One breath at a time - Tales from Bark Mountain

In Bark Mountain, not every call is about putting out a fire.

Sometimes, it’s about facing something you can’t see.

When the alarm sounds, the crew responds to a warehouse filled with thick, heavy smoke. The night is dark, the air is tense, and everything feels uncertain. Goose runs with the team like he always does—brave, loyal, and ready.

But then… something unexpected happens.

A sudden crash. A moment that changes everything.

And for Goose, the world feels a little too big, a little too loud, and a lot too scary.

In this episode of Tales from Bark Mountain, Chief Steve shows us that even the bravest hearts can feel afraid—and that courage doesn’t mean pushing through alone.

Because sometimes, being brave means slowing down, taking a breath and knowing it’s okay to feel exactly how you feel.

Music from Bensound.com

License code: JOMKAMTPZ2OJIAIF

Artist: : Benjamin Tissot

Check out goosethefiredog.com for pictures and more stories 

Transcript

SPEAKER_00 0:12

Welcome to another tale from Park Mountain. As the crew slept soundly, the alarm bells rang throughout the Farhall. Bark Mountain Fire Department, possible warehouse fire, heavy smoke in the area, the dispatcher said. Chief Steve was first out of his room. Boots hit the floor, jackets zipped, helmets on, and the trucks rumbled to life. And right beside Fire Chief Steve, as always, was Goose the Fire Dog, tail up, ready to go. As the fire trucks rolled into the night, tonight felt different. As it got closer to the area where the warehouse was located, thick gray smoke curled into the sky, swallowing the lights around the big warehouse. It was dark, darker than usual, the kind of dark that made everything feel quiet and loud all at the same time. As the truck slowed and came to a stop, the crews jumped out, goose ran with the crews, paws pounding the ground, staying right at their heels. They were almost at the building when all of a sudden there was a crack, a large, sharp sound that split the air. Before anyone could react, part of the warehouse wall gave way. A huge section collapsed, crashing right down in front of Goose, just barely missing him, dust and debris bursting into the air. Back, back someone shouted. The crew all ran backwards quickly. Goose froze. The noise, the crash, the sudden danger. It was too much. Chief Steve glanced down. Goose was shaking. Not just a little tremble, but his whole body was shaking. His ears were low, and his tail was tucked tight. Chief Steve knelt down beside him. Hey buddy. The others rushed towards the building, but Chief Steve stayed. He placed his hand on Goose's back. You don't have to go over there right now, he said softly. Goose looked up, eyes wide. The smoke drifted past them, thick and swirling, and the shadows stretched long across the ground. It's okay, buddy. That was scary. And sometimes even brave dogs need to feel scared. Chief Steve grinned. Okay, buddy, let's go. Chief Steve guided Goose away from the noise and the flashing lights towards his truck, and he opened his door and told Goose to hop in. It was much quieter in there. Chief Steve got in beside him. It's okay, buddy. You're safe. Goose snuggled in close. Cheese Steve rubbed his ears, slow and steady. Big feelings can show up fast, he said. Even when we don't expect them. Goose was breathing really quick at first. In out, in out, and then Che Steve matched it with his hand, gently patting Goose. Let's slow it down together, he said. In, two, three, four. Out, two, three, four. Goose blinked. The shaking started to soften just a little. Far in the distance, hoses sprayed and voices called, but here in Che Steve's truck it was quiet. Cheese Steve continued. Being brave doesn't mean you're never scared. Goose's ears lifted just a bit. But if you're scared, you don't run from it alone. Goose pressed in a little closer now. Chief Steve smiled. I felt like this too, he said. Even after all these years. Goose tilted his head and looked up. Chief Steve nodded. Yep. Big calls, loud noises, dark places. Sometimes my heart beats fast too, just like yours. He tapped Goose gently on his chest. That means your body is just trying to protect you, buddy. Goose took in a couple more breaths. Chief Steve counted again. In two, three, four. Out two, three, four. The trembling head slowed now. You're doing it, buddy, Chief Steve said quietly. Goose's tail gave a small wag. See, Chief Steve smiled. The feeling doesn't last forever. Chief Steve and Goose just sat in the truck. No rush, no pressure, just breathing, just being. After a while, Goose looked back towards the warehouse. The smoke was still there, but the darkness was there too, but it didn't feel quite as big anymore. Chief Steve followed his gaze. You get to decide when you're ready. You don't have to go out there, he said. Goose stood slowly. He wasn't rushing now, just steady. Chief Steve opened Goose's door and said I'm right beside you, buddy. Together they walked back towards the scene. Not as fast as before, and not as bold as before, but still moving forward, and that's what mattered. Firefighter Izzy spotted them. Hey Goose, are you okay, buddy? Whew that was close, she said. Goose gave a soft bark. He stayed real close to Chief Steve, but he didn't hide, because now he knew something important. Sometimes the world can feel big and loud and a little bit scary. Your heart might race, your hands may shake, you might want to hide, and that's okay. Those feelings don't mean something is wrong. And just like goose, you can slow your breathing, find someone you trust, and take it one small step at a time. Because you don't have to be fearless to be brave. Being brave doesn't mean the dark disappears. It means you learn how to stand in it and try again. One breath at a time. Thank you for listening. Please check out goostofiretog.com for more stories and pictures. Every Sunday the crew gathers around for another tale from Park Mountain. Please join us. Good morning, good day, good night, little firefighters everywhere.