Swiftcurrent Creek snips and snails

Oh my freakin' god, Bazi did not say, but she did let loose a frustrated "Doh!" and dropped her head to her paws. At three months past the year mark, she was too old to remember the trails of uncooperative paws and too young to have the patience required to coach a pup.

The bristling little fluff-ball wobbled uncertainly, squealing when things nearly went south again. "Take a step," Bazi commanded impatiently from outside, mimicking the rhythmic thud-thud-thud of walking by whacking her tail hard against the bare earth. "One, two, one, two, one, two."