Night patrol and Kuchen

     They warned me at PUP camp it would happen, though I didn’t expect for it to happen so soon. I was developing strong feelings of attachment to the MaMA. It only took a few days, but I really was forming a strong bond with her. Not only did she feed me, and brush my fur, but there was this insatiable pull that made me want to be by her side at all times.

     MaMA was fun to play with, I mean, train with. She initiated this game where she would place a blanket on the floor, lay next to it, then using her hands under the blanket, raise the blanket in spots. I pounced on the rising, racing, and moving mounds, sharpening my reflexes and speed. The MaMA was quick and used the cover well to her advantage. Just when I thought I had caught her hand, it would pop up next me.
     After a while, we were both panting. She laughed in delight at my mad skills.
     "You are so fast," she said in breathless praise. "And smart. Schnapps did you see how fast she was?" 

     Schnapps stood on one side of the blanket. She cocked her head and waggled her butt. 

     "Yes, she is very good," Schnapps agreed. Her butt waggle was stiff. I watched her. Unlike most dogs who would wag their tail in agreement, or happiness, Schnapps, who was short on tail, compensated by swinging her butt from side to side. Though, I assumed, because of her injury, she couldn't wag as enthusiastically as she wanted.
     MaMA looked at her watch and stood up. 

     "Okay, time for good girls to go out one last time."
Schnapps perked up at this order and practically skipped over to the door. I was confused by her sudden energetic mobility. I ran over to the door, but since I am still not proficient as I would like to be on the slick wooden floor, I lost my footing and slid until I hit the rug.
     MaMA let us out. The night was dark as it was cold. There were overhead lights lit up only a portion of our boundries. 

     "Are we going to do a night patrol," I asked watching my breath form billowy puffs in the air. My voice shook from the freezing night temperature, but Schnapps took it as from fear.
     "Not to worry, little von. Ve only vill do a quick one around the house and outbuilding," She said. She walked along the edge of the light, her shadow swallowed up by the darkness.
     I summoned up my courage and followed. Just to prove I wasn't afraid, I walked on the outskirts of the lighted snow. We circled around the house and crossed the lot to the outbuilding. There was another overhead light there, which cast enough light to see around the whole building. We got to the back and I got the sense we were not alone.
     I froze in my tracks and scanned the darkness.
     "Vat is wrong?" Schnapps stopped as well, then sniffed the air. 

     "I don't know what it is. It seems...wild."
     "Shush," Schnapps said. "Listen."
     I shut my eyes and concentrated on listening, but could only hear the rapid beating of my own heart. Then, just over the thumping, I heard a far off yap, yap, yap. It started off as a single high pitched voice, but soon others joined it.
     "What is that," I asked alarmed at the foreign chorus.
     "Kojote. Vild dogs," Schnapps said. “Dey are vild, unpredictable, and very dangerous."
     I shivered. "It sounds like they have us surrounded. What should we do?"
     "Nothing. Dey won't bother us as long as we don't bother dem. Dey are not well liked by the residents of Cedar Village, so they keep their distance." Schnapps continued down the side of the building and turned the corner.
     I took another look into the darkness. The presence I felt earlier had left, so I continued the perimeter check.
     By the time I turned around the corner, I could hear melodic crooning from the Wood Pile.

When the cat catch

little mice, dear

and he shows them

his pearly fangs.

Its the end, dear 

for the mice, see

Its dinner, dinner for us tonight. 

     Laughter and loud mewing mingled with the music. Schnapps stood just past the entrance, motioning to me to hurry up. I kept walking, and tried not to make any loud noises. Over all the racket from the club, though, I thought I could hear a very small cry for help. 

I ran to Schnapps.
     "Someone needs help, I just heard it," I said when I reached her. She looked over to the entrance, then turned away. "Not our problem."
     "But, I heard a cry for help," I said.
     "I said, not our problem." Seeing my anguish, she added. "Look, I know dey do things in dere dat are not nice. But we have an agreement. We cannot get involved with vat happens in de Wood Pile." She turned and returned back to the house.
     I couldn't believe that we were just going to let whoever that was go unaided. It didn't seem right to me. Schnapps was my partner, and mentor. Could I continue to follow her lead, even if it conflicted with my conscience?
     "All secure," The MaMA inquired as she let us in. "Who's ready for their good night cookies?"
Schnapps jumped up and down on her front legs, her floppy ears bounced as well. I sat next to her and looked at her.
     "What are you so excited about?"
     "Kuchen. You vill want de cookies," she said as she sat, her eyes full of want.
     "Cookies?" I watched MaMA go to a jar on the kitchen counter.
She pulled out a handful of items.
     "She vill toss you a kuchen, try to catch it," Schnapps said giving me a sideways glance. "You won't regret it."
     The MaMA stood before us. She took one of the cookies between her thumb and forefinger, and tossed it into the air. Schnapps leapt forward and caught it in her mouth. She crunched happily on the cookie, then sat still, her eyes back on MaMA.
     MaMA turned to me and said, "Shall we test the little brown dog's hand-eye coordination? Or I guess in this case, mouth-eye coordination?"
     She took another cookie and tossed it in my direction. I watched it arc in the air and come down. It struck me between the eyes before I could open my mouth. It bounced off my snout and skittered across the floor.
     I went to retrieve it and took it in my mouth. I chewed on it and immediately understood what all the hubbub was about. The crunchy morsel was sweet and nutty. A tasty reward for all the work we had done during the day. I wanted another, so I ran back and slid in place next to Schnapps.
     "I told you," she said with a wink.
     I didn't say anything, but concentrated on the next toss. 

