Trial Run 15

The glossy fur and full body that Grunt had taken on was put down to the care showered upon her.After realizing she was in fact a female for a moment she was referred to as Gruntessa but quickly they all just resumed to calling her Grunt.This being among them who was a hog for life complete with soundtrack.When she began to fidget and wrestle with a restlessness she had never exhibited before they all thought she might have eaten something on the trail that was not settling well.When she began to look to Suzanne wild eyed and panting suddenly the obvious became apparent.She was about to deliver her first litter. Thankfully Donny was fast asleep as she,Arlis and Francie coaxed,soothed,and comforted the novice through this process old as time.She gave birth to five pups in all.Three were black as she was and two were merled white and gray punctuated here and there with her coloring.Beautiful healthy fat Little fur balls.The runt having a bobbed tail to fully round out this menagerie.Donny was going to go nuts when he saw them.They could hardly wait for him to wake up. He stumbled from his bed having slept poorly the night before due to concern of the greatest weight to the heart of a boy."How's my dog?",he asked rubbing at his eyes."I don't know ."his father replied ,"why don't you check on her for us".Donny walked over to Grunts bed near the caves entrance. Grunt sleepily raised her head in greeting before resuming her much needed sleep.Hey everbody,look what's happened he called over his shoulder as he took in what he considered a news bulletin.She's had babies,lots of em.Grunt raised her head again as if to say yeah!,I did it. They let their little mama rest snuggled in with her troup.Tomorrow they would examine them closely so as to ascertain appropriate names for each. Donny stood vigil as Grunt had so many times for him. Soon,very soon this scene would play out once more.Francie was due within the month that lay ahead. As each of the three adults took their part in the delivery room last night their thoughts swung from the task at hand to that which lay ahead.It's a natural process Arlis would think only to seconds later imagine what if it isn't so simple.Francie with the highest stake in the game could not allow fear free reign.It will be fine.She repeated this to herself as she spoke these words to Grunt as she Produced one miracle after the next softly stroking her side as she labored.I am loved.It is well.All care Will be provided.All.