Dea

At the table, Zarah unbuttoned her coat as she looked around. She smiled at the pink neon sign that read “This must be the place” glowing against a plant covered backdrop. It was a nice touch.

She smiled at Ivy to show her delight and hung her coat over the back of the chair. Her hand curled over it and paused as she caught sight of a black snout two tables down. She squinted. Two sharp ears and a pair of intense brown eyes came into view as a big Malamute slowly rose from underneath the table. Its gaze fixed on Zarah. With its neck stretched and back straight, it began to walk towards them in a wolfish, assessing prowl.

“Hey, where do think you’re going?!” The owner quickly grabbed its lead and halted her in its track. He threw an apologetic glance at the women. “I’m so sorry. Don’t let her size scare you, she’s a good girl!”

Ivy had turned around. “Awww. Isn’t she the cutest! No worries at all!”

Zarah smiled. “Can I pet her?”

“Yeah, sure.” The owner gave her an encouraging smile.

Zarah stepped forward and walked slowly up to him. “What’s her name?”

“Dea”

Slightly puzzled by the intensity in Dea’s stance, Zarah stopped a foot away and extended her hand. The lead tightened like a drawn bowstring as Dea leaned forward, gaze intact, nostrils flaring. One sniff. Then another. A big puffy tail rose, still for a moment, before slowly swaying left to right. Dea’s posture softened and a big pink tongue, tipped by a blue mark, gave Zarah’s hand a gentle lick. Zarah giggled.

“Hey, you.” She bent down with a big smile and came closer to ruffle Dea’s ears affectionately. The Malamute pressed her forehead to Zarah’s, gave a slight bow, pulled back, and let out a deep, soul-stirring howl. Zarah jumped as other wails and howls joined Dea’s call.

“Zarah”. Ivy reached for Zarah’s arm and pulled her up. There had been two other dogs in the restaurant. A Russian Spaniel and a brown Labrador. They had come out from their warm, comfy nooks and were staring at Zarah. Each dog gave a slight bow, as if in recognition.