     Even though MaMA said that sleeping in her bed was a one time thing, I found it very easy to talk her into another night. It didn't take much. I sat at the edge of her bed and gave a pathetic whine. She tried to resist for a few minutes, but after a few short howls, she leaned over the edge and lifted me onto the bed. I know I have a perfectly good bed on the floor, but after having a taste of luxury, you can't go back to sleeping on a small pillow. I also realized that just a few short days ago, I was perfectly happy sleeping in a squirmy pile of puggle pups outside on the sleeping porch. Time flies when you are being spoiled, I guess.

     As I snuggled up to MaMA's warm body I thought about how nice and cushy it was. Schnapps preferred to sleep on the couch on the second floor. I began to think of how she spent a lot of time up on the couch, while I took my naps on the floor. 

     The couch seemed more desirable than being on the floor. For one thing, it didn't look hard like the floor was. Secondly, the MaMA sat up there too, and would give Schnapps pets and massages. I've never had a massage myself, but Schnapps sure looked like she enjoyed it. 

I had to get up on that couch. It didn't seem like it would be an impossible jump. Perhaps, if I took a running start, and timed it just right, I could make it.
     I promised myself I would try tomorrow, after I had mastered the stairs. 

The Extra Toe That Will Rule Them All

     "So what's the deal with Baylor," I said after our afternoon nap. "He kept mentioning Cubby, is that his human?”
     Schnapps was sitting on top of the back of the couch, where she could see out of the window. Precariously perched on the narrow ledge, she gave me a measured look, as though she was wondering how much she wanted to tell me. 

     "Look, whether you like it or not, I am your partner, and I'm going to have to find out about who these animals are sooner or later," I said, finding a bit of boldness I didn't know I had in me.
     "Baylor is part of de Dawg Gang," Schnapps said with a resigned sigh. "He's just a mindless minion, try as he might, he just can never complete a task."
     "Cubby is the leader of the Dawg gang, then?"
     Something caught her attention out the window and her body tensed up, but apparently the threat had passed and she relaxed. She continued to talk, but continued her watch out the window.
     "Cubby is second in command. He's a blowhard, his bark is worse dan his bite, as dey say. But he's good at intimidating everyone around him. He's de brains and Baylor is de muscle." Schnapps slid down from her post and settled on the couch cushion. “Dere leader is a toy poodle by the name of Pierre DeLaCroix. Or as he is known around de neighborhood, ‘De Sweater.’” She gave me a warning look, "But never call him dat to his face."
     "The Sweater? He doesn't sound so scary," I said with a dismissive snort.
     "Don't underestimate him. He may be small in stature, but he's de leader for a reason. Never make him mad, and never make fun of his sweaters."
     I still had a hard time believing that a teeny poodle could rule a powerful syndicate. But I had to trust Schnapps. Besides, she was a small dog, and she stood up to Baylor for crumbs sakes.
     "So is that dog on the hill, the one you were talking to earlier, is she part of the Dawg gang?"
Schnapps scratched her ear with her good back leg. "Vell, dat is where it get's complicated. Her name is Sammy. She's a ranch dog."
     I gasped. "You mean..."
     "Yes, she belongs to dat crazy old rancher behind us. So does Chuck, de horse."
     "So where does Sammy fall in the Sweater's orginization?"
     "Sammy is a double agent, she takes a passive role in the gang. She doesn't participate in any hits or scores, but she stays close to pick up intel. She lives with another ranch dog, Freckles, who is part of the gang. He's de face-man, and someone to be wary of. He is a smooth one, and vill talk de collar right off of you." 

     "Good thing I don't have one," I said.
     "Not yet, little von," Schnapps said with an approving look. "But I have no doubt if you keep preforming at dis level, you'll get your tags soon enough."
My heart swelled hearing her positive assessment. But I soon was crestfallen with the thought that my training wouldn't get any easier.
     "Now, what about the cats?" 

     "CATS," screeched Sunshine behind me. He had been so quiet all day, I forgot he was around. "What cats?" 

     "Settle down, bird brain," Schnapps growled. "Fritter is asking about de Wood Pile katzen.”
     "I don't want any cats in here, isn't it bad enough that Magic is here?” Sunshine slid off of his perch and down to the lower level in his cage. He paced back and forth. "He doesn't belong in the house!" he squawked.
     "He has just about as much right to be here as any of us," Schnapps said with a yawn. Apparently this was a conversation they had many times before. "Besides, without him, we would never have struck an agreement wit de feral katzen. And let us not forget, he has kept you safe…so far.“
     "But for what reason?" Sunshine flapped his wings in his frustration, sending a cloud of feathers, emptied seed shells and dust into the air. "I don't trust him, I never have. He just showed up in the middle of the night, looking all starved and injured. How do we know that the B.O.C. didn't do that to him and send him over. He could be a sleeper spy. He certainly sleeps enough."
     "Settle down, bird," Schnapps barked. “Dat is enough out of you."

     "I don't trust him,” the bird continued. “Have you seen the way he looks at me? He's no good, I tell you! He's just waiting to put an end to me."
Schnapps jumped off the couch and charged at the cage. "I'll put an end to you right now if you don't keep dat beak shut."
     "And what makes you think, I would want to eat a gossiping little squab like you," A satiny voice came from the shadows. 

     "Squab? You dare call me a squab," Sunshine said as he ruffled his feathers and peered into the darkness. "I am a pretty bird, you could feed off of me for weeks, if you were so lucky."

