Baby Blue Bears' Debut

The air vibrated with anticipation, a fizzy, exciting sort of hum that tickled Russo’s whiskers. Amy Kathryn and Rex, bless their human hearts, were packing a big, sturdy backpack. It smelled of trail mix and something vaguely leathery, a scent that promised adventure. Russo, of course, was already halfway up the kitchen counter, his tiny claws scrabbling for purchase on the smooth laminate, a true mountain goat in training. He let out a triumphant yip as he reached the summit, surveying his domain with the regal air of a king who’d just conquered Everest.

“Russo! Down!” Amy Kathryn’s voice, though firm, held a note of that secret fondness that Russo always detected. He knew, deep down in his little Chiweenie heart (which he firmly believed was a mountain goat heart, obviously), that they wouldn’t *really* be mad. He was just practicing his ascent, a vital skill for any self-respecting climber.

Rex chuckled, shaking his head. “He’s getting ready for the big trip, Amy. Needs to scout the terrain.”