again. But I knew now that my job was going to be like this, and I can’t weep myself to sleep whenever a dog dies. It was part of the line of duty, and I had to accept it. But I was still sad. She told me her entire life story. And now it has ended. I told her everything as well, from when I was adopted, to when the gardener stole me and got me into this mess in the first place. We knew everything about each other. Then I thought if I just…liked her. I mean, I really liked her as a friend, but one of my friends back in L.A. died of cancer. And I didn’t even cry. I was really sad, yes, and I didn’t eat or play all that much, but I never felt this way about anyone before. And now…it’s gone.

I sighed again as they strapped us to the sled and the musher was getting ready for the first call. Just when his mouth was about to open, the words just slipped out of my mouth, “I love you, Curly.” And we were on our way, with new members of the team, and a new place to go…