Laura was eager to read his papers, so she gently moved the dog over a bit and took them out of her purse. "German shepherd," she read. "His name is Henrik III. How do you like that for a name?"

"That's a bit much," commented Jim.

"You don't have to call him that," said Betty. "He doesn't know his name yet. So you can give him another name."

"I will," said Laura, stroking the dog thoughtfully. "I guess it's a male, judging by the name."

"Couldn't you tell?" snickered Jim.

"No. I didn't turn him over and examine his genitals," answered Laura.

"You didn't have to. They're so big that they're hanging down," said Jim.

They all laughed at that. Then Laura said, "All I know is that he's beautiful. I love him already." She stroked the big dog, who responded by licking her face with an enormous, warm tongue.

"There goes my make-up. I guess life is going to be different with him around," giggled Laura.

"You're going to have to teach him to be obedient. He's housebroken, but you've got to teach him you're the boss," warned Jim.

"Oh, I will. I'm going to get a book on obedience training tomorrow. It's going to be fun to teach him things."

"Always the teacher," said Betty proudly.

When Laura and the dog were comfortably set in the apartment, Jim and Betty got ready to leave.

"I don't know how to thank you. it's been a delightful birthday, and this is the best present you've ever given me," said Laura, kissing them both.

"Enjoy it," sad Betty, and then they left.

Laura was alone with her new pet. She had lived alone so long that it was a novelty to have company.

Instead of finishing up her paper-marking, Laura decided to play with the dog. She was too excited to concentrate on papers with her new present licking at her legs and feet.

Laura packed up her briefcase for the next day. Then she took the dog out for a long walk, wearing his new leash.