Found Hound 14

The black dog stood out in contrast to the snow drift Arlis found her half buried in.Emaciated she was a light load as he hoisted her onto his shoulder.She appeared to be a Irish wolf hound with the wiry coat and long legs.The goatee the only deviation in coloring as it was sun bleached auburn. Everyone worked to nurture Grunt back to health.Donny began calling her this because as she swallowed the powdered milk as she lay fireside she grunted in greedy satisfaction at the food and the love showered upon her. In no time she was ready to accompany Arlis as he patrolled proving to be an true contributor as she led Arlis to the tracks from which game could be found.The snow fell softly as Grunt leaped and ran with purpose guided by scent alone.Arlis laughed as he watched her stop periodically to catch the flakes on her strawberry red tongue. Sometimes she would lay on Francies' feet as she Played his guitar in the evening keeping her feet warm.Her best friend of all was Donny though.She followed him wherever he went within or outside the cave.She jumped to her feet any time he reached for the tiger flashlight that shot the light Out the mouth when the handle was squeezed.Now that Grunt had arrived Donny grew ever more independent . Tomorrow the three would leave the women at home and check the rabbit traps Arlis had recently set.Donny was so excited he could hardly sleep tonight. Just after daybreak and a breakfast of oatmeal and bacon the hunting party embarked.Grunt never left The span of Donnys arm length.She knew this trip was different than all previous ones. Suzanne set about baking a loaf of bread to go with the stew slowly simmering fireside.Placing the smaller of the Dutch ovens within a larger she had created an oven .The loaf rose on stones near the fire ring in their popcorn popper. Life was clicking right along . At three the brave hunters returned pink cheeked With a dressed hare and the skin that Arlis would tan.Perhaps to make into booties and a little hat for the baby or as part of the coverlette to line the crib He had made. That night they heard coyoties as they ran along the ridge line howling mournfully in tandem.Grunt raised her head and moved over to lay beside her self appointed charge as he drew a picture that commemorated this glorious day with his dad and his dog.Suzanne knitted ,Francie washed up after dinner all abiding in familial order and peaceful warmth.All grateful for the other. Secure in their place.