Too old to rescue

The neighbours arrive with buckets,
smoke and flames claim the barn.

Jess is too old to run and paces the floor
her barking is painful, becoming frantic.
With charcoal streaks the old farmer pleads,
with lowered eyes they all decide
she won’t survive, stupid dog won’t even try.

Then the wind brings a child's cry
and Jess drags something
backwards through the door.