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SHADOW BRACED HIMSELF against the side of the wire crate at the back of the vehicle. He hadn’t protested when September asked him to kennel-up, although he’d rather ride loose on the back seat. The cage reminded him of his bed-crate at home. Only this one smelled of a strange dog. Adult. Male. Potent.
He rarely understood why humans acted as they did. But he trusted September. She and Teddy spoke from the front of the car. Going for a ride. He liked the “ride” word. Shadow trusted that when the car stopped, they’d be in the right place. Maybe home? He’d like that.
Hanging his head out a window was more fun than sitting in another dog’s crate, though. Maybe September would let him do that soon.
Shadow sighed, and sank to the floor. The motion of the vehicle and warm air made him sleepy. The excitement at Teddy’s house wore him out, and traces of the other dogs, more than one, comforted Shadow.
He nosed wisps of tawny fur left behind. No scent of nerves or fear, but the freshest footpad smells shouted with arousal. What had excited the other dog? Maybe a ball? The other dog smells exuded confidence. Would that other dog growl at him and show his teeth if they met? Shadow whined. He wouldn’t want another dog in his bed.
Another crate, empty, sat nearby. Shadow stretched his muzzle and tasted the air. Another dog, female, spent time in the space. His ears flattened, and he withdrew. She had a sharp special scent, one that prompted caution, but he didn’t know why. Shadow would give her a wide berth should they meet.
He stood up to get a better view of September, and braced himself when the car skidded around a corner. He whined and yelped. Shadow wanted her connection, if only just a glance.
September answered with a toothy smile humans used. But it didn’t fool him. The lines in her brow, the quick movement of her eyes and lip licking told a different story. Worry. Stress. Fear. He whined again.
September turned away. Her gloved hand fiddled with something at the front of the car and a man’s deep voice began to talk.
Teddy didn’t say anything, but Shadow could see him shiver. The back of the seat blocked Shadow’s view, so he couldn’t read Teddy’s face. Teddy’s teeth chattered, despite the blister-hot air blast that ruffled a good-dog’s fur.
Shadow was sorry for humans who didn’t have the advantage of warm fur. The cloth that covered the old man smelled wet and sour. No wonder he was shivering.
The big car slowed, turned and pulled to the side of the road. Shadow rose onto his toes to peer out the windows. He could see a two-story brick house across the field on the left despite the sheltering arms of snow covered trees. It looked different than the last time he’d visited September’s house, but he’d recognized the route even before they’d stopped. He pawed at the crate to rattle the door, but September and Teddy paid no attention. The latch flopped back and forth. He nosed it, moving it slightly.
“Wait for my signal.” September unlatched the door.
Shadow yawned and pawed at the door. Snow blew inside and leeched warmth from the car as she examined the gun, fiddled with it, and stuffed it back into her pocket. She handed Teddy a piece of paper. She turned to Shadow. “If something happens to me, get Shadow to my parents. He’s such a good boy.” Her voice broke.
Shadow wagged and slicked his ears when she said his name, and wagged harder at the “good boy.” He whined and yelped with excitement when September stepped out of the car and shut the door. He waited for her to open the big door in the back of the car to let him out. He danced with excitement.
Shoes squeaked on the cold white stuff. Shadow cocked his head. Listened. But the steps drew away.
He howled, clawed and battered the kennel door. September had left him behind.
