For The Love of Pete - (In The Works)

By Patricia Garber
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Roxy knew she could fly. All Pembroke Welsh corgi’s can, she was sure. We just choose not to, Roxy thought as she raced across the expansive front lawn of her home.

With her ears up like the mask on a swift sail, her pint sized legs carried her elongated body through the damp grass. She was missile-rocket fast. No two-legged could keep up with her. Especially not Henry, the rather rotund human she was in charge of caring for while Grace, her owner, was off doing whatever it was that two-leggeds do all day.

Where did Grace go anyway? Roxy spent most days pondering the mystery.

She never could understand why Grace insisted on leaving the warmth of their home every morning, only to return empty handed each evening. She was obviously not hunting. Or, if she was, she was very bad at it. No matter, thought Roxy, the sun was going down for the day, and that meant Grace would be home soon.

“Damn you dog, get your tiny little butt back here or I’ll take you down another notch and you’ll be walking on your elbows!” Henry's screams caused Roxy to flinch. She had almost forgotten about her chubby friend.

Turning the corner on a dime, Roxy’s ears penned back as she sailed into a pile of wet damp leaves. Panting, she waited. And as Henry ran past, still ranting empty threats, the sound of gravel perked Roxy’s ears and stopped Henry in his tracks. The two watched as the car with funny bumps on its roof sped up the drive. Roxy’s tail wagged once, and then fell still. As two men in dark uniforms jumped out, Roxy’s nose twitched. A scent of anxiety and fear filled the air, evoking her lip to curl upward. Even more disturbing, she heard herself growl.