“Jeep!”
Jayson dropped to his knees, hugging his faithful companion. They wrestled a joyous reunion in the snow until Jeep let out a yelp.
Jayson released his grip and, with one hand massaging Jeep between the ears, he gently ran a hand over every inch of tough muscle and soft fur. He found the source of pain in a hind leg, assuming the swelling meant it was cracked or broken. The bleeding had clotted and froze.
Jayson whispered, “It’s okay, boy, we’ll get you all fixed up.” He forked his hands under Jeep’s belly and carried him to the Cruiser.
The sound of crunching snow underfoot, reverberating up the driveway, quickly diminished with Ricki’s cries. She ran to the Cruiser, and gave Jeep a big hug.
Jeep thumped his tail against the cold hard seat. “Is he hurt?” Ricki cried.
Jayson p
