Chapter 19

Some human had considerately dropped a meatball in the vicinity of Magnolia the pug. Marty’d been eating it when a new symphony of scent crossed his nose.

“Hey…‌!” The Frenchie lifted his head. “You smell that?”

Freckles stopped scratching his bandana to look. A new pack of humans had come in. About six of them held leashes, and on those leashes were…‌

“Lady dogs!” said Marty, his tail starting to wag. Freckles began to smile. THAT was a pretty pack!

They bounded forward. Marty came to a stop in front of a miniature pinscher mix. Freckles play bowed to a shaggy, long-legged poodle twice his age in dog years.

“Wow, you got tiny feet!” Marty said to the min pin.

“Um,” she said, glancing at her owner.

“It must be hard to find shoes,” said Marty.

“No. I fit in all of Trish’s slippers. They’re good napping spots. Who are you, again?”

Marty stuck his chest out. “I’m Martin. And you?”

“I’m Pearl. But my mom usually calls me”‌—‌here the min pin tried to imitate human kissing noises. Marty’s ears perked.

“Kiss-kiss!” he said.

“Smoochie,” Freckles put in.

The poodle had sat down in confusion. Who was this pup?

“Smoochie! Love it! Can I call you that?” Marty asked.

“Um…‌excuse me,” said the min pin, and pulled on her leash in the opposite direction. Her owner followed.

Marty’s head swung to the next dog, a short-haired Chihuahua. Having watched the conversation between the min pin and the Frenchie, her eyes bulged in alarm.

“Oh, brother,” the poodle next to her muttered.

“Hey, chica! Como estan U-steadies?”

“I speak English, bug-brain! The closest I’ve ever been to Mexico is when we get carne fries at the Del Taco!”

“Carne fries!” Marty fell to his belly. “Tell me more, my little Chiquita banana!”

“Ugh!” The Chihuahua rolled her eyes.

Meanwhile, the poodle had gotten tired of Freckles’ antics and had stuck a paw in his face.

“Yay!” said Freckles. “I saw this in a human movie once! Next comes the kissing!” He leapt up into the poodle’s face, licking away.

“Oh, I don’t think so!” said the poodle, and she shot forward. Her leash whipped out of her owner’s hand, spilling her soda. The poodle dashed towards the cakewalk.

“Great idea!” said the min pin.

“Ditch the creepers!” said the Chihuahua. The min pin howled, then led the charge. The lady dogs around them surged forward as one, following the poodle.

“Wait, come back!” said Marty. “I didn’t get to hear about those fries!”

He and Freckles gave chase.