races are out of town, I could provide you folks with transportation to where the races are so you could see him. During the off-season, he's totally yours. I would just need him maybe once every week or two.”

Balto was surprised with these negotiations. More changes? He was just getting settled into his new home. Now, he was going to be moving all over the place for half the year?

"May I add," The musher continued, "a lot of these races have some pretty hefty payoffs of several thousand dollars. Half of whatever we win is all yours."

“Wow.” Rosie’s mother spoke up. She was surprised just how confident the musher was in Balto. “Sounds like you really want him."

"Like I said before," the musher said, "he's demonstrated every characteristic of a lead dog, and then some."

"Hmm..." she thought about it. "I think it sounds like a tremendous offer. Don't you, honey?"

“Well...” Rosie’s father was caught in hesitation. He had had to convince quite a few people to allow him to take Balto into his home. He didn’t much like the idea of letting him go so soon.

“Come on honey,” his wife said, “you heard what he said. Balto’s a born leader. Besides, he'd still be ours. Who are we to keep him cooped up in this little house?”

"Hmm..."

The threesome in the doorway were caught in anticipation of what the verdict was going to be.

Rosie soon found that she just couldn't stay out of it any longer. She ran up to her father and grabbed his leg. "Please let Balto be on the team, Daddy! He's meant to be a sled dog. I know he is!"

“Oh...I suppose it’s all right,” he said finally.

"Yay!" Rosie burst out. Balto and Jenna barked in excitement.
“Wonderful. I don’t think it would be any problem at all training him," said the musher, looking Balto’s way. "There’s a race coming up next month. I’d like to see if I can ready him by then.”

“Well, all right.” Rosie's mother said.

“Just bring him down to the veterinarian in town later this week. We’d like to give him a checkup. We'll start training next weekend”

“Okay,” Rosie’s mother replied. “That shouldn’t be a problem. We appreciate you coming by, and giving such a generous offer.”

“My pleasure," he answered. "Thank you!"

As Rosie’s parents lead him out the door, Rosie turned around, and threw her arms around the team's newest member. “Oh, Balto! Did you hear that?” she said. “You’re on the team! You’re a real lead dog, now!” She giggled as she let go, and went skipping away happily.

Balto was dumbfounded beyond belief. He was feeling a million different emotions at once. It was impossible to describe what he felt at the moment.

Jenna nuzzled up against him. “Oh my gosh, Balto! I can't believe it. I’m so proud of you.” she said.

“I...can't believe it either..." Balto said, quite simply in shock.

A portion of this segment of the story was inspired by Khakiwolf (aka Cyberwulfe) with his story Puppy Love. The characters and events in Khakiwolf's fanfics, are registered trademarks of Cyberwulfe Inc.
©1999 CW Inc.