The Wicked Flea

snatched the receiver without even checking caller-ID. I pray as seldom as I cry. Now, I was pleading for the well-being of Emma and her Rowdy puppies.
    “Holly,” the familiar voice said. It was octaves lower than Cindy’s.
    “Steve.”
    “I heard that you bred Rowdy. I hope you don’t mind...”
    “I don’t mind.” The sobbing had left my voice thick. Anyone else would’ve asked whether I was okay. Steve said, “Are your dogs all right?”
    “Fine.Both of them.”
    “The breeding. Did something go wrong?”
    “No. In fact, I just heard. There are seven puppies so far, five boys, two girls, and at least one more on the way.”
    “All spoken for?”
    “Some. Not all.”
    “I’m interested.”
    Steve had always preferred civilized breeds. “You’re joking. They’re malamutes,” I said. “Obviously.”
    “I’m a vet. Remember? They taught us that in school. Malamutes produce malamutes.” After a second or two, he repeated, “I’m interested.”
    I can read him better than I can read myself. “The terms of the contract are pretty tough,” I said. “What are you looking for? A pet? Or a show dog?”
    “Show. And obedience, too.”
    “Steve, if you want obedience, mine is the wrong breed.”
    “Love or honor would do,” Steve said. “Love would be more than enough.”
     

 

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