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Eight Below: In The Beginning
Written by: MayaHuskee
Chapter One: Finding Jack
An old dark green Jeep with a canvas like cover over the back pulls up to a husky farm called ‘Mando’s Sled Dogs’. A tall man with dirty blonde hair & a tanned face steps out of the jeep.
Many huskies where chained to a line to the side of the cabin. Behind those huskies where a few pens with about five huskies in each. To the side of the front pen was some kennels made of chain link fencing, wood, & an iron sheet of metal as the roof. There is about five or six kennels put together on concrete. Behind the kennels is another set of about five or six kennels.
The man looks around. He glances at the huskies tied to the chain. They jump & bark at him, all except one. He lets out a soft bark every now & then, but doesn’t bark constantly. The black & white husky is laying down on the ground. He barks when Jerry looks at him.
The man squints slightly, looking at the husky. The black & white husky again barks. The husky shifts his uneven weight from his right side to his left. The husky stares at him, & the man stares back.
“He likes you.” A man says, appearing from the shadows of the cabin’s porch. He is an older looking man, with darker brown skin like an Indians. He has dark long black hair & wrinkles all over his face. He leans against a post on that holds up the roof over the porch.
“Hello. I was looking for a husky.” The man says. “My name is Jerry Shepherd.” He says, walking towards the Indian man. The Indian man nods.
“Mando.” He says, nodding his head. He pushes himself off the post & takes a step down from the porch. He & Jerry shake hands.
“What kind you interested in?” Mando asks. Jerry looks over at the many huskies & malamutes. He squishes his face up, thinking about it. Then Jerry looks back at Mando.
“No idea.” Jerry says, honestly. He looks back towards the huskies. The black n white husky barks softly, then lays his head on his paws. Jerry squints at him again.
“Who’s that?” Jerry finally asks, looking the husky over. Mando looks over to the husky, & smiles.
“That’d be Jack. Finest dog I’ve ever had.” Mando says, gleaming about Jack. “He’s very smart too.” Mando says. “He is to be treated like a person, he can understand everything you say.” Mando says. Jerry looks at Mando.
“Really?” Jerry asks. Mando nods, smiling. Jerry then looks back at Jack. “Jack?” Jerry says. Mando laughs as Jack lifts his head & lefts out a soft ruff. Jerry smiles.
“He’s a smart dog.” Jerry says, looking to Mando. Jack tilts his head, & lets out a whimper. Mando & Jerry both look at Jack. Jerry walks forward towards Jack. Jack lets out another ruff & wags his tail slowly. Jerry smiles, & bends down on one knee. He grabs Jack’s soft head in his hands & rubs by his ears. Jerry looks into Jack’s soft eyes.
Jerry keeps rubbing under Jack’s ears. Jack out stretches his tongue, & attempts to lick Jerry’s face. His tongue lashes out on Jerry’s face, leaving behind slobber over his nose, cheek, & mouth. Jerry laughs, & Jack wags his tail back & forth slowly. Then Jerry looks back at Mando.
“How much you want for him?” Jerry asks, looking at Mando. Mando shakes his head, looking down. Then he looks at Jerry.
“I don’t plan on sellin’ him, Jerry.” Mando says, his eyes gazing roughly into Jerry’s.
“How much?” Jerry repeats, standing up. Mando looks Jerry over, as Jerry eyes Mando. Mando finally let out a grunt, and looks at Jerry with a smile.
“Two-thousand, flat.” Mando says. Jerry looks at him as if Mando is insane. Two-thousand was a lot for a dog, but indeed Jack was a fine dog. Jerry stared at Mando for a while, not speaking. Jack just looked at Mando, his eyes glimmering.
“Well?” Mando said, almost sure Jerry would turn down his offer. Jerry didn’t pay much attention to Mando. He was deep in thought. He wanted Jack, but wasn’t sure if he was worth it. Jerry finally let out a grunt, looking up at Mando. He reached down into his pocket, pulling out money. Mando’s eyes widened.