     Magic emerged from out of the dark corner and jumped up on the hearth. He pressed his face against the cage and glared at Sunshine. "Shall we find out," he said and raised his paw, his claws extended.
Sunshine cowered in the furthest corner of his cage, peeping unintelligible words.
     "That's enough out of you two," the MaMA said from behind us. All of the racket must have interrupted whatever she was doing in the kitchen. "Magic, get down from there! Leave the bird alone." 

     Magic retracted his claws and pulled away. "Fine," he said as he jumped down from the hearth. "He's probably stringy."
     The MaMA returned to the kitchen.
     Magic turned his attention to me. His glowing green eyes sparkled in the fire light. "So you want to know about the Wood Pile, huh?" 

     I sat up straight and looked at him straight in the eyes, not wanting to let him know how intimidating he actually was.
     "Yes, I want to know all that you have on the Wood Pile Kitties," I demanded. 

Magic kept staring at me, a slight smirk on his face revealed his pearl white fangs. "Okay little dog, I'll tell you."
     Schnapps gave me a wary look, but then seemed to be resigned to my curiosity. I did have to learn sometime, better have it come right out of the cat's mouth. 

     "Lay it on me," I sat in front of the fire and gave him my full attention.
     "Where shall I start, hmm?" He moved closer to where I was, and laid down on the hearth. His body stretched almost the whole length as the end of his tail flipped up and down as he thought. I waited patiently as he gathered his mental notes, or perhaps he was fabricating lies to feed me, I couldn't tell. His face was a blank slate, giving not a hint of emotion, except perhaps contempt. 

     "Why don't we start at the top," I suggested. "The B.O.C.?" 

     "Ha," Magic exclaimed. "The less you know about him, the better. But let's start out with the proprietresses if The Wood Pile itself, huh?"
     "Yes, I met Meowjolina today," I said. 

     "Ah, Meowjolina, she's a beauty," Magic said with an amorous sigh. 

     "She's a shameless crumpet," Schnapps grumbled under her breath.
Magic glared at her, but must have known he wouldn't scare her, and quickly turned his attention back to me. 

     "The Wood Pile has been an institution in Cedar Village for a long time, before I arrived, even before old sauerkraut over there."
     Schnapps gave a dismissive snort and retreated back to the couch. 

     "How many generations does it go back," I asked. 

     "Who knows," Magic rolled his eyes. “Currently this family of patched tabby-tories have control of the operations. Their Matriarch is Mrs. Meowbinson. She has two daughters that help run the place, the lovely Meowjolina, and her feisty sister, Meow Ferral. They are a very distinctive group." 

     "What do you mean by distinctive? Is that the same as the dastinkter," I asked.
Magic quickly cast a questioning glance at Schnapps, then refocused on me. "No, I mean you can tell who is in line to take over the Wood Pile. Only a female in the family can run the club, and only one who has the special marking." 

     I thought about Meowjolina and her patchwork of colors. "What's the special marking?"
     "The next in line has an extra toe on their front right paw. Only a few of the Meowbinson line have the extra toe, thus they will inherit the Wood Pile club and all the responsibilities that go with it." Magic stood and arched his back to stretch. He got down from the hearth and jumped up onto the near by window sill, then looked out the frosty glass into the darkness. "The system was going well, until..." his voice trailed off as he stared off into the distance. 

     "Until what," I asked, and moved under the window where he sat. "Until old Mrs. Meowbinson had a pair of twins, both with the extra toe."
     "Meowjolina and Meow Ferral both have the marking,” I exclaimed. 

     "Yes, so there is a constant debate about who will take over when the old lady decides to step down," Magic said. He turned his head to look at me. Backlit by the outside light coming through the window, I could only see his silhouette, and the glowing of the fire reflected in his eyes. I shivered at the sight, but couldn't tell if it was him or the fact that I was away from warmth of the fire. 

     "Does that cause fighting between the sisters?” I remembered the other day when I thought Number One was after my position, and the heated jealousy I felt. How I wanted to do everything in my power to prevent her from reaching the MaMA before me. 

     "Does it ever," Magic said. "Unfortunately for Meowjolina, her sister had kittens before she could, and one of them, Stella, has the extra toe." 

     "So Meowjolina is off the hook."
     "That would be the case, except Meowjolina is driven. She wants the club, whereas Meow Ferral couldn’t even interested in the day to day operations. But since Meowjolina wants it, Ferral will make sure she won't get it. And since Ferral's daughter has the extra toe, the thought is that Ferral will inherit the club, then Stella."
     "Wow, I feel bad for Meowjolina," I said. I wondered if Number One was sad because of my prime assignment, if she really wanted it or that she just didn't want me to get it.
     "You should feel bad for Stella,” Magic said as he leapt from the ledge and padded past me. “I’d better be off.” He went to the door and sat in front of it, as though he could will it open with his glare alone.
     "Do you want to go out, kitty?" MaMA called out from the kitchen.
     "NOW," Magic said with an annoyed tone.
     "Okay, hold on to your nip," the MaMA said. She opened the door and his ears flattened back against the cold rush of air.
     "Well," she said, still holding open the door.
Magic slipped out into the dark night for his shift.
     I went back down to my blanket and laid down so I could process all the information Magic had given me. I imagined that Stella was feeling the pressure of the legacy put on her little shoulders and her extra toe. That's a lot for a little kitty.
     "Vat is on your mind, little von," Schnapps asked from her spot on the couch. The firelight cast dark shadows on her face, making her look older, somehow, more tired and worn.
     "It's a lot to ask from your child, isn’t it,” I said. "Two sisters at war for the top spot, and Stella is in the middle of it."
     "Don't feel too bad for that katzen, you have yet to meet the young Stella."
     "What are Stella and her litter mates like?"
     Schnapps raised her head, as though she could find the right words floating above her.
     "Stella knows her place, and I think she relishes in de fact dat she is second in line to run de Pile. She has three brothers, Mac, Horatio, and Bublé. Mac is like Stella, and thinks of himself as her protector. Those two are always side by side, prancing around like they already own the place. Bublé is the youngest, the artist. He thinks himself de next great songwriter. He's often found wandering around, humming a tune. He often performs his songs in de club. Horatio is a lot like you, I guess."
     "How's that?"
     "He's ambitious, but independent. Full of energy and very bright."
     "Sounds like we would get along," I said.
     Schnapps furrowed her brow and scowled. "Stay away from those katzen," she said and jumped down from the couch and clipped out of the room.
     I couldn't understand why Schnapps disliked cats so much. Sure Magic was a bit stand-offish, and somewhat cruel, and a whole lot scary. But, Meowjolina didn't seem that bad. I thought our relationship with the Kitty faction would be better if we were on friendly terms. You never knew when you could use an ally across enemy lines, or at least that is what Drill Sargent always said. 

