“The location really was the holdup.” She walks over to plop beside me on the couch. “It’s kind of a haul to get from here to the arena. I’m surprised the guys do it every day.”
“Blame it on Mav. He’s the one who insisted on living with us.”
“And bringing all his teammates with him.” She leans her head on my shoulder, looking at the pictures on my screen. “Are you still thinking about that Best in Show prize?”
“Not really.” My voice is quiet as I swipe over to pictures of pure breeds.
A noise comes from the crate, and Spanky jumps to his feet. Then he looks all around like he’s lost something.
“What’s he doing?” Haddy’s brow furrows, and she looks at me.
“I think Spanky the towel thief is missing his new lady friend.” We watch as he walks over to the steps and looks up to the second floor.
“I’ve never seen a dog pine for another dog before. They’re not even compatible breeds!”
My lips twist, and I think about it. “A blood-poo?”
“Gigi.” My cousin makes a barf-face. “That sounds like a medical condition.”
I fall to the side, holding my stomach as I laugh-groan. “It sounds like you’d better call 9-1-1,stat!”
“You made me throw up in my mouth.”
“Hang on…” I type on my iPad quickly. “I’ve got it—a Bloodhoodle.”
My cousin’s nose wrinkles. “That’s not much better.”
“Oh, I like this one… a Poohound!”
“No.” She shakes her head. “It sounds like it does nothing but poop. Or search for poop.”
“A Snooperdoodle?”
“Yes.” She holds up two thumbs. “That’s the one.Snooperdoodle.”
“The only problem is I’m pretty sure Ladybird’s fixed.”
“Well, Spanky doesn’t need to know that. I’m not even sure he’d be the best daddy doodle.”
“How dare you?” I pretend to be offended. “Spanky would be a very attentive daddy doodle!”
“He’s a spoiled-rotten rascal, and you know it.” She elbows me in the side, as she hops off the sofa. “I’m not saying it’s all his fault, but he is a lot like his uncle Mav.”
“Uncle Mav likes to praise him when he’s being naughty.”
“Uncle Mav is going to be one sad camper if he’s left in this house all alone. You’d better track down a dog for him before you leave.”
“Who said anything about me leaving?” I press my lips against the smile trying to curl them as I return my attention to the screen.
“You know it’s true. Now I’ve got to get back to my own little poo.”
“And baby, too!” I call after her.
She waves heading out the door. “See you in a few hours!”
Owen
Did you get the gift I sent you?