“Alright.” Jerry finally said. Mando was speechless. He wasn’t sure what to think of Jerry. Jack let out a soft bark, his tail wavering back & forth. Jerry counted out 2000 dollars, and held it out to Mando, a determined look on his face.
At first, Mando did not accept the money, not even reaching out for it. Mando didn’t want to loose Jack, but Jerry seemed like a good man and had offered much. Finally, Mando slowly reached out.
“Done.” Mando slowly said, as if it hurt to say it. He looked at the money, and recounted it. He nodded his head. Jerry was already down, petting Jack slowly. Mando smiled, as he saw the two together.
“Aye, what a fine dog.” He said, and Jerry nodded. He unhitched Jack for the line, and then rubbed his scruff. Jack wagged his tail back & forth, pleased. Jerry slowly stood up, fixing himself by using one knee to hoist himself up.
He looked at Mando, and held out his hand. Mando slowly smiled, and out stretched out hand. The two men shook hands, and said their good-byes. Mando pet Jack one time before Jerry & Jack made there way to the Jeep.
Mando watched as they got into the Jeep, and began to leave. Mando was sad, yet happy. He had lost the best dog he had ever owned, but knew that Jerry & Jack were good for each other. Mando slowly waved, although he knew they didn’t see him. They were busy basking in the likeness for each other.
“They’ll both be good for each other…” Mando said slowly, and then turned. He made his way back into his hut, with the fading sound of his many huskies in his ears.
Chapter Two: Picking Out Maya
An old dark green Jeep drives down a dirt road towards an old cabin. A man peers out of the driver’s side window. As he drives down the road, he passes a sigh that reads ‘Mando’s Sled Dogs’. He pulls farther down the road til he comes to the cabin. He slowly pulls up. Many huskies & malamutes are tied up on the side. Behind them are pens filled with more of them.
The man opens his door & jumps out. He looks at the many barking huskies. The front husky jumps up & down as the man passes. He laughs & gets down on one knee. He rubs the huskies head between his hands.
“Well look who it is! Jerry!” A man says. Jerry turns to see him. It is Mando, the owner of the huskies.
“Well hey, Mando!” Jerry says, getting up. Jerry walks over, & the two shake hands.
“How’s Jack?” Mando asks. Last time Jerry had visited Mando, Jerry had taken a black & white husky named Jack.
“Jack’s great.” Jerry says, smiling. “You really did a fine job raising him.” Jerry says with a nod.
“Good to hear. Good to hear.” Mando says, nodding. “So, what can I do for you, Jerry?” Mando asks, folding his arms.
“I was gonna take a look at your huskies. I was thinking of getting a few more.” Jerry says, glancing over at the huskies.
“You do that Jerry!” Mando laughs. “You take a good look at ‘em. Their all special…” Mando says. “…But the one for you will find you first.” Mando says, raising an eyebrow. Jerry laughs, & turns. As Jerry turns he waves off Mando, continuing to laugh.
“Whatever you say, Mando.” Jerry says, starting to look over a few of the huskies. He looks over most of the Black and white ones, thinking that they would be good like Jack. He pauses as he goes along & looks into one of the kennels behind the dogs tied to the chain.
Suddenly a brown & white malamute jumps up on Jerry. Jerry almost is bowled over by the dog’s strength. Jerry laughs & pushes the malamute off of him.
“Hey there big fella!” Jerry laughs. He looks over the dog. Then he shakes his head. “Nope.” Jerry says. Mando laughs.
“See you met Buck-eye.” Mando says. “He’s getting old. Recently just bred him. I’m not selling off his pups yet. But when I do, I’ll give you a call.” Mando winks. “Buck-eye is a fine dog. All bronze & no brain.” Mando laughs again. So does Jerry.
“He looks like a fine dog.” Jerry says. “But not what I am looking for.” Jerry moves down the line. He stops & glances at an all white husky. Then he shakes his head & moves down the line. As he gets to the end he stops. He pats a black & white husky on the head as he walks behind him.
