❄ Kodi’s Surprise ❄

All of characters from Balto, Balto 2 Wolf Quest, & Balto 3 Wings of Change belong to Universal Studios. Other characters, like Sandy, belong to Stormer23 (me)! (Except for the Balto 4 One Year Later, title is not really a balto 4 in progress on film). © for all!
   

Nome, Alaska 1929

Chapter 1

Kodi stretched his legs. It was the middle of winter and the temperature had started to get freezing cold again. He yawned. “I wonder how Sandy’s doing?” He asked himself out loud. He wanted to go see her.
He had been so busy lately with the mail run, because of the 4th graders pen pal group notes, and because the bush plane couldn’t drop off and pick up the mail during the weekends and on Fridays like it usually did, because of the harsh weather. So Kodi and the mail team had to run every week on everyday. Since this was hard on all the dogs, they now took shifts. Instead of having two lead dogs, (which were usually Kodi and Kirby), they now had one lead dog up front, and had the other lead dog go in the second or third row, so one of the dogs could have that day off. Kodi had his day off today, since Kirby would be leading the team out to White Mountain and back.
Kodi walked on over to the kitchen, where the front door was and started scratching at it with his paws. Mrs. Brooks had just put little Susie down to bed upstairs in her small room, (which used to be a small attic). Mrs. Brooks came down the stairs and had her stained apron on, and took off her cooking gloves as she went to go pet Kodi, and open the door and praise him,
“Alright Kodiak, you can go. I bet you’re going to visit Sandy,” She told him. Kodi panted happily as she scratched behind his ears. “That’s very nice of you to want to drop by. I just hope Old Mr. Grand is in a good mood. His cousin, Jiminy is always in a good mood though, that’s a good thing.” Mrs. Brooks told Kodi, then she shook her head and opened the door for him. “Alright, now shoo! Shoo!” She rushed Kodi off in a playful tone. Kodi raced out the door happily. His head turned to look back at the doorway as Mrs. Brooks cleaned her hands on her apron. She saw him looking back at her and told him. “Now get a going! It’s rude to keep ladies waiting, don’t cha know?” Kodi smiled, he kept forgetting how Mrs. Brooks was 1/3 Irish. He raced into town, onward to Sandy’s house.
Kodi was feeling great, as he made his way to Old Mr. Grand’s house. Old Mr. Grand unfortunately was almost always in a foul food being the third oldest citizen of the town, but Sandy’s told Kodi of when she’s seen Old Mr. Grand and Jiminy (her owner) laugh together when drinking a couple of beers together with the warm fireplace going nearby.
Kodi remembered he couldn’t believe Sandy the first few times she told him about those moments. But she always insisted that Old Mr. Grand still had a good side to him, like everybody else had.
Kodi arrived at the old house that belonged to Old Mr. Grand and his cousin Jiminy who worked as the town’s cook for the General Store and also delivered supplies and merchandise for Old Mr. Grand’s antique shop; and where Sandy also lived. Kodi had only been in the house a few times, most of the time he and Sandy would go out into town together, or go in the woods on a hike, or take a walk on the beach, which Sandy loved.
Kodi went up the two steps that led to the front porch. He looked at the screen door. It was old and sometimes if you looked through the holes in it, you could see the window door behind it and sometimes you could see the inside of the house. Kodi’s eyes squinted as he tried to look hard through the screen door. It was dark inside. That meant nobody was home, except maybe Old Mr. Grand who might be asleep. Kodi sniffed towards the doggie door. Locked. Kodi was confused. So he went to the backside of the house, where the porch became a veranda. In the small fenced yard, there was Sandy’s doghouse.
Kodi got off the veranda and padded on over to Sandy’s dog house. She wasn’t there.
“That’s strange.” Kodi said to himself, but shrugged as he thought out loud. “Maybe Sandy’s with Jiminy at the General Store. She’s probably there helping out Dipsy.” Kodi decided and went on over to the General Store.

