In a cozy little house with a big, blooming garden lived a kind gardener named Mr. Giles. Mr. Giles had a dog, a bouncy, waggy-tailed friend named Patch. Patch loved to chase butterflies and dig little holes (when Mr. Giles wasn't looking!).

One sunny afternoon, while Mr. Giles was busy pruning his roses, Patch was having a grand time exploring. He sniffed a ladybug, barked at a squirrel, and then... oh dear! He got a little too close to the old well in the corner of the garden. With a yelp and a splash, Patch tumbled right in!

Mr. Giles heard the splash and Patch’s worried barks. "Patch! Where are you?" he called, his heart thumping. He hurried to the well and peered down. There was Patch, paddling in the water, looking very scared.

"Don't worry, boy!" Mr. Giles said kindly. "I'll get you out!" He quickly found a ladder and carefully started to climb down into the well.

Now, Patch was very frightened. Being in the dark, wet well was not fun at all. When he saw Mr. Giles coming down, he didn't understand. He thought, "Oh no! Is he angry with me for falling in? Is he going to push me under?"

So, when Mr. Giles reached out a gentle hand to lift him, Patch, in his fear, nipped Mr. Giles's hand!

"Ouch!" cried Mr. Giles, more surprised than hurt. But he was a kind man. He knew Patch was just scared. So, very carefully, he scooped up the shivering dog and carried him safely out of the well.

Mr. Giles dried Patch with a warm towel and gave him a hug. He looked at his nipped hand and sighed a little. He thought, "Sometimes, even when you're trying your very best to help, some folks (or doggies!) just don't understand and might even try to hurt you." But he still loved Patch, and Patch, once he was warm and dry, seemed to realize Mr. Giles had been a hero after all, and licked his hand better.

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