The Marilyn

       The MaMA had built a nice fire which filled the room with a comforting warmth. My blanket was set in front of the fireplace and I had no problem falling asleep. Especially since that long hike around the perimeter. 

      I woke up from my nap before Schnapps. She was laying on the couch across from the fireplace.

"You must have had an adventurous morning," said the MaMA, putting down the paper she was reading. "You were barking and running in your sleep." 

      I had to admit that I've never had dreams so vivid and exciting. They were filled with horses, dancing cats in the wood pile, and a mysterious Dastinkter, which I secretly hoped I never met in real life. 

       Schnapps continued to snore next to the MaMA. She was as loud as the General, maybe even louder.
      I went to the couch and raised myself to check on her. She, too, was talking and running in her sleep, but her dreams sounded more terrifying than mine.
     "No, Sassy," she muttered. "Don't go near dere, it's not safe!"
     "You better occupy yourself, she'll be out for a while," said MaMA. I lowered myself, and went to my toy basket. I was full of puppy energy, and I didn't want to waste any of it waiting for an old dog to wake up.
     There were new items in the basket. I gave MaMA a questioning look.
     "I found some old things, I thought you might have fun with them," she said as she came towards the basket and knelt down. She pulled out a blonde hairy thing and held it up by a stray lock. "This is a wig," she explained with a wink. "You know, for when you want to go undercover."
     She put it on me then laughed. "Why if it isn't Marilyn Monroe! 

     The wig covered my whole body, pale strands fell down around my eyes and snout.
     "You are gorgeous. Here let me show you," she said as she picked me up and took me to a nearby mirror. "Do you like it?" 

     I gazed at my reflection,  the blonde curls cascaded over my brown fur. I thought it made me look sophisticated, suave, and beautiful. I looked at the MaMA and her bemused face. I licked her cheek. 

     "Oh yes, I do like it." I immediately thought of all the situations I could use the wig. Perhaps, I could infiltrate the Wood Pile or set up a sting operation to catch the Dastinkter. MaMA set me down and I went to show Schnapps my brilliant disguise.

     "Vat are you wearing," she asked when she saw me. I tried walking like Meowjolina, crossing my paws in front of each other, which made my body sway from side to side.
     "It's a Marilyn Monroe, MaMA gave it to me. Don't I look lovely?" 

     "I think you look like a joke."
     I tossed my head to the side to swish the wig, but it went the opposite direction and blinded me. I took a wrong step, got tangled in the golden locks, and tripped myself up. I fell with a loud thud, face first, on the unforgiving floor.
     "Ouf."
     "Are you all right,” Schnapps asked with concern.
     I peaked out from under the wig. "I thick I bith my tongue."
     "I'm sure dat won't interfere with your duties," Schnapps said, jumping down from the couch.       "Let's go on our afternoon rounds." 

     "Okay," I grabbed the wig and followed her to the door.
     "Leave dat thing here," she demanded.
     "Aw, man." I dropped the wig and the MaMA let us out. 

     The sun was out, and though the air was still brisk, it seemed warmer than before.
     Schnapps and I got on the trail and climbed the hill. I kept my nose to the ground, gathering intel by scent. Charles wasn't at the top of the hill to greet us this time, but in his place stood a long haired black and white dog. Schnapps picked up her pace and left me to inspect a suspicious hole in the ground. I found no danger and ran to catch up with Schnapps and the mystery dog. As I approached, I caught bits and pieces of their conversation. 

     "The Sweater wants to see you," said the black and white dog. 

     "It's too soon, she's not ready yet," Schnapps said. "You'll haf to tell him to be patient."
     "He won't like hearing that." 