When he arrived he found only Dipsy munching on some food that she had sneaked out of some of the ripped bags filled with human foods. Her owner was at the cash register with his assistant and that was it for human help. Jiminy and Sandy weren’t there.
“Hey, Dipsy have you seen Sandy at all?” Kodi asked her. Dipsy kept munching on her treats and then swallowed her first mouthful.
“Nope, haven’t seen her.” She answered and then went on to her next batch of stolen treats.
“Oh…okay. If you see her, would you tell her I’m looking for her?” Kodi asked disappointed. He was about to walk off when Dipsy said,
“The mail team came back early about an hour ago. Dusty might know. I heard from Mel that she was planning on seeing her today.” Kodi’s face brightened.
“Thanks Dipsy!” He thanked her and rushed out the door, not hearing her say,
“Anytime. No where did I put those peppermint sticks?”

Kodi rushed on over to Dusty’s house. She was sleeping on the front porch. Kodi lifted his front paws up towards the floor of the porch. “Hey, Dusty?” He whispered. She moaned sleepily. “Have you seen Sandy at all?” Dusty opened an eye, and then lifted her head yawning. Both eyes opened wearily as she yawned,
“She said, she had to go to the vet.” Kodi felt alarmed.
“Do you know why? When?” He asked seriously almost panicked.
“Keep your fur on. I think she was supposed to be there at twelve. I don’t know why though.” Kodi smiled relieved.
“Thanks Dusty.” Kodi bounded off now towards the vet’s not hearing Dusty’s sleepily reply back,
“Sure.”

Kodi arrived at the vet’s. He went inside the waiting room area. Many pets and strays were there, and so was Ralph.
Kodi sat next to him. “Hi Ralph, what are you doing here?” Ralph turned, and answered.
“I’ve got fleas, and a sore ear. Dr. Heron is busy with Sandy right now.”
“You’ve seen her? Is she okay? Do you know why she’s here at all?” Kodi asked excitedly, and nervously all at the same time. Ralph shook his head.
“She wouldn’t say.”
Then out came Dr. Heron. She was holding onto the end of Sandy’s leash. Jiminy stood next to Dr. Heron. Dr. Heron took off the leash to let Sandy join Kodi and Ralph. Kodi relieved, Sandy looked healthy and happy, but his ears shifted in suspicion when he heard Dr. Heron tell Jiminy. “Don’t worry, Jiminy. She’ll be fine.” Jiminy just gave a brief nod.
Sandy trotted towards Kodi and nuzzled him with her muzzle underneath his chin. “You okay Sandy?” Kodi asked her. Sandy smiled calmly.
“I’m fine.” She sounded breathless as if something exciting had happened.
“You sure?” Kodi asked suspiciously. He smiled mischievously at her. She smiled kindly back.
“Absolutely. How about we take a hike, up towards Bear Rock? It’s short, which I know you’ll appreciate, and it has a great view of the beach, even your father’s boat from there.” Sandy proposed. Kodi then asked not trying to complain.
“Right now?” He asked. Sandy nodded, but then Jiminy whistled to Sandy. “C’mon girl. Kodi can come too if he likes. But you’re not going out anywhere tonight. I need to get you set up in the house. Dr. Heron says it’s best we get started now, than later.”
Kodi was confused. “Set up?” He asked. Sandy kept smiling and whispered.
“I’ll tell you later. But let’s go with Jiminy.” Kodi nodded a little confused, but still thought it would be good to go, anyway. “Bye Ralph. Good luck.” Sandy told him politely. He just gave a nod, a little nervous for his appointment.


