he couldnt cope, and without telling me, just let him out.
He fell silent, looking away. When I got back, I searched everywhereput up posters, asked everyonenothing. Then, one day, I saw him with you. He seemed calm, happylike hed always been yours. I honestly couldnt believe it.
As Alex spoke, Holly tried to process it all, struggling to empathise but unable to imagine ever letting Merlin go. So, what now? Do you want to take him back?
I thought I would, Alex admitted, glancing sheepish. But seeing you together Well, hes clearly loved. Hes safe, happy. Maybe its better this way. I just wanted to know he was alrightand thank you.
Holly nodded, a flutter of relief and gratitude mixing inside. She didnt know what to say at first, but at last managed, Thank you, Alex. Ill take good care of him.
He smiled, nodded, and walked away. Holly turned toward the door. Upstairs, Merlin was already barking softly, tail thumping, waiting for herhome.
