Copper dropped Toby off at Alicia's house, lowering his head so that Toby slid down his neck and onto the porch. Toby thanked him for the ride and watched as Copper dashed back toward his home, eager to rejoin his family. Toby took in a breath of relief, glad that they were safe and proud that he'd been able to help in keeping them safe. Without him, Steele would have won for sure. He turned and climbed through the pet flap.

And was met by both his parents. "Toby," Rex said, his voice flat.

Toby gulped. The immense feeling of pride and relief instantly melted away. "Hi," he said weakly. "How's it going?"

"Much better, now that you're back," Terry said. She and Rex stared hard at him. "Toby, you put us through a lot of worry today."

"I know," Toby whimpered. "And I'm sorry. I just wanted―"

"You just wanted to help Copper and Taya, we know," Rex said, cutting him off. "But you went about it the wrong way."

"But I told mom―"

"You told me you were going to save Taya," Terry interrupted, "but I didn't know what you meant. For all I knew, you were talking about another one of your games. And you didn't even bother to say you'd be leaving town."

Rex looked at her. "Honey, give him some slack. We can't expect him to think of everything on the spot, especially at his age."

Terry opened her mouth to argue, but then decided against it. She knew Rex was right. Everyone, including herself, had once been Toby's age, and very rarely, if ever, thought to explain things. When she looked back at Toby, her face had softened. "I'm sorry, Toby," she apologized. "I didn't mean to go off on you like that. But you can't just go wherever you like, even if it is for a good cause. Worry isn't good for us, you know."

Rex stepped forward. "But what you did today was above and beyond the call of duty. You're the bravest dog I know, braver even than some of the dogs I work with. You helped save Taya, you stopped Coldblood Carson and you got Steele a one-way ticket to New York. That's nothing short amazing, and for that I am very proud of you."

Toby's tail started to wag. "So, does this mean that I'm not going to be punished?" he asked hopefully.

Terry and Rex looked at each other and smiled. "No," Terry said. "But it does mean that your punishment will be reduced…"

Rex took up where she left off. "For the next week, you're not to go anywhere without first telling us and getting our expressed permission."

"That," Terry added, "and you are in desperate need of a bath."

The next morning, Terry and Rex decided to go pay Copper and Taya a visit. Toby went along too, wanting to see how they were doing after the sudden drop in of their unexpected and very unwelcome visitor. Terry and Rex talked about how things would be different now that Steele was gone. They also talked about how they might keep closer tabs on Toby when he went somewhere. Would they go with him, or would they recruit somebody to look after him? In the end, they decided that with Steele no longer a problem, there would be no need or reason for him to leave town, so they stayed with the punishment they had first settled on.

When they arrived at Copper and Taya's home, Rex scratched on the door. "Coming," answered a voice from inside.

The pet flap swung upward, and a puppy poked his head out. "Who are you?" he asked.

"I'm Rex," the bloodhound replied. "This is Terry and Toby. We're here to check up on Copper and Taya."

"Well, sorry," said the pup. "They don't want any visitors right now, so―" He was cut off when a paw pulled him back inside.

"It's fine, Collin," Copper's voice interrupted. "Please come in." The trio did, with Rex entering first and followed by Terry and Toby. "What brings you here?" Copper asked.

"We came by to see how you were doing," Rex explained. "And to check up on Taya."

"She's doing a lot better, now that Steele's gone. He won't be bothering us anymore." He turned to Toby. "And we have you to thank for that, Toby. Without you, the outcome might have been very different."

"Absolutely," Taya agreed as she stepped into the room, flanked by Luna. "Both Luna and I are very grateful. You helped save both our lives, Toby, and for that you have our deepest gratitude."

Toby gave his father a questioning look. "It means they thank you," Rex explained.

"Oh," Toby said, feeling awkward at being given praise. "Then you're welcome."

"Don't take it so casually, Toby," Copper said. "What you did was nothing short of spectacular. No other dog I know would have even considered trying something like that. None of the dogs at the old fighting ring dared move when Carson had that gun, for fear that he'd shoot them. Even with all their anger toward him. But you did. You might be pint-sized, but you're a hero in my books."

"Mine too," Taya agreed with a nod.

"And mine," Luna added. "Thank you, Toby."

Toby's heart soared as they heaped their thanks upon him. The pride he'd felt the day before came rushing back to him, and he broke into a wide smile as his tail whipped back and forth. ASo what do we do now?"

Copper looked at him. "Why, celebrate of course!"