Bearclaw Valley there are so many books i mean to read

nunataq wagged her tail; merrick rejoined with more furious gestures, until his hindquarters swayed with the effort. the ears that had flattened with delight now swept upright to quiver at her impressive bark. merrick gaped toward the girl a moment until he was able to gather himself.
giggling with a breathless surprise, the child puffed out his velveteen chest and gave a squealing yap in response. not quite as deep as hers, nor as confident, but merrick was undeterred. he offered her another example of his skills, this one at a lower pitch. and when he had done so, the boy straightened, eyes shining with anticipation of how she might answer.