finished Sasha.

The two of them looked at each other for a long moment. “Well,” said Charlie with a yawn, “Let's start on that in the morning. I'm beat.”

Meanwhile, back up in Heaven, a long brown dog in a blue robe fluttered up to Annabelle. “So, how's Charlie doing?” he asked.

Annabelle shook her head, half-exasperated, half-bemused, and snapped her fingers. Some small puffs of cloud swirled together in a circle and formed a sort of round TV screen, showing a brief overview of the quarreling that had gone on since Sasha dropped the bomb on Charlie.

Itchy winced at the flower incident. “Whoo, looks like things are really starting to heat up down there.”

The whippet angel nodded. “I know. I told the two of them to try to be a little more understanding of each other and not quarrel so much, but I don't know how much good it will do.”

Itchy studied the screen. “Hey, can you get this on widescreen?” he queried. “You know, make it really big like those drive-in movie places?”

Annabelle blinked in confusion.  “Why yes,” she replied, “But whatever for?”

Itchy fluttered his wings and lifted off, heading away. “I'm not sure about Sasha, but if I know Charlie then the match is just starting. We can get some popcorn and sell tickets! Ha ha!”

Annabelle just rolled her eyes upward and shook her head. “Heaven help them both,” she pleaded.

Annabelle's plea for help was well-founded, for the very next day while the humans were out, a high-pitched whistle rent the morning air. So high, in fact, that no human could hear it. “Message for Sasha La Fleur!” called a voice outside.

Sasha ran to the door and poked her head out. “That's me,” she replied, neglecting to mention that it was Sasha Barkin now.

The dog reached into his collar and pulled out a letter and a notepad. “Sign here, please,” he said, extending the paper and an ink pad.

She marked the blank page and took the letter, wiping her paw off on the sidewalk. Poking her head inside to avoid unwanted notice, she entered and tore open the envelope. Unfolding the letter, she began to read first with indifference, then confusion, and finally shock.

The letter read, in full, as follows:

Dear Sasha,

Took a long time to find you. How on earth did you get to San Francisco after the dogcatcher incident? We have a lot to catch up on when we see you.

We know it's not hip to come without sending a bark ahead, so we're letting you know we'll see you on Tuesday.

Love,

Mom and Dad

Oh goodie. Just what every budding marriage needs: in-laws. How's the canine couple going to navigate this one? To be continued...

All characters belong to Universal Studios.