a growing son, a happy family

[slayers_desire]

It was another good day for April and Jonathan. Their growing infant was learning more words, which was good since they didn't have to explain the S'man as much anymore.

Right now, Jonathan was trying to play with Shelby. But the older dog was just lying there, as he rolled a ball towards her. And called out... "B'll!"

April watched with interest. Definitely there was a connection there, between infant and dog. But the disconnect was that Jonathan had a lot of energy, while Shelby did not.

Comments

[slayers_desire]

"Look Jonathan, puppies." April kneels down to the puppoes level. Far enough from the fence, so that Jonathan doesn't reach out and try to grab anything.

But still close enough so that the puppies can see them.

[kalel_ofkrypton]

The puppies are wriggling all over each other, trying to get close to the new people and lick them, their little tongues sticking through the fence. This is exciting and new for them, and they almost swarm Clark's hand when he reaches in to pet them. "They're certainly lively."

Shelby gets up close to the fence too, sniffing at the pups.

[slayers_desire]

"There are so many to choose from." And of course, they are all so adorable too.

[kalel_ofkrypton]

They aren't all the same color, either, with coats that range from golden to nearly black, giving them each their own distinct look. Clark can't decide which one he feels more drawn to. "What do you think, boy?" he asks Shelby, who wuffs and touches noses with a few of the puppies.

[slayers_desire]

"Can we separate those puppies from the others?" April figures Shelby has good dog sense, and it gives them a start. Jonathan is still watching these wiggly things with interest. Every now and then he glances over at his daddy.

[kalel_ofkrypton]

"You can pick them up one at a time," Billy suggests. "Get to know them one-on-one and see which one you like best."

With so many different colors, it's easy to pick out the ones that Shelby touched. And after Clark orders the older dog to sit, he reaches in and picks up one of the pups. The sandy-tan ball of fluff wriggles in his arms, trying to lick every inch of the new person that he can reach.

[slayers_desire]

April reaches out to pet the puppy, encouraging Jonathan to do the same. He giggles softly at the licking, once the puppy is able to lick him.

[kalel_ofkrypton]

The puppy takes a liking to Jonathan, since the baby is about the same size as the little pup, and he gets a great deal of puppy kisses. "She's a sweetheart," Clark says, smiling at the two of them.

[slayers_desire]

"Definitely likes giving kisses." April laughs, watching Jonathan get a tongue bath.

[kalel_ofkrypton]

Clark didn't expect anything less of these pups, but it still is adorable to see. And it's with a bit of reluctance that he has to put her down, and pick up the next one, a male with darker fur who is very interested in smelling everything in reach. "This is going to be a hard choice."

[slayers_desire]

"Which is easier to care for, a male or female?" After all, that might make a difference in their choice.

[kalel_ofkrypton]

"So long as you get them fixed, females tend to be a little easier," Billy says. "Usually less aggressive and don't mark their territory like the males do. The difference is pretty slim though."

Clark investigates a third pup, the last of those that Shelby touched. This one is another female, almost black in color, who snuggles up to him with happy little yips.

[slayers_desire]

"Awww look at this adorable little one." April coos over the last female.

Jonathan reaches out for the puppy. "Mine?"

[kalel_ofkrypton]

The puppy's ears perk up when she sees little hands reaching for her, and her little tail wags even faster. She starts licking at Jonathan even though she's nowhere close enough to get him.

"What do you think?" Clark asks April.

[slayers_desire]

"Well I think Jonathan made his decision." The little boy is laughing at the puppy's attempts to lick him.

[kalel_ofkrypton]

"I guess that decides it." Clark looks over at Billy. "We'll take this one."

"A fine choice. I'll get her papers for you."

[slayers_desire]

April gently reaches out to take the small puppy in her arms, carefully juggling both Jonathan and the squirming ball of fur. "She is perfect."

[kalel_ofkrypton]

Now that she's so close, she can reach Jonathan, licking his face and wriggling happily in April's grasp. Shelby's tail slowly wags as he looks up at the puppy, sniffing at her, in case she is to be a new member of his pack.

Clark writes the check, and trades it to Billy for the pup's papers, shaking hands. "Thank you so much. We appreciate this."

"My pleasure. Always happy to help out a Kent in need."

[slayers_desire]

"Is there anything we need to know, once we get home?" April wants the transition to go good for everyone involved.

[kalel_ofkrypton]

"Well, you already have one dog, so you know the basics," Billy says. "The pup might cry a bit through the night when she realizes she isn't with her mama and brothers and sisters anymore, but if your good old boy there takes a liking to her, she'll have someone to help her through it."

[slayers_desire]

"Another little one crying through the night. We are used to that..."

[kalel_ofkrypton]

"Guess you would be, huh?"

"Maybe Jonathan can help her learn how to sleep through the night," Clark says with a teasing grin at their son.

[slayers_desire]

Jonathan is still giggling at the licking puppy. Finally, April has to separate the two, as to not over-excited either toddler or puppy.

"We have some shopping to do for our new family member."

[kalel_ofkrypton]

Clark takes the puppy from her to keep them separated more easily, petting the pup until she calms down a bit. "Let's make a list on the way home."

[slayers_desire]

Once April gets Jonathan back in the car seat, she can help Clark handle the puppy, so he can drive. "Shelby, come on..."