     "Well, dat's his problem."
     The stranger nodded towards me, "I'll talk to you later."
     "Who was that," I asked Schnapps as we both watched the other dog walk across her territory. "Who is the sweater?"
     “Dat is nothing for you to worry about now," said Schnapps as she turned back onto the trail and headed to the shed. "Do you want to grab a rope and play a little tug?"
     "Do I ever!” It had been awhile since I got to play tug. Okay, it had only been a day, but it seemed like forever.
     "Why don't you go grab one? I'll keep watch out here."
     I dove down into the secret rope stash. "Which one should I grab?"
     "You're choice," Schnapps called down after me. “Dey are all good ropes."
     I went to the corner and picked out one with three knots in it and drug it back out with me.
     "Ah, dat is one of my favorites," Schnapps said, admiring my choice.
     I held fast to my end while Schnapps took the other and quickly tugged at it. She was strong for being such and old dog, but I kept my grip and shifted my weight to my back end. Schnapps shook, pulled and tugged, but I pulled back with all my might and stayed put.
     "You are very strong, little von," she said with the rope still in her mouth.
     "Thank you," I said, but in my moment of annunciation, she whipped the rope out of my mouth and ran.
     I took chase, and we ran around the home base. I caught hold of one end and the fight continued.       We ran together ducking and weaving, the rope tethered between us, stopping only for a tense, unyielding stand off.
     "You've got some skills," I said through my teeth, careful not to let the rope loose this time. I've never had such a rambunctious game of tug. Schnapps was a serious opponent. My body tingled with invigorated energy.
      Schnapps chuckled through her grip. "You've been vell trained. And you are surprisingly strong for a pup so young. Once you've grown, you will be formidable."
I yanked with all my strength and pulled Schnapps forward a step. She shook her end, which sent vibrations down the rope and tickled my teeth.
     "Ha, nice try," I taunted. "You won't be able shake it out of my mouth this time."
     Schnapps glanced over my head, then back at me. She dropped the rope and puffed herself up.
     "Are you giving up so easily," I egged her on. Then I sensed another presence looming over my head. I looked up and the rope fell from my gaping mouth.
     Above me stood a huge yellow dog. In his mouth he held an equally large stick. It was more like a whole tree, it was so big.
     I shuffled from out under the behemoth, for fear of him dropping the log and squishing me.
     "Wha-what are you," I exclaimed.
     "Hello, Baylor," Schnapps said to the yellow dog.
     "Hi Schnapps," Baylor said. "Your human isn't around is she? I've been ordered to take her out, uh...I mean give her this uhm...firewood. Yeah, firewood."
     "What do you mean take her out," I asked. Baylor looked from side to side, then down at me. His eyes got big, as though he hadn't noticed me before. He dropped the log, barely missing me by a few hairs. I yipped and stood beside Schnapps. Okay, it was behind Schnapps, but dang that tree almost did me in.
     "Who are you," Baylor asked.
     “This is Fritter, my new partner," Schnapps said, still in her protective stance. I marveled at how brave she was. Baylor was ten times her size and yet she stood her ground. "You can take your stick and go home. You are not going to take out anyone today. She is still mad at you for de last time you tried."
     "Why do you have to be so mean, Schnapps? I just want to do my job. You know how Cubby gets when I don't complete my tasks," he whined. He looked down at his stick then at us with a sorrowful face. "C'mon, just let me take one whack at her good knee. I promise not to hit her hard. Just enough for me to report that I did it. I don't have to do it well."
     "Like I said," Schnapps reprimanded him. "She's not going to let you do it, so you might as well go home."
     Just then the door opened and the MaMA came out onto the porch. 

     "Baylor, go home” she shouted.  

     Baylor stood and wagged his tail in excitement. He picked up his weapon and approached the porch. I started toward the porch, but Schnapps shot me a look that read "stand down." I worried for the MaMA, weren't we supposed to protect her from such a situation as this? We had an obvious suspect that wished her harm. We knew his intent, and he was holding a weapon of wooden destruction. Was Schnapps testing me again? Was I to override her orders and stop Baylor? And if I was, how was I to stop such a ginormous animal?
     "No, Baylor," MaMA said, pointing away from the porch. "I said go home."
     Baylor stopped his advance. His tail and head dropped.
     "Go on, shoo!"
     Baylor turned away and started down the hill. "Aw man, Cubby is going to chew my hide," I heard him mutter as he left.
     I looked back at MaMA. She, too, was brave and strong willed, like Schnapps. I wondered why she needed us at all. She was very capable of taking care of herself.
MaMA's attention was no longer on us or Baylor, but she was looking out into the distance. A loud rumble came up the private road. I followed her gaze and saw a beat up, rusted out truck barreling up the road.
     "That lunatic," MaMA said under her breath. "When will he ever learn not to drive so recklessly? Hasn't he hurt enough people?" Her voice cracked, and I got the feeling that she was one of those people the lunatic had hurt. 

     I sought for clarity from Schnapps, but she too was intently watching the truck, a pained expression on her face.
     MaMa called us to return inside. The sun had begun it's decent, and since we had stopped playing, I was getting cold, so I didn't delay. 

     Schnapps trotted in after me. I found my blanket in front of the fireplace and laid down to let it warm my chilled fur. Schnapps went over to the couch, where the MaMA had sat down. She attempted to jump up, but her trajectory was off and she stumbled back to the floor. Then I noticed she held her back leg up, and it was shaking. Was she hurt during our playtime? 

     "Are you injured, Schnapps? I'm sorry if I was too rough on you earlier," I said. "I didn't mean to hurt you."
     She tried jumping onto the couch again, this time landing her spot, but just barely. 

     "I am always in pain, little von. But it has nothing to do wit you." She sat on the MaMA's lap and looked over her shoulder at her.
     "Is it time for your massage appointment, madame," MaMA said in a silly, fancy accent. Schnapps nodded at her and the MaMA began to rub her shoulders, working and kneading down her back, to her hips and back up. 

     Schnapps closed her eyes and lowered her head. She winced when MaMA came upon her hips, but she didn't yip, but rode out the pain by inhaling deeply.
     I went over to the couch and sat in front of them. 