Chapter 2

Kodi followed Sandy to her house. He was still confused. What planning? What needs to be set up? And why is Sandy in such a joyful mood? How come she didn’t tell me why she was at the vet’s in the first place? Kodi’s thoughts anxiously raced through his mind. Sandy was now humming. Kodi never heard her hum before, but she was very good at it.
Jiminy opened the screen door, and unlocked the window-panned door behind it. Jiminy called out to Old Mr. Grand. This made Kodi nervous. Old Mr. Grand hated dogs, except for Sandy because she listened to him, and knew how not to get in his way. But Kodi was going inside, how would Old Mr. Grand react to that? Sandy saw how nervous Kodi was and just told him, “Kodi don’t worry, just stick with me, and we’ll both be fine.” Kodi smiled at her reassuringly. But then Old Mr. Grand came down the stairs. He looked sort of similar to Jiminy, except not as fat, and much older, even though Jiminy was old too. Old Mr. Grand’s fingers tapped on his cane, which had the crest on the handle of it, which was wood painted black, was the shape of an angered cat’s face. Jiminy went on over to his cousin and explained to him about why he had been gone with Sandy, and why Kodi was here.
Sandy whisked the tip of her tail across Kodi’s face. “Kodi follow me, please.” She instructed him, and led him to her ‘den’ downstairs in the cellar.
Down in the cellar were a stock of wine and beer bottles, and packages of store supplies for Old Mr. Grand’s store that was the Art & Antique shop, the only one in the whole town. It was cared for partly by Jiminy, and partly by another younger couple who worked for Old Mr. Grand.
Other things in the cellar were old ripped and torn blankets and towels piled together and some had been spread out where, Sandy led Kodi to where she now lay. It was very close to the boiler in there that heated most of the house, and half of that part of town.
Kodi laid next to Sandy as she smiled and spoke softly. “Kodi. The reason why I was at the vet’s was because, well remember when we went on that night hike, a few weeks ago?” Sandy asked. Kodi smiled and nodded.
“Yeah how can I forget? I stuck my muzzle through what I thought was a raspberry bush which turned out to be a porcupine.” Sandy chuckled but then stopped herself and said,
“Kodi.” He breathed and apologized.
“Sorry. Okay go ahead.” He waited as she continued.
“Well… remember when I tried to pluck out the quills out of your muzzle. And you couldn’t really move at all, so we decided to stay and spend the night there in the hollow tree’s opening?” Kodi felt his hear beat a little fast now understanding. “Do you get what I’m saying now?” Sandy asked calmly. Kodi sat up.
“I think you’re saying that your…” He couldn’t finish.
“That I’m pregnant.” Sandy finished for him. He nodded. She smiled, he smiled. Kodi nuzzled her gently and then excitedly started jumping up and down around her barking happily. He heard Old Mr. Grand yelling for Kodi to stop barking, but Kodi didn’t care, he was too excited.
Jiminy then came down stairs to the cellar and smiled down at Kodi. He patted Kodi on the head, and scratched Kodi’s chin gently. “Kodiak, how’s it feel boy? Pretty excit’in ain’t it? Now as the Papa of Sandy’s future pups you better take good care of her.” Jiminy paused and leaned closer to Kodi’s ears and whispered. “Sometimes pregnant women get cranked up during holdin’ of the pups. So don’t bother her, ye hear?” Jiminy asked. Kodi nodded, and panted happily, his tongue hanging out all the way.
Jiminy turned around toward a large water jug and filled up one of Sandy’s bowls with the water inside it. He placed it down in front of Sandy. “Drink your fill girl. Tomorrow I’ll be cook’ in’ up special chow for you. Those pups of yours need food too you know.” Sandy smiled and licked Jiminy’s hand. He chuckled and patted her on the head, and gently tickled her chin.
Kodi laid down next to Sandy and once Jiminy left, he licked her between the ears and gently placed his head over hers while they slept together peacefully.