He comes to a kennel with a black, grey, & white husky in it. The husky jumps up, putting her paws on the chain link fence. She wags her tail, her beautiful eyes gazing into Jerry’s. Her message is clear. Jerry looks back towards Mando.
“Who’s this?” Jerry asks. Mando shifts his weight back up & begins to walk over towards Jerry. Mando seems in no rush to get over to the kennel. Mando comes up within a few minutes & looks at the husky.
“That would be Maya.” Mando says. “About 3 years old. Fine husky. Finest I got. She’s very smart too.” Mando says. “She’s pricey though.” Jerry puts his hands on the chain link, his fingers wrapping on the chain. Maya tries to lick Jerry’s face. She wags her tail swiftly & whines. Still, her message is the same.
“How much?” Jerry asks. Mando smiles.
“1000 bucks, Jerry.” Mando says. Jerry looks over at Mando.
“Alright.” Jerry says. Jerry turns & begins to walk back to his Jeep. “Get her ready.” Jerry says. Mando smiles & lets out a short laugh. Mando takes out a key & unlocks the gate. Maya jumps out, & jumps up at Mando.
“Down Maya, down.” Mando says, & she obediently sits down. She looks up at Mando. Mando takes out a collar, & fits it around her neck. He then takes a rope from the side of her kennel & ties it to the collar.
Jerry comes back & looks at Maya. She wags her tail, & stares up at Jerry. Jerry then turns to Mando. He hands him 10 100-dollar bills. Mando smiles & holds the rope out to Jerry. Jerry puts the money in Mando’s hand as he takes the rope.
“She wont need that. But you know…” Mando says, talking about the rope. Jerry nods. Then he bends down & rubs Maya’s face between his hands. Maya licks Jerry’s face over & over. Jerry laughs.
“Okay Maya. Let’s go home now.” Jerry says & Maya barks. Jerry pats her head & slowly gets up. Maya watches Jerry like she might loose him any second. Jerry pats her head again, & she lets her tongue lull from her muzzle.
“Thanks, Mando.” Jerry says.
“For what?” Mando says.
“Finding Maya.” Jerry says, looking down at her.
“Oh, but she found you.” Mando says. “You didn’t pick out Maya, Maya picked out you.” Mando says, looking down at Maya. Maya lets out a soft bark. Jerry lets out a laugh.
“’Spose your right. Well, we better get going. Jack will be missing us.” Jerry says. Mando nods. As Jerry & Maya make their way towards the Jeep, Jerry turns & waves good-bye to Mando. Mando nods as he gets to the cabin he calls home.
Jerry opens up the driver’s side door, & whistles. Maya barks & jumps up. She jumps from the driver’s set to the passenger’s seat. She sits there & looks at Jerry. Jerry laughs & gets in himself. He slams the door closed, & puts his key in the ignition. He turns the key, revving the engine.
Maya hangs her head out the jeep’s window. She lets her tongue once again lull from her muzzle. She looks around. Jerry then puts the jeep into reverse, & pulls it out. Jerry turns the Jeep around, & then begins to head back down the road.
Mando waves, leaning on a post. As they begin to fade into the distance Mando suddenly lets out a laugh. He shakes his head.
“I told him she would find him first.” Mando laughs. He shakes his head again as he steadies himself back up. He turns & walks back into the cabin, laughing quietly to himself.
Down the road, Jerry looks at Maya as they pass the sign Jerry had seen before. Jerry smiles. Maya feels that someone is watching her. She turns & looks at Jerry. Jerry smiles & Maya wags her tail happily.
“That’s my girl.” Jerry says. “I expect great things out of you.” Jerry says, rubbing her head with his hand. Maya tilts her head as he rubs it. Then Jerry puts his hand back on the steering wheel, & he looks on into the distance.
