i've got sand in my shoes

His little one ducked down, burying herself further in the sand. He had to press his muzzle together, pushing it into a flat line to keep from laughing. Oh, little Hope. She was going to be a terror to keep clean, it would seem.

After a moment, shoe rose to the challenge, slinging wet sand as she settled herself into a fighting position. One wad of the stuff smacked into his muzzle, and he went cross eyed looking at the orangy goop.

Then he focused again on Ophelia, who snarled and growled at him. He lowered himself to the ground, his tail swishing slowly behind him. “Sand monster! Release my daughter, or pay the price!” he snarled, taking a gentle, experimental swipe at her nose.