Chapter 3

Kodi the next day went to every-dog’s house, including his father’s boathouse spreading the news about his and Sandy’s puppies.
Jiminy had telegraphed down to Kodi’s house, (the Brooks’ house) about the puppies and what Dr. Heron had told Jiminy about Sandy’s condition. Jiminy also put in the telegraph a request to have Sandy stay at the Brooks’ house, when she would be close to delivery because Old Mr. Grand wouldn’t be able to stand so many dogs around him, especially puppies. The Brooks family agreed to the request to Kodi’s delight, they even asked if they could take her in a bit early. Jiminy telegraphed back that it was fine.
When spring came, during the middle of it, Sandy left to go stay at Kodi’s house. Jiminy brought some of the blankets she had been using in the cellar over at her house for her, along with an old quilt made out of wool. Sandy licked Jiminy’s face when he left her at the Brooks’ house.
“Alright Sandy, here you go girl. Your own little space.” Mrs. Brooks told her and led her to the large coat closet that had been cleaned out. It was warm and mildly vast spaced, since the clothes were gone and put away into the smaller closet and a few of the cupboards.
Kodi laid next to Sandy. She was much more plump after the past months and her scent was starting to change.
“You feeling okay?” He asked her. She smiled at him and licked his cheek.
“I’m fine, you don’t have to keep asking me. But I glad that you care.” She told him gently.
“You sound tired.” Kodi told her. He wonder how she felt. Was she really okay? He wondered.
“That’s what being a mother is mostly about.” She tried to make him feel relieved. Sandy though did feel very tired and hungry. She winced as she felt a kick in her stomach from one of the pups. “Hey Kodi,” She began longingly.
“Yeah?”
“Do you mind getting me a snack? I’m kind of hungry.” She asked. Kodi instantly got up.
“Sure! Anything in particular?” He asked curiously. Sandy smiled at him thoughtfully.
“Well… maybe a few bacon biscuits and cheddar sticks?” Kodi looked back at her.
“Cheddar sticks?” He repeated. He knew Sandy distasted cheddar or anything cheesy. Sandy nodded. Kodi just sighed. “Alright, bacon biscuits and cheddar sticks it is.” Sandy smiled back at him. Kodi left and went on over to the kitchen to retrieve the treats.
Sandy meanwhile gave a blanched look at herself, mostly at her stomach. “Can’t you guys ever make up your minds?” She asked. Then she smiled and licked her stomach gently. “I can’t wait ‘till you guys come out and join the real world, you’ll love it. And Kodi and I will love watching all of you grow up and create your own lives.” She told her unborn pups. Then she fell asleep.

