Crouching down, I checked Max’s nose. He wagged his tail and tried to lick my face. It wasn’t a bad scratch. It had probably surprised him more than anything. Now he didn’t seem to notice. Duchess finally came out from around the back side of the couch. She was a white Persian with a mass of long fur, especially around her scrunched-up face, and amber eyes that, as far as I was concerned, made her look evil. “There you go, sweet baby.” Mom scooped her up and cuddled her. “Don’t worry, the mean doggy won’t get you.” Max barked. Duchess hissed. “I don’t think Max is the mean one in this
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