In the beginning of the story, Brian Long, a diabetic, has to get to the bus. He must get himself to the bus. He must give himself an insulin shot every day. That morning he was in such a rush that he rushed when giving himself the shot and then ran out the door.

The problem is that right after he ran out, he passed out! Anthena, his dog, tried to help by licking Brian's face. That did not work. So Athena ran out into the road. Cars just drove by, wondering why a dog would be in the road facing traffic. Then a teacher drove by, except she did see the boy, so she turned around and pulled into the driveway. She saw that Brian was suffering, not getting enough insulin. So she knocked on the door and Brian's brother ran for apple juice, knowing it would save his brother's life. They poured it into his mouth and called 911. Brian was taken to the hospital and he was fine because he was found so quickly.

Brian learned two things from this experience. First of all, he knows how important his insulin shots are to him. Second, he learned how special his dog is.

Go back to Literary Connections Page

Home