Further inspection proved that the pup was actually a female, so Ethan sat back on his heels while she continued gnawing and licking his fingers, thinking it over.

"Well, we don't have to name her right now, I don't suppose." He rose and reached over to pick up the squirming furball, laughing as his nose was immediately assaulted by wet puppy tongue.

"Yeah, this one'll do. Wanna hold her, cara?"