This Dog's Journey

This Dog's Journey, part 6

The sun was just setting over the city. It was the best time to venture through the alleys. Momma kept glancing back to make sure her pups were following. They were still too young to survive on their own.

A loud hiss made her turn back around and stop short. Her puppies bumped into her and stumbled back like a row of dominoes. 

"We don't want any trouble with you, cat," Momma stated calmly.

"Don't worry about my little goddess," a female voice crooned. "She's just very protective of me." A woman in a tight black outfit stepped forward out of the dark doorway. She smiled at Momma and her pups. "I'm not much of a dog person, but you have the most adorable little ones. You should be very proud."

Momma breathed a sigh of relief, realizing this woman was not going to cause them harm. Suddenly one of her babies trotted forward to sniff at the skinny Siamese, who looked shocked. And when the puppy licked her she shrieked and jumped behind the woman in black. She chuckled and picked up her cat. With her other hand she scooped up the tiny dog. "You are a brave one, aren't you." She held the pup out to check its gender. "I think you and my precious will get along just fine. She likes men."

Momma whimpered.

"If that's alright with your mother." She lifted an eyebrow. 

Momma nodded. It was what she had wanted--homes for her babies--and the woman seemed nice enough. She wasn't sure about the evil-looking cat, though. Her boy reached out to the feline and when she licked the puppy's paw, Momma knew all would be well. She gave the woman a grateful nuzzle then continued on down the alley with her brood. When she turned back for a final look they had disappeared.

Well, that was one less to worry about. She just hadn't expected the feeling of deep loss that overcame her. Hopefully it would get easier to let the rest of her children go.