Sam deposited the bundle of fur and ears on the counter with more than a little flourish. It was a ten-week-old German Shepherd. Still unstable on its spindly legs – toddling around with paws like saucers and a tail it couldn't figure out how to wag.
"I'm gonna breed sniffer dogs," Sam declared.
"Oh really," Fiona replied drolly, getting up from her place sprawled across the mattress long enough to give Sam's new acquisition an appraising stare.
"Yep," Sam confirmed, "Chuck Findlay's Finest – that's her show name."
"And her real name?" Michael asked – picking up the furry intruder when she stuck her nose in his yogurt.
"Floppy," Sam said, "see how her ear kind of goes – flop?"
"You are aware Sam that dogs work pretty much the same way humans do?" Fiona prodded.
"Huh?"
"As in you need two of them."
Sam had a date that night – and – true to form – left Floppy with Michael and Fiona. It was three in the morning when Michael shifted in bed, intending to pull Fiona closer to him. Instead of her toned shoulder he grabbed hold of something soft, furry and decidedly warmer than he anticipated. His eyes popped open in an instant – and he saw Floppy standing on his chest – eyes wide and innocent – ears casting a shadow over her curious face. She licked him. Then started walking in circles, pawing the pillows, bedding down then getting back up, fussing.
"Fi," Michael said, shaking her awake.
"What's the matter Michael?" Fiona muttered.
"Something's wrong with it."
"With what?"
"The dog."
"She probably needs to go out," Fiona said, turning over.
"What?"
"She's a puppy – she's been inside for six hours – do the math," Fiona elaborated, burying her head in the pillow.
"Fi it's pouring rain."
"Have fun."
With that encouragement Michael scooped up the warm, snuggly bundle and carried her outside. Business completed he came back in, damp but content he'd be able to sleep the rest of the night (hopefully) in peace.
He lay down next to Fiona, started to settle in – when he felt a cold wet nose between his shoulder blades. He turned over to see Floppy nuzzling his back, her tongue hanging out, her eyes half delighted, half lonely and sad.
He looked at Fi sleeping beside him – she was out cold and would be for another four hours. So he picked up the dog and nestled it beside them – laying his arm over both the puppy Sam had brought into his life and the girl who'd interjected herself into his world.