Chapter Three: Judging Truman
It was getting late in the evening, about 5:30 or so, when Jerry got off his bed, leaving Maya to herself, why he rumbled over to the counter, looking for the phone. Jack looked at Jerry, and barked. Jerry looked over at his husky, and Jack looked over on another counter. Jerry laughed, and grabbed it.
"Thanks." He said as he picked up the phone, and dialed a seven-digit number. It rang four times before a familiar voice answered.
"Hello. Mando sleddogs. What can I do you for?" Came Mando's voice, and Jerry almost laughed.
"Hey there, Mando. It's Jerry, again." Jerry responded, and he got Mando's booming laugh in return.
"Again? Again?!" He laughed, "Well, what can I do you for, Jerry?" Mando asked, laughing slightly as it faded. Jerry smiled as he looked at a piece of paper infront of him, in his aquiant little RV. Maya was laying on the bed, and Jack was sitting near by him. Jerry tapped on the piece of paper with his pencil, and there seemed to be a long silence.
"Jerry?" Mando asked, and then Jerry shook his head slightly, bringing him back to reality.
"Oh, sorry. I'm here." Jerry responded.
"Well..?"
"Well what? Oh!" Jerry sighed. "You have any pups?" Jerry asked, making Mando laugh again.
"Well yes. I generally have pups around here. At least a dozen at a time." Mando replied. Jerry sighed again. And Mando grunted.
"Are you saying you want another dog?" Mando asked.
"Yes, I do. I am working up a team, here."
"No, really? I thought you got them as lap dogs!" Mando said, letitng out a laugh. And Jerry let out a slight laugh.
"Well, Jerry. I supose if you come down here I could show you a litter of pups. They are about five months old now, gonna be six soon. Is that alright with you?"
"Of course it is. Uh, when can I come see them?"
"How about you come around tomorrow, and I will show you them before other people drop by." Mando said, making Jerry smile.
"Sure. What time?"
"Oh, around 10:30 in the morning, that work for you?" As Mando said that, Jack barked, and Maya lifted her head. Jerry laughed, nodding.
"Jack says it is."
"Well, tell Jack there I said hi." Mando replied. "See you tomorrow."
"Sure thing." Jerry finished, as he hung up the phone. He laughed, and looked at Jack. Jack let out a slight whimpered, wagging his tail. Jerry patted him on his head, before he scribbled a note to himself on the piece of paper, and set the pencil down. He yawned, and went back to his bed. He ploped down, and looked at Maya, smiling. She barked at him, her tail wagging slightly as Jerry rubbed her head.
"Thats my girl." He said, and then closed his eyes for a moment before getting a lick right across the face. He opened his eyes to see the lovely eyes of his husky, Maya. He laughed, and ruffled her scruff some, before pushing her away. He yawns, laying down completely on his little bed. Maya curls up by him, and tucks herself into a slight ball. Jerry laughs, and lays there, thinking for awhile.
Jerry knew soon he would have to take the kids out to Alaska, or Montana or somewhere cold, to begin training them. Because living in a RV on the rocky beach wasn't the best place to begin. He just needed to finish his team of dogs, and then he would be good. Jerry sighed, and looked around the darkening inside. Soon, Jerry had fallen asleep, not waking until morning.
Around nine a.m. the next morning, Jerry felt a wet rough tongue licking all over his face, while there was a wet nose in his ear. He grumbled slightly turning hoping to avoid his attackers. Yet, they still lapped at his face, and whimpered in his ears. He grunted, opening his eyes to see Maya standing on his bed, and whimpering in his ear, while Jack was licking the side of his face. He pushed them both away, and they came back to get him again as he pushed himself up into a sitting position.
"Alright, alright. I'm up, I'm up!" He said, laughed as Jack stood before him, and Maya nudged him in the back. Jerry looked back at her, laughing, and finally got to his feet. Jack back tracked it, and jumped up onto the coshin he enjoyed sitting on. Jerry fumbled around before he looked at the time. His clock said nine o'five. He sighed, and then pat Jack on the head.
