Along the borderline

The day is warm but a cool, ocean breeze tickles the pup’s fur. Calico Jack lays sprawled out on his side, stretched as far as his little body can go. A content sigh rumbles past his dark lips as he watches the adults of the pack do… stuff. What stuff they have to do is lost on the pup since his world revolves around eating and sleeping. Well, and now exploring. Small front legs curl inward as a yawn splits the pup’s maw and his head tucks as Jack does a huge stretch, his back toes even point. Oh, that was a good one! Releasing the pose, Calico sits up, resting on his belly and shaking his head as a few, loose granules of sand try to get in his ears.

Now, what to do? As Calico stands, deciding what the day holds for him, a small voice huffs at someone. It sounds like another pup but all his siblings are playing else and not near the border. Head tilts, curiosity pulling the patchwork pup toward this new, strange voice. What greets him is a black and white pup with long ears. Jack has never seen a wolf with ears like that! He needs to get to know this kid. Trotting toward the stranger, Calico Jack calls out, “’Ello! Whatca doin’ over there?” Jack stops at the invisible line that marks the border, knowing that he isn’t supposed to step over it but curious as to what this other pup is doing.


"Calico Jack"