I had just sat down at my computer to type a report (but could wait until after a Ficlet session) when the dogs started barking.

I sighed huffily. Pushing away from my desk, a girlish voice told me, “Don’t bother. Dan said it’s the cat again. Dottie’s just barking because Dan is and Lexy wants to sleep. Hmm, I don’t see Tarbaby.”

I stopped, hands still on the desk and slowly turned to look at her. Perched on the back of the couch, brown eyes trained on the dogs outside, Ladybug, all eight pounds of rat terrier authority like an overseer in charge of her underlings.

A short sharp bark erupted from her snout causing me to almost jump out of my skin. Jolted from the initial shock, I got up, “Did you just talk to me?”

She turned her head, ears perked, “Yes, have been forever. Now, can we do something about the name.” Then she commenced to panting (which I interpretted as a laugh.)

I looked out the window. Dan, Dottie and Lexy were looking up at me. “Hi.” “Hey.” “What.” They said repectively.