9780008390662

xena
Another dog races over, a tough-looking German shepherd wearing an
impressive glow-in-the-dark vest and some bootie things to protect her feet
from the rubble, but I hold my ground.
This is my friend we’re talking about.
I lick Ivan’s hand. His fingers twitch.
Well, that’s all it takes to get both of us barking like maniacs.
More people gather. I see Maya next to Ruby, which makes me feel better.
“Name’s Xena,” says the shepherd.
“Bob.”
I nudge Ivan’s fingers with my nose. Nothing.
“And this is Ivan. My best bud.”
“Sorry to hear it,” she replies, and I don’t like the sound of her voice.
With great care, and far too slowly for my taste, rescue workers begin
removing chunks of the wreckage and tossing them to one side.
Xena and me, we mostly stay outa the way, but every so often I lick Ivan’s
hand, just so he knows we’ve got him covered.
I glance over at Maya and Ruby. Maya is wiping tears from her eyes while
she strokes Ruby’s ears. Ruby is giving Maya a comforting trunk-hug.
Good ol’ Ruby. Wise beyond her years, that gal.