Chapter Eleven
Consequence
Nicky saw a bird running between bushes and rushed forward, stretching my retractable leash.
“That won’t do,” Carmen said. “Nicky, stay.” Her tone was firm.
“She’s a bird dog,” I said. “It’s her nature.” We’d stopped next to Nicky, who was obeying Carmen’s order to stay.
“Her nature can be overcome, just like Lucey’s. You want her to obey, don’t you?”
“Of course. Her pulling is fine for me, but she’s too strong for my parents. They don’t even try to walk her anymore.”
“Does she jump up on you?”
“Yes, when I’m getting ready for our walks. She gets very excited.”
“That won’t do. When you’re on a walk, you want Nicky to walk beside you, without a leash, no?”
“That seems impossible.”
Carmen knelt in front of Nicky, holding her head and locking eyes. She wh
