New Arrivals

When Veronica and Sylvie showed up at the Ferguson apartment the following afternoon Mrs. Ferguson answered the door. She was still in her nightgown and still holding a cup of coffee. And just beyond her, lo and behold, were three of the cutest puppies Veronica had ever seen. They were running and rolling and slipping and sliding around Mr. Ferguson’s leather-bound chair. The white parts of their coats were so shiny they sparkled like snowflakes. Two were solid white and had the most perfect ears. Ears that were undeniably Cadbury’s. One puppy, a golden and white one with slightly shaggy hair like his mother’s but his father’s coloring exactly, began to lick Veronica uncontrollably the minute she picked him up. He was white except for a left caramel ear, a caramel patch on his left side, and a caramel circle above his tail. He had that same tail Cadbury had, the kind of tail that looked as though it had been dipped in a bucket of white paint.

“Three of them found homes while we were still in Miami, but we had to come home with the others. It was just too much. Mr. Ferguson and I are desperate to get rid of the rest. They’re just destroying everything!” As if on cue, another puppy came running over with a piece of Mrs. Ferguson’s fur coat in its mouth.

“Oh my! Put that back! Come here!” Mrs. Ferguson yelled, chasing the speedy little pup around her living room. “Do you girls know anyone who wants puppies?”

“Um, yeah! Me,” Veronica said.

“And me!” Sylvie echoed.

“You do? Isn’t it too soon?” Mrs. Ferguson said. “Your parents weren’t sure you were ready.”

“I’m ready,” Veronica said, holding the little caramel one close. She wondered if she should choose one who didn’t look so much like Cadbury, but this one looked deep into her eyes. She was sure he was smiling at her. “I am so ready,” she said. The puppy looked ready too.