The Good Dog Read Online Free PDF Page B

human.I dare you to look at your reflection in a stream. You will see the wolf in you.
    â€œMcKinley, if you were true to your nature, you could still be a wolf. Imagine what it would be like to live in the wilderness with a pack of free wolves. Sense how it would be to match your wits and strength with the best. Consider the courage it takes to live and die through the use of your own muscles and intelligence. Think what it means to have whelps who are born free—who can never be taken from you.
    â€œMcKinley, our meeting here today is no accident. I tracked you down so that you might hear my message. You are easy to find. You stink of human food.”
    McKinley hung his head.
    â€œYou call yourself head dog, but with one stroke of my crooked paw, I could send you tumbling into the mud. Beware of me, McKinley, for I am a free wolf!”
    McKinley quailed. He could not help himself. His ears fell back. He stuck out his tongue in submission.
    Suddenly, Lupin leaped forward. Landing close to McKinley, she held her head higher than ever, sharp teeth exposed.
    McKinley, collapsing in terror, rolled over and, with his paws limp, exposed his belly.
    â€œSo much for you, dog!” Lupin barked. Then she lifted her nose to the sky, shaped her mouth into an almost perfect circle, and let forth a howl. It was part moan, part cry of triumph, throaty and rough-edged at first, then rising to a single clear note that vaulted high and echoed down the canyon.
    The sound terrified McKinley. Engulfed him. He was sure he was about to be attacked.
    Except the wolf backed away and only growled, “I did not come to humiliate you, McKinley. Stand up.”
    Obedient, McKinley rolled over, rose, and stole a look at Lupin. The wolf had relaxed. Her tail—no longer bristling—wagged gently. Her mouth was open. McKinley could see her tongue.
    â€œI did not want to make you submit,” Lupinwhined. “I only wished to make you understand what you’ve become.”
    McKinley lowered his head. “I understood.”
    â€œListen to me, dog. Duchess has become my friend. She told me of you. She admires you. I know all about your pack, too. You are a good leader, strong and caring. You are worthy of the position and name ‘head dog.’ ”
    McKinley sighed. “Thank you.”
    â€œBut, dog, you remain a slave to humans. So I urge you, return to the wilderness. Join my pack. Hunted by men with guns and traps, we are diminishing rapidly. We need dogs like you to replenish us.”
    McKinley stole a glance to where Jack stood a few feet behind, staring wide-eyed at the wolf.
    Lupin noticed the look. “The pup may even be a good human, McKinley. But he remains human, so full of fear and submission, he will turn himself into a cruel master. What I offer you and your pack is a life of freedom.”
    That said, she began to move away.
    Just before taking the turn in the trail, Lupin stopped and looked back over her massive shoulder. “I will not be far, McKinley. I can find you whenever I wish. Think about what I have said. Better yet, act on it. You are a head dog now, McKinley. But you could become a great dog. You could lead your whole pack to their liberation.”
    McKinley, watching the wolf disappear from view, stood very still.

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    I n all his life McKinley had never met so awesome an animal as Lupin. Far from feeling ashamed of his submissive behavior, he felt stronger. It was as if he were linked now to some invincible force.
    â€œMcKinley!” Jack’s voice startled him. “Is he really gone?”
    The pup was standing a few yards back along the trail, the smell of fear strong on him.
    Excited, McKinley bounded over. He dropped down on his front paws. His tail went up. He barked.
    â€œAre you crazy, McKinley?” Jack cried. “Don’t you have any idea who that was?”
    McKinley sat back and studied Jack intently. The pup seemed small,