Chapter 4

It was the first week of summer, unusually there was a thunderstorm. Kodi was very anxious. He pattered around in the waiting room of the vet’s office, his father, mother, Dusty, Ralph, Kirby, Bounce, and Dipsy and Mel were there with him.
Kodi and his family had brought Sandy to the vet’s office at 10:00, and it was now 11:30. Sandy’s water had broken unexpectedly while they had been at the beach playing since it had been bright and sunny during the day. As Kodi had been racing with his family towards the vet’s office earlier, he had been barking the news the whole way. Zack had been sent by his father to go get Jiminy so he could go onto the vet’s also. Old Mr. Grand couldn’t go, but Jiminy told the Brooks that he wished his best for Sandy.
Kodi kept pacing around. He kept looking up at the human clock and door anxiously.
“Kodi, don’t worry Sandy’s probably fine.” Balto assured him. Kodi kept pacing around staring at the clock and door.
“Yeah Dad…” He responded, since he didn’t hear his father talk. Then came out Josh.
“C’mon Kodiak. Sandy’s pups are here!” Josh told him happily. Kodi bounded into the room.
Sandy was there in a basket on the floor, nursing eight healthy puppies! Kodi gasped unsure of what to do. He gulped a little. Two of the puppies wined trying to get some milk. Dr. Heron then said, “Alright, I’ll be right back and get some milk bottles.” Then Dr. Heron left closing the door behind her.
The younger kids, Josh and Susie came to Sandy and petted her and Kodi gently. Then they stepped back and all of the humans then stood a distance away from the dogs and their offspring thinking of names for the puppies.
“Alright. Why don’t we think of a topic to name the pups on. It’s a traditional way of doing it.” Mrs. Brooks proposed.
Jiminy scratched his whiskered chin thoughtfully, nodding in agreement.
    “Why don’t we do it on different places of Alaska?”  Josh purposed eagerly. His little sister jumped up and down agreeing excitedly, holding Timbly tightly in her right hand. Mrs. Brooks and Mr. Brooks looked at each other thoughtfully.
“Alright. But only one pup a name.” Mrs. Brooks told the children to their disappointment.
“Okay.” Josh sighed, but then became eager once again as he rushed towards the basket where Sandy and her pups laid, with Kodi there protectively beside them.
“Careful kids. Josh let your sister name one of the pups first.” Mr. Brooks called. Josh reluctantly let his little sister come ahead of him around the basket, and let her pick a pup to name.
Susie carefully inched forward and looked down at the pups. Her face brightened when she spotted a puppy that looked like the second or third youngest out of the large litter. Susie gently picked her up. Sandy looked up worriedly as the pup squeaked almost, since she had been nursing. Susie nodded as she heard her mother tell her “Careful!” Susie brought the pup closer to her as she cradled it. She turned towards her mother.
“Are there islands in Alaska mommy?” Susie asked curiously. Her mother smiled gently, and nodded. Before her mother could answer, Zack pulled out something from his pocket. It was an middle-aged map. He put it on the bulletin board on the counter behind him, and bulletined it up with tacks.
“There. Now take a look Susie.” He invited her over. She held the pup carefully still as she made her way over. Standing on her tiptoes so she could see the map, she squinted her eyes and then stood on her regular position and faced the others. “This puppy’s name, is… Attu.”
Attu had her mother’s overcoat coloring and her father’s undercoat coloring, she was one of the prettiest pups of the litter. Susie gently placed Attu back down, who pushed her way back to try and nurse, since one of her runtier siblings had taken her spot when Susie had picked her up.
Josh soon looked at the map to memorize some names for the pup he would pick to keep in mind. After Susie left the basket after returning Attu, Josh went on over to look at a pup he would name. He saw one pup that caught his eye. This pup was the only one that resembled his grandfather on his paternal side of the family, which was Balto. Except this pup’s fur color was a bit lighter and his fur was a little more brown than grey like his mother’s overcoat, than Balto’s and he didn’t resemble as much as a wolf as Balto did. Josh petted the pup gently who fussed a little, kicking Josh’s hand with his paws. Everyone laughed, including Kodi and Sandy who chuckled lovingly and nuzzled each other watching Josh pick a name for the little pup. Josh stood up proudly as he turned to face the others behind him.
“This pup’s name is Umnak.”
Soon most of the pups had names, Mrs. Brooks named one pup that was male, which she named, Barrow, who had his father’s overcoat, his mother’s undercoat, and his mother’s blue eyes.
Mr. Brooks named another pup that looked a lot like Kodi, except his muzzle and face was mostly like his undercoat, and that he had Balto’s eyes, which was named, Adak.
Jiminy named one pup that also looked more like Kodi, except his eyes were brown, this came from Sandy’s family, on her maternal side. The pup was named, Yukon, since that was where Jiminy and Sandy were originally from.
Another male pup that looked a lot like Kodi, Zack named, Atka, was very feisty and had the naive sense of stubborn and well-thought leadership, just by how he acted.
Eventually Old Mr. Grand actually came later on to visit the pups so they gave him an opportunity to name one. He named a female, who was completely white with Sandy’s blue eyes, Amlia. She looked a lot like her great-grand mother, Aniu, except more dog like. But Amlia did have a large clump of pelage like a wolf over her shoulders. After naming the pup, Old Mr. Grand returned to the waiting room.
The last pup which was also female, was given the honor of being named by Dr. Heron who at first had protested in kind embarrassment to name the pup, but so after much encouragement, Dr. Heron, named the pup, Iliamna.
And so, all of Kodiak and Sandy’s pups were named.
While everyone went out to the waiting room, Kodi and Sandy watched their pups proudly and affectionately nursing and some sleeping peacefully. They were all fed thanks to Sandy and Dr. Heron’s baby bottles that had been filled with warm milk.
“Kodi, look what we’ve got.” Sandy told him longingly. Kodi smiled at her and then at the pups.
“Yeah, a family.”