     "What happened to you," I asked.
     "It's an old injury, nearly put me out of commission," Schnapps said between long breaths. "It hurts de most during de vinter. De cold tightens up my wounds."
     I must have looked horrified, because when Schnapps slightly opened her eyes and reassured me that she would be all right.
     "Just promise me dat you vill stay away from dat rancher and his truck." She shut her eyes again. I went back to my blanket and watched them.
     Poor Schnapps. I wondered if her injury and MaMA's sadness were related. It all seemed to stem around the rancher and his truck. What if he was responsible for her partner's untimely end? After all I did hear her shout out in her nightmarish sleep. Right then, I vowed to bring the rancher to justice. And even though I wouldn't be able to heal Schnapps' body, perhaps I could lessen the emotional wounds from which she suffered. I just didn’t know how.

First Day

     “Ready to go meet de others,” Schnapps asked as she scratched at the door. The MaMA approached and let us out.
     “Show her ropes, Schnapps” MaMA instructed. “Don't go too far, and keep an eye on little Fritter." Schnapps grumbled a mumbled reply as she left. 

     As anxious I was to get orientation training started and over with, first day jitters took a hold of me. I hesitated at the door even though I needed to prove myself and earn my tags. Otherwise I wouldn’t become a permanent member of the team, then what would happen to me. But how many “others” were there. A sudden shiver ran up my spine.
     "Go on little brown dog. Have a good time, stay with Schnapps. Don't go off on your own," MaMA said.
     I went out into the frosty weather, and stood on the small front porch. I scanned the area and was taken back at the vast landscape. Our territory seemed to go on forever, nothing but rolling, snow covered hills as far as I could see.
     I shuddered and realized how small I was in comparison to the world. It was much larger than the training yard I grew up in. My legs quivered and threatened to go out from under me. I sat down and tried to control my breathing.
     Schnapps came up and cocked her head.
     "Is everything all right? Vat is wrong?"
     "This yard..." I said between labored gasps, "It's so huge! Are we responsible for everything? Shouldn't we have backup? We should have a platoon of Puggles for this area, not just two little dogs!"

“Ve are only responsible for a small area," she reassured me. "Come now, ve need to inspect de perimeter. Perhaps you vill calm down ven you see vere our borders lie."
I stood up on still wobbling legs. C'mon Fritter, you are better than this, remember your training. A Puggle is brave. Get out there, the little voice inside me said. You don't argue with the little voice, so I left the porch and followed Schnapps.
There was an established trail which followed a weathered lodgepole fence, that we took. It went straight up to the top of a hill, where Schnapps stood waiting for me.
“This area is know as Cedar Village. From here you can see de other homes, vere other families live.” 

There were four other houses, besides our own, spread apart from each other. A short distance away, I could see a black road, snaking across the landscape.
"It's so open, I can see so far from up here," I said. 

“Dere are also lots of hidden dangers out dere, never take your security for granted."
"Who's your new friend?" A booming voice came from above.
I leapt backwards at the mystery voice. From the corner of my eye, I spotted one of the fence posts move, but it was not like the other fence posts, it had fur. I traced the furry pole to a large brown and white body, a long neck, which ended in ginormous head. 

"Holy crud, are you a deer," I asked the lumpy head as it came closer to me. If this monster was a deer, Schnapps is a better hunter than I thought.
The creature gave Schnapps a sideways glance. "Is this one for real," it asked. 

"She's just green," said Schnapps. Her comment confused me, perhaps her eyesight was going, because I was anything but green.
The creature turned back to me. "I am of the equine persuasion." 

"Huh?"
"He's a horse," Schnapps said to me with a huff. "A hay-burning, fancy, lawn ornament.”
The horse sputtered, his lips waggled and he shook his long mane. “I serve a greater purpose than just eating hay! I am highly educated.” He stomped his huge stone like feet. The ground shook with every footfall.
"You do sound very smart," I said, hoping to diffuse the situation. I didn't want to get squished by the horse's hurt feelings, not on my first day. "And you are so big, and strong."
The horse ceased his tantrum, focused on me, and bowed his head. "Why thank you little dog," he said. "And may I add that you are very keen yourself, I'm sure you will be a great asset to your human."
"Thank you," I said. "My name is Fritter.” 

“And I am Charles Reginold Huntington the Third, Esquire,” he said, bowing his head low to his hooves. “If you are ever in the need for legal representation, or advice, I'm your horse."
Schnapps shook out her fur. “Ve just call him Chuck," she said. “Sometimes Chuck Vagon.”

"Charles," the horse corrected, "I prefer Charles."
“Vatever,” Schnapps said as she turned and continued down the path. “I still have to show de young von de ropes."
"Good luck, Miss Fritter. I look forward to speaking with you more,” Said Charles.  “I hope your tenure is long and prosperous.”
"Thank you, Charles," I said as chased after Schnapps. I had to wonder what happened to Schnapps last partner. Everyone seemed to be wary of her, and the constant well wishes for my longevity twisted in my stomach. Or perhaps it was my gut adjusting to the decadent breakfast, which I may or may not have eaten too quickly.
Schnapps descended the hill and circled around a shed before I lost sight of her. I turned the corner of the small building, but couldn't see her. I raised my nose and took a deep breath, then caught her scent; experience, age, knowledge, regret. I lowered my nose and followed her trail to a hole under the shed. 

"Schnapps? Are you under there?"
"Come on down," her voice echoed from underneath the shed.
I went front first into the depths of the tunnel. It was dark, cool, and moist. It seemed to go on forever, but soon opened up to a small underground room. I caught a whole new collection of scents: Musty, woodsy, rancid, then Schnapps. I spotted her in the corner of the room standing over a cache of shaded items.

"Over here, little von," she said.
"What is this place," I asked.
"It's vere I keep de ropes," she said. "And other treasures." 

