Chapter 5

NO!

After she had gotten Everest settled in for the night, Jake went to grab his phone to call Katie. He remembered Ryder's advice to be careful not to present this as a punishment, or else she would be less than enthusiastic to help.

Upon dialing her, she appeared on screen already wearing a look of disapproval.

"Katie I," began Jake.

"I know this is about Everest," she cut him off.

"How did you…"

"Because everybody knows," she interjected. "And before you ask, no, I will not punish her for you. She is your pup, disciplining her is your responsibility."

"I'm not asking you to, reasoned Jake. "There's just this one thing she doesn't understand," explained Jake.

"Go on," she encouraged.

After Jake explained further, she inquired, "so you need me to explain this to her?"

"No," answered Jake, who then proceeded to describe what he had in mind.

Katie looked back at him in horror at what she was hearing. "PROMISE ME THIS INSTANT YOU WILL NOT BRING A DROP OF ALCOHOL NEAR HER, OR SO HELP ME, DOG, I WILL CALL CANINE PROTECTAVE SERVICES IMEDIATELY!" screamed Katie.

"Calm down Katie," stressed Jake. "I promise you I won't, and there is no way I would ever let her near the stuff."

"Please explain," asked the blonde.

"I was wondering if we could safely mimic that experience?" asked Jake.

"I can do that," began Katie, before firmly adding, "but I won't because you're doing this to punish her!"

"Okay!" said Jake as he threw his arms up in futility. "Can you at least tell me what I would need to do this and give me some instructions on how?".

Katie sighed in resignation. "Look, since your heart is clearly set on simulating this for her, then I would rather I do it because I know how to do this safely."

"Thank you, Katie," thanked Jake.

"Not so fast," she added. "I want you to promise me that this is more about helping her understand than it is about punishing her.

"I promise," swore Jake sincerely.