Blacktail Deer Plateau bonecracker

The pup had so much confidence that Dante was surprised she wasn't expanding. He didn't argue though... she was definitely growing to be a strong, fine fighter if their mock spar had anything to do with it. She had the most important trait. When she was knocked down, she just kept coming. That tenacity was what won battles in the long run.

At Junior's abrupt departure and then motioning, Dante rose and more stoically followed to sit down under the trees. A small glow filled him at being a playmate for her and at her invitation. He hadn't had many dealings at all with pups and the pleasure of their company was pretty new. To be regarded by her with trust was a happiness he couldn't really explain.

When she fell asleep he regarded her fondly for a few moments, then turned to watch the rain as it fell, laying his own head down on his paws with a happy sigh.