I looked over her shoulder and saw different strands of ropes: blue and green, yellow, tattered, knotted. Accompanying the ropes were balls of different sizes, a couple of well chewed bones, and a small, stuffed toy dog.
"Wow, this is quite the collection," I said. "May I?"
"Please." She stepped aside with her chest puffed out, proud of her treasures.
I took a closer sniff. I honed in on Schnapps scent, but also smelled other dogs. Perhaps one of her former partners?
"Did you bring your last partner here?"
Her beard bristled.
"Of course I did," she huffed. "It's vere we keep de ropes."
I decided to change the subject. "I smell another animal, not canine, nor feline."
"Das Stinktier," she said in a hushed tone. "A vile creature dat would like nothing more than to steal my ropes."
I nodded, not knowing what a Dastinkter was, but I didn't want to seem more unknowledgeable. I already mistook a horse for a deer. Perhaps a dastinkter was another word for deer.
“Would you like to do some rope training," Schnapps asked, breaking my train of thought.
"Maybe later," I said, fearing she was testing my dedication to the job. "Have we finished the perimeter check?"
Schnapps narrowed her eyes and gave me a slight grin of approval. "Good. Duty always comes first."
She crawled out the tunnel and I followed, light hearted and more sure of myself. I passed at least one test. How many were there to come?
Once we got out of the underground treasure trove, we resumed on the trail around the back of the outbuilding where the car was parked. I picked up a now familiar scent, something feline, but feminine.
"By now, you've got their scent," Schnapps said with a dismissive sniff.
"More cats?" I paused in place. My first encounter with a cat wasn’t great, I didn’t know if these cats would react the same way.
"Yes, and de worse kind, de feral katen." She slowly approached the edge of the building. “Dey follow their own rules, protected by an alliance between Magic and de B.O.C." 

"Who is the B.O.C?"
Schnapps' raised her ruff and bared her teeth, "He's only known as de Big Orange Cat. He's in charge of de Wood Pile Kitty Club. It's one of de places dey congregate."
On the other side of the wall, I could hear scuffling and mewing.
"It sounds like they are having a party," I said. Schnapps shot me a cold glare over her shoulder.
"If I had my way, I would be rid of dese troublemakers. It's bad enough dat I have to share living quarters with one."
"Why not chase them off, if they are such a nuisance?"
Schnapps peered around the corner, then lowered her voice to just above a whisper. "Because, even though dey are unpredictable and a bane to my existence, dey are a good source of information ven things really go wrong. According to de agreement, dey are to stay within a small radius around de outbuilding. If dey cross the boundries, it is in your jurisdiction to chase dem back." 

Just then a multi-colored, mottled cat slinked around the corner.
"Well, well. Hey there Schnapps. What brings you sniffing around our corner," she asked with a flirtatious purr. "Word is you have a new recruit."
"Not now, Meowjolina," Schnapps said as she pushed by the exotic feline.
The curious cat craned her neck and spotted me. "I've never seen a dog like you before," she said with a sweet voice. "Aren't you a pretty kitty."
"I'm not a kitty," I protested. "I'm a Puggle."
"Now, now, let's not get our tails in a twist. It's just a saying we have around here." Meowjolina sashayed close and circled her tail around my head. "Why don't you come in and we can get to know each other a little better."
"Knock dat off," Schnapps barked, and Meowjolina puffed up and hissed back. "You know dat is against de rules. You stay in your area, and ve look de other way. A dog has no business in de Wood Pile. Let's go, Fritter."
I tiptoed around Meowjolina and followed Schnapps.
"Hey Fritter, if you ever decide to have a little fun, you know where to come. My sister, Meow Ferral, has a couple of small fries that would love to play with you," Meowjolina called after us.
"Ignore her, she just vants you to get into trouble," Schnapps said through her clenched jaw.
Meowjolina didn't seem like a threat, but I decided that I should follow Schnapps' experience and instincts.
We walked down the drive and Schnapps pointed out the rest of the boundries.
"Our routine vill be on a strict timeline," she said. "Breakfast, inspect the perimeter, then morning nap. We'll do some combat training before de afternoon patrol."
We returned to the porch and Schnapps took one last survey of our territory. I scanned the neighborhood as well. The houses were all connected by a car sized paths, which intersected at the bottom of the hill. A gang of dogs gathered there. They appeared to be having a meeting, but paused and looked in our direction.
"Who are they?" I pointed my nose in their direction. "Should we go down there?"
"Not right now," she said as she scratched on the door to signal the MaMA. "You vill meet dem soon enough." 

Pick Of The Litter

     It seemed like I had just closed my eyes when a cold nose poked at my side. “Number four, wake up.”

     I peered into the sunshine and saw Drill Sargent standing beside the puppy pile. “Don’t disturb the others, I need to talk to you.” 

     She trotted to the other side of the yard. Nervous about what this could be about, I slowly slid from out of the pile. Five, who was on top of me, raised his head. “Where are you going? Its nap time,” he said.

     “Go back to sleep,” I said. I could feel his gaze follow me as I walked away. I looked over my shoulder and waited for his eyes to blink back shut. 

     “Over here, Four,” Sargent whispered from the corner.

     “Yes, ma’am.”

     “Four, you are the top recruit in the litter. I just wanted to let you know how happy I am with your training.”

My heart fluttered. It was rare that Sargent complimented anyone.        “Thank you, Ma’am.”

     “I’ve seen a lot of litters come through here, trained a lot of good dogs. But I have to admit, you are the best I’ve ever had the pleasure to ween. That is why I’m recommending you for the top assignment, the MaMA.”

     “MaMA,” I repeated it slowly. It was the elite assignment of all duties any dog could hope for! “Drill Sargent, are you sure I’m qualified for the MaMA?”