"Thanks boy." Jack lapped at his hand, taking in the glory before letitng out a soft barking sound as his tail wapped the floor. Jerry sighed, and then went around, looking for a few things. He got changed into some cleaner clothes, and brushed his hair and teeth. He looked at Jack, and Jack barked. Jerry laughed, and then grabbed his sunglasses that were hanging on a hook above his bullitenboard.
Within an hour, Jerry was ready, and heading out the door. He generally didn't like to leave Maya and Jack alone, but they both were good dogs. So he said his good-byes, and locked up the RV before he left to get in his Jeep. He unlocked the door, and got in. He drove away, heading towards the road that he knew to lead to Mando's sleddogs.
It took him around 20 mintues to get there, driving far away from his little 'house'. He finally passed the sign that said "Mando's Sleddogs". He smiled, and pulled into the driveway, listening to all the huskies and malamutes and other racing dogs howl. He got out, noticing Mando step from his little hut, smiling slightly. Jerry met Mando half way, and they shook hands before they got down to business.
"So, ready to see them pups?" Mando asked. Jerry nodded, and then something came to mind.
"What color are these pups?" Jerry asked.
"Well, they mostly came out as white, like their father, but I have three pups who are a more of a red, or copper color." Mando said. "There's eight of 'em." Jerry looked at Mando for a moment.
"My my. Thats alot of pups." Jerry said, Mando nodding his head in agreement.
"Sure is. But they are fine pups. They'll make good sleddogs one day. Already started to train them to pull." Mando said, sounding somewhat proud. Jerry just nodded as they walked over through the huskies, to a pen in the back. They walked up to it, and Jerry peared in to see eight beautifully coloured pups. But one pup in particular caught his attention. It was one of the three copper and white colored pups. Jerry had to admit they were more of a brownish-red, but all the same the pup was gorgous. Jerry pointed to the pup.
"Male, female?" He asked.
"Male."
"Five months?"
"Almost Six."
"How much?" Jerry asked, hating the words.
"Five hundred, should do it." Mando replied. Jerry sighed, and searched for his wallet. He wouldn't be able to get another husky for a few months, although he had money for it. He counted out four one-hundred dollar bills, and and then pulled out six twenty dollar bills. He then handed them out to Mando, who took them happily. Mando smiled at Jerry.
"The pups all yours, and hes up to date on shots, so dont worry, Jer." Mando said, nodding as he began to walk off. Jerry laughed, and reached down, picking up the pup. He wriggled in Jerry's arms, letting out a yapping sound. Jerry pulled him up, holding him close to his body, letting the pup calm down for a moment. The pup began to calm down, and then lap up Jerry's face. Jerry laughed, and tried to push away the pup's muzzle away, but it wasn't working. So as Jerry carried the hyper pup back to his Jeep, he was covered with sweet puppy kisses.
Jerry opened the Jeep door, nearly falling as he attempted to see what he was doing, and then nudged the pup into the passengers seat. Jerry jumped in, and no sooner did the pup jump into his lap, pulling himself up so he could lick Jerry's face again. Jerry laughed, slaming the door, as he pushed the pup away. He barked, and wagged his tail as Jerry looked at him. The pup then let out a whimper, his large eyes looking up at Jerry.
"Only a true man could have put up with that." Jerry said, laughing as they had made it home. The whole way, the pup had jumped up at him, nearly making them crash. As Jerry carried him to the door of the RV, he stopped, thinking.
"True man..?" He said quietly. "Trueman.... Truman!" He said laughing, and the puppy barked as if he knew that was his new name. Jerry smiled, and rubbed the pups head.
"Thats right, little guy. Truman, it is." He smiled as he unlocked the door, and was suddenly tackled by two huskies, who ran off into the distance. They ran along the shore line, and then Jerry sighed as he watched. He knew it was no use to try and get them to come back now, but to let them run off some enery. He put the newly named pup, Truman, down, and Truman ran off, tumbling down. He barked, and got right back off, running more. Jerry laughed, shaking his head, as he began to walk off to follow his three huskies.
