Sawtooth Spire Paper Hearts

He positioned himself possessively over the stick as his father came toward him, tensing his muscles and preparing to defend it. But the wiggle in his tail and his bright, open expression spoke to his playful nature. He threatened no aggression, and when his father seized the stick, he woofed excitedly and was eager to chase him, gracefully bounding after him. He heard his brother yip, and barked encouragement back to him before continuing on.

He hardly paid attention to where he was going. His blue eyes were on his father and the stick in his mouth. Iqniq crossed the creek, and it was only when Pingasut's little paws touched the cold water did his smooth, fluid chase turn into a helter-skelter scramble to get out of the creek. He raced past his father, flicking his feet in the manner of a dog wearing booties for the first time, and then whirled to face with wide eyes the thing that had caused the new, and decidedly unpleasant, sensation on his toes.

He laid out on his belly, and immediately started to lick his feet.