     “It’s a tough assignment, full of long hours and danger, but I think you are up for it. You also will be rewarded with plenty of belly rubs and good food. It’s a good assignment. You are pick of the litter. High Command notified the MaMA that we had a qualified pup for her, and she will be over this afternoon to check you out. I wanted to give you a heads up, you will need to be on your game.”

I was at a loss for words. In my wildest dreams, I never thought I would be chosen for such a revered duty. I wanted to thank the Sargent, for recommending me, for her hard work training us, for everything. But all I could do is sit there and stare at her.

     “You better get your rest, recruit,” Sargent nodded towards my napping litter. “I’m very proud of you,” her voice cracked and she trotted away from me. 

     Nothing like a dropping a bomb like that to keep you awake, and she said she was proud of me! I tossed and turned through my nap time, and got quite the grumbling from my litter mates. 

     “Four, quit your squirming,” Two complained. 

     “I’m sorry,” I explained. Thoughts of the MaMA kept swirling in my brain. The MaMA was coming to see if I was worthy of being part of her team. How could I sleep? I didn’t have to worry for long, because just then, High Command came out onto the porch. I heard her talking to someone.

     “This is where they eat and sleep at night,” the same staff member who fed us said to the unseen visitor. Then they moved out from behind the partition and I got my first look at the MaMA. For a high class agent, she didn’t seem like much, or perhaps she was just working undercover, or she was dressed to blend in. Either way, she looked just like every other human I’ve seen, just like the rest of High Command personnel. However, she had a kind face and a pleasant voice.

     “Are those the parents” she asked as she approached the General and Drill Sargent. They sat together and beamed at the MaMA. 

     “Yes, they have been great parents,” the staff person said. “And over there are the pups.”

     The MaMA turned and gazed in our direction. Her face lit up as she made her way to our pile.

     “Hey, guys. Wake up. We’ve got company,” I barked to rouse the troops. 

     “Who is it?” Three asked.

     “It’s the MaMA,” I told them. “She’s here to pick…one of us.” I didn’t want to automatically say that she was there for me, because in reality, she could pick any one of us. Though I couldn’t imagine her wanting to pick a stinker like Number One, but then she might not want a security expert like me. She might want a Lap Dog, like Number Five. Everyone lifted and craned their necks to get a look at the MaMA.

     “Look at all their wrinkly, little faces,” she exclaimed as she approached. We all got to our feet and cautiously moved forward for her to get a better look.

     “Like I told you over the phone,” the staff member said, “You have pick of the litter.”

     Pick of the litter, that’s what Sargent called me! I pushed my way to the front, so the MaMA could see I was the one she wanted.

     “Gosh, they’re all nice looking puppies,” she said as she knelt down and picked up Number Two.

     No, no no no! Not Two! She had to choose me, but of course everyone in the litter wanted the MaMA assignment, too. Everyone except Five. He stayed at the back of the bunch. He nodded at me and waved me forward.

     “Go,” he called out. “This is the assignment that you were born to have.”

     Two was botching up his first impression. He squirmed so much in the MaMA’s hands that she had no other choice than to put him down. He ran off like an idiot, not knowing what a great opportunity he was wasting. Perhaps, secretly he wanted to get a Lap Dog assignment as well. 

     The others in the litter milled around the MaMA as I fought my way through them. That’s when I saw her, One and her big butt. She was trying to take my spot, and there was no way I was going to let that happen! I turned on my super speed and ran to the MaMA, but One and her enormous behind blocked my path. 

     “Move it, One. This is my assignment,” I growled.

     “Oh, yeah. Not if I can help it.” She bared her teeth and swished her butt back and forth. 

     I whipped my own rear around and knocked her off her feet. She went down with an “Ooof,” and rolled to the side. I jumped up and over One and her sizable tochus, and landed in the MaMA’s lap.

     “Oh, my,” she gasped. “She’s a lively one.”

     “That’s Number Four,” said the staff lady. “She is quite the adventurous pup.”

     “Number Four?” MaMA looked down at me and smiled. 

     “She was fourth born,” the staff lady explained, “We don’t give them names here. Makes it easier, and leaves the naming up to the new owners.”

     I climbed up further onto MaMA’s lap and stood up on my hind legs. She looked into my eyes and leaned in so close that we were almost touching noses. 

     “Are you the one I should take home,” she asked. I cocked my head then risked a small lick on her cheek to seal the deal. She laughed as I climbed up further into her arms and deployed the ultimate closing maneuver. I rested my head on her shoulder and looked at her putting all my wants and desires into an intense soulful gaze. “I guess that’s a yes.”

     “Great, let’s go inside and do the paperwork,” said the staff lady as she stood and brushed off her legs.

I buried my nose into MaMA’s neck. She smelled like warmth, happiness, and love. She smelled like home.

     She stood and followed the staff member back into High Command. I looked over MaMA’s shoulder at my litter.

     “Bye, Four,” they barked. “Good luck.” Even One forgot her grudge and yipped with excitement.

     “Bye everyone, hope you get your assignments soon, as well.” 

Number Five ran after us. “Good bye, Four. I’ll never forget you!”

     “I hope you enjoy being a Lap dog, Five. Always remember that you’re a good dog.” Five sat down, tossed back his head and howled his final goodbye, soon the others joined in. I turned my face because I didn’t want them to see me cry. As I did, I caught the General and Drill Sargent watching me go. The General gave me one of his big puggy smiles and a wink. Drill Sargent puffed out her chest and raised her nose in one last final salute to her favorite recruit.