Chapter Four: Braun... What about Brain?
Jerry had made up his mind. He was going to get another husky, perferably one that could play with the young pup, Truman. Jerry sighed as he looked at the money before him. He had alot there, and he had spent alot on all these huskies. But he still didn't have enough. And he wanted the best, and the best sled dogs came from Mando. Jerry sighed, and tapped a pencil against the counter. The dogs were romping around outside, but Maya had stayed on the bench beside the counter, watching him. Jerry looked over for a moment, and she tilted her head to the side slightly. Jerry laughed, and patted her head, before he went outside. Maya followed up to the door to watch, as Jerry stood, watching the dogs. He whistled loudly, and they all looked.
"C'mon Kids! Inside!" Jerry yelled, waving them over. They all came running, except for little Truman. He yapped and barked at the waters edge. Jerry sighed. Truman was learning, but not very fast. He wondered if he had made a mistake picking out the pup, who was now about eight months old. Jerry walked closer, and then whistled again.
"Truman! C'mon pup!" He yelled, and Truman turned his attention to Jerry. He yapped his little puppy bark a few times, before running over.
"Good boy!" Jerry laughed, rubbing his head, and picking his up. Truman frantically tried to lick Jerry's face and wriggle free of his arms, but Jerry kept him out of reach. Finally he went inside, dropping the pup down. He looked over at Maya, who wagged her tail, giving a pittiful look to Jerry. He sighed, and grapped the keys off the counter near the door, and let out a soft whistle.
"C'mon Maya, lets go." He said, and Maya ran out, as Jerry shut the door. He hoped that when he got back he would find everything in order, especially sense he was getting so many huskies, and it was so crowded in the little tralier. But Jerry didn't want to get a house or anything, because he knew he would be going to Antartic in the following years with the dogs, and he would spend a good time there. At least with his trailer, he didn't have to pay rent, or such.
Jerry went over to his Jeep, opened one side, and Maya jumped into the passengers side. Then Jerry shut the door, going around to the other side. He opened the door, and got into his seat. Maya was sitting there, as if in her glory, looking as pretty and young as ever. Jerry smiled, and let out a laugh before he pat her on that head.
"Thats my girl." He said, and then shut the door. He put the key in the ignition, and reved it up. He then looked back as he pulled the Jeep back, turning it around, and then taking off towards the main road. From there, he traveled for about twenty minutues until the sign, Mando's Sleddogs, came into view. Maya barked when she saw the sign, and Jerry laughed. She let out a slight whimper, looking out for the familiar place that she had come from. Soon, you could hear the huskies barking, and howling, announcing their arival. Jerry laughed as Maya let out another bark, when they pulled up.
The last visits that Jerry had made to Mando, he had always been in his little hut, and came out to greet him. But this time, Mando was over by some of the huskies chained down in front, and was working on its paw. Jerry turned off the engine, and opened up his door, Maya running out, jumping down. She ran over, and barked, and wagged her tail, and even touched noses to some of the huskies around. Mando looked up at last, and smiled to see Jerry coming over. He finished mending the paw, and then got up, laughing slightly.
"Jerry! Good to see you here." He said, then noticing Maya was with him, he slightly frowned. "Nothing wrong, is there?" He asked. Jerry laughed slightly.
"No, no. Maya just wanted to tag along." Jerry said, smiling. Mando nodded.
"So, you come for another one of my dogs, eh?" Mando laughed, as the two shook hands. Maya rushed over, and barked, her tail wagging fericly as she greeted Mando. Mando laughed, and rubbed her head, whispering to her as he waited for Jerry's reply.
"Well, Maya and I was hopin'." He said, pausing. "Aint that right, Maya?" Jerry said, and Maya barked loudly, her tail seeming to wag faster. Mando laughed as he pulled himself up again, and nodded.
"We have a batch of pups, just born not long after you got that trouble maker, that you call.. uh.." Mando thought for a moment.
"Truman." Jerry laughed.
"Oh yes, Truman. Very nice name." Mando smiled. He looked back at Jerry as they walked. "Now, this lit of pups only has two left. All the others were reserved after we found out that the Dam was pregnate." Mando explained.
"Wow. Why were they all reserved so soon?" Jerry asked.
"Why son, they are Buckeye's pups!" He laughed. "Everyone wants a pup like Buckeye." Mando nodded. "And not many of them turned out to look like him, either." Mando laughed. "But, there is one that hasn't gotten his home yet who looks just like 'em." Mando smiled, almost as if gloating. Jerry simply nodded as he followed Mando back to a pen. As they walked, they passed a pen, and Jerry saw two pups, and he recalled them to be Truman's brothers or sisters. He wondered why those pups where still there, but he tried to pass it by.
"They is only almost five months old, but they are good pups." Mando said, as he lead to the pen that was marked BUCKEYE'S PUPS in big letters. Jerry looked in to see eight beautiful looking pups. Most of them had a lighter coloured copper colour to them, but three of them had the dark lush copper that reminded Jerry when he had seen Buckeye.
"That one.." Mando pointed to a cream coloured pup, and then to one of the dark pups. "And that one." Mando said. "Your pick." Mando smiled, and stepped back slightly. The cream coloured pup was cute, but Jerry's eyes seemed to stay on the Buckeye-look-alike. Mando noticed, and laughed.
"Taking an intrest in Little Buck there, eh?" Jerry looked at Mando, and Mando laughed.
"Just what I call him." Mando explained, but Jerry smiled.
"I'll take Buck." Mando looked at Jerry surprised.
"You sure you want 'em?" Mando asked.
"Yes, I am. Usual 500, I supsose?" Jerry asked him.
"No, 700 Jer. These are Buckeye's prized pups." Mando said.
Jerry huffed. "No, they are your prized pups, but all well." Jerry said, pulling out his wallet. Mando just sort of stared at Jerry, not sure what to think. Jerry handed out the seven hundred dollars, and it didn't even seem to phase Mando.
"..Money.....?" Jerry said in a mysterious type voice, shaking the money in his hand a little. Mando finally seemed to come back, and took the money, counting it, as Jerry leaned into the pen, and picked up Buck. He yipped at then at an attempt to lick Jerry's face, they hit heads. Jerry pushed the pup away, rubbing his head as good as he could without putting Buck down. Mando couldn't help but laugh. Maya had appeared on the scene, and barked as Mando laughed, her tail wagging.
"Just like his father!" Mando laughed, leaning over slightly, one hand on his knee. Jerry scowled, and looked at the pup.
"Hope that Seven hundred was worth it." Jerry said with a laugh, and then Mando let out a slight laugh too.
"Should be." Mando said smiling. "Well, nice doing business with you, Jer!" Mando said, as he began to walk off to do other things. Jerry nodded, and whistled at Maya. She followed after him as he and Buck went on. Maya looked up at the new pup as they went along, and Buck tried to wiggle down to greet her. But Jerry managed to keep him still. They got over to the Jeep, and Jerry opened the door, Maya jumping in right away. Then, he put Buck in next to her, Buck wriggling around and licking at Maya's maw. And she graciously took them. Jerry laughed as he got in, shutting the door with a loud slamming sound.
"Thats my girl, Maya." Jerry said, patting her head, before he started up the engine, and paused for a moment to watch the two again. He couldn't help but laugh. Jerry hoped to get great things out of them. He changed gears, and then backed up, turning the Jeep around, so they could head back home. Jerry hoped for the other dogs to be as nice as Maya, but he really couldn't ask that much. He sighed, and listened to Buck's whimpering and wriggling amoung Maya in the other seat.
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