Families

Families
by Cyberwulfe

*Author's Note: This story is the result of my first Balto fanfic request! I dedicate this story to my friend "GOLDBERG." I hope you enjoy the story!*

Jenna sat outside the hospital, awaiting her friend Tricksy. The rust and cream coloured siberian husky licked her front paw and rubbed her head with it. She had been waiting for almost an hour and she was starting to get restless. Finally Tricksy came out with her new master.

Tricksy had been found in the woods by Jenna's mate, Balto, and now lived with one of the people living in Nome. This had worked out in that Tricksy and one of the dogs, Kaltag, had fallen in love, and now Tricksy was going to have puppies.

"So, what's the news?" asked Jenna the second she saw Tricksy.

"Well, the doctor did a real quick check," said Tricksy. Jenna rolled her eyes when she heard the word `quick'," And then he said I was pregnant. I almost fell off the table. Geepers, who would have thought?" exclaimed Tricksy. She smiled.

"I'm so happy for you! This is great!" replied Jenna. She had never had pups of her own, and it was nice to see one of her friends going through the experience.

"So, when are you and Balto going to get at it, huh?" asked Tricksy, still grinning.

Jenna looked away," I dunno. Maybe soon? It is time."

"Hee hee hee! That's what my old master back in the village had said about me and another dog. `Hey. Why don't you two get together and make me some fine hunting dogs, hmmm?'"

Jenna laughed as Tricksy tried to imitate her old owner's deep voice. She continued walking with her friend, her mind still on the topic of puppies.

Balto and Kaltag were laying around the deck of the old trawler where Tricksy had lived. They often chatted here when Tricksy wasn't around and Balto was glad to be back at the old place. Balto used to live here, but when he moved in with Jenna it didn't get used very often. After Balto rescued Tricksy he gave her the boat to live in, but now Balto had given it to his friend Boris to live in, for Tricksy had just moved in with Kaltag and his master.

"I think I'll move back here for a while," said Balto, his front paws hanging over the edge of the boat's deck.

"Really? What about Muk, Luk, and Boris?" asked Kaltag.

Balto rolled onto his side. The two polar bears and the old goose had been living on the boat for a long time, then Tricksy moved in and they had to leave temporarily, but now that Tricksy was gone Balto assured them that they would have it forever. "They used to live here with me before. They can shove over and make some room for a few days," he replied.

"I wonder if Tricksy's okay?" asked Kaltag. He knew she was going to the hospital today to get checked out. He was excited about having kids, but also worried.

"She'll be fine. What could happen? They poke at you and see if you have puppies. I doubt she'll even feel anything at all!"

"Are you sure?"

"Trust me. It's just a little examination."

Kaltag nodded and rolled onto his back with his feet in the air. He liked this free lifestyle, and now envied Balto for what his life was like before he saved Nome from a diphtheria epidemic. He was shunned by the town and lived on the boat. His life wasn't tied down by walks or rules, fences or leashes or anything. He was a free dog! But now he too had been caught up in the life of a licensed dog. Balto rarely, if ever, wore his collar, but he liked the sense of pride if brought him to flash around the little golden tag. Kaltag thought about how little free time he would have when the puppies arrived. He decided the enjoy the free time he had while he still had it!

Kaltag never wore his tag. He always had his dogsled collar around his neck. The little metal ring for looping the traces through would swing back an forth when he walked. Balto loved running, and whenever he got strapped to a sled it gave him the excuse to run full-out and show everyone what he could do. That was why he was the lead dog of the Nome championship sled racing team.

Balto sighed out loud and stood up. He stretched and took a drink of water," Let's go into town and see if they're done."

"Sounds like a plan," replied Kaltag. He was really getting anxious now. This was it!

Tricksy saw Kaltag and cried for joy," We're gonna have puppies!" She ran down the alleyway and pounced on her mate," I'm soooo happy!" and she licked his face.

"I don't believe it," said Kaltag, stunned by the news," I'm gonna be a father!"

"Congratulations," said Balto.

Jenna came up to Balto and nuzzled him. The two of them watched as Tricksy and Kaltag played in the snow. The two dogs would soon have a family.

Jenna watched as Tricksy came outside of her house. She walked around for a bit and then Kaltag came out with her. The two of them sat beside each other and snuggled. Jenna watched for a few more minutes and then walked away. She hung her head and sighed. She wanted a family, but wasn't sure how Balto would feel about it. It would be wonderful! She would be a mother, and taking care of a few little bundles of joy would be the true test of her endurance.

But Balto would never agree. She thought of just asking him, but it sounded stupid in her mind. She had to think of another way, one so Balto wouldn't catch on until he was off guard, and then she would tell him. She sighed again and looked back. Tricksy and Kaltag were out of sight.

Boris was talking to Muk and Luk on the old boat when Balto came by with the good news," Kaltag and Tricksy are going to have a family!"

"Oh boy. More dogs!" said Boris sarcastically. He was always in a bad mood about something, but he was good-natured and had a heart of gold.

"How do you get a family?" asked Luk. The young polar bear had learned to speak a few weeks ago, and although slow at first he was now speaking as well as his older brother Muk.

"Well," began Boris, trying to explain it so that the two bears would understand. He decided to use the classical technique,"

ell. When two people, or dogs, really want a family they call the stork."

"Stork?!" gasped the two of them.

"Yes," added Balto, catching on to Boris' little trick," Then he decides how many you really need and he brings them in a basket for you."

"Ooh! Just like Christmas and Santy Clause!" cried out Muk.

"Well... yes! Just like that," replied Boris. He chuckled to himself. Santa Clause now. What's next? he thought.

"I'd better get back to the house. Sorry guys. I'll talk to you later," said Balto.

The others waved as Balto ran back into town.

"Tell us more about the stork," said Luk.

Boris slapped his forehead. What had he gotten himself into?

Jenna nuzzled Balto as he came inside," How are you?" she asked with a sly sort of grin.

"Uh... fine," replied Balto. He wondered why she was acting so strange.

"That's good," said Jenna. She went and laid down on their blankets and patted the big cushion that Balto slept on, inviting him to join her. He looked around the room and then went to lay down. Jenna moved closer to him and licked his face. Balto licked her back and then smiled," What was that for?"

"Oh nothing. Just a kiss, you know," she smiled.

Balto smiled back. He loved it when Jenna smiled. She had such a beautiful smile, and it made him glad that she was his mate.

"What do you say we go out someplace tomorrow night? Someplace very romantic, like out in the woods," suggested Jenna.

"What's the occasion?" asked Balto. He began to think of what may be going on, or what anniversary it might be.

"Oh, nothing really. Maybe a celebration for Tricksy and Kaltag. Only with just the two of us," she gave him the sly look again.

"Uh... sure. We'll go out then. That sounds like a good idea."

"Okay," Jenna smiled again and put her head down.

Balto watched her sleep, trying to figure out why she was acting so strangely. Could she be sick? Maybe something had happened and she didn't want to tell him; some bit of juicy gossip? He shook his head. Jenna would never do that to him. Sylvie yes, but not Jenna.

He laid his head down and thought of exactly where they could go. Someplace private, away from everyone else, in the woods. Balto thought of the cave where he had helped Tricksy back to health after finding her half frozen. His mind then jumped to her upcoming family. He smiled and thought of Kaltag with puppies jumping all over him. Pulling at his ears, biting his legs. He chuckled and thought of himself with little ones.

He put his head down and began to fall asleep, then he realized why Jenna was acting so strange, and why she wanted the two of them to be alone... in the woods... at night. Oh no! thought Balto, She wants puppies!

Balto went out in the woods the next day and howled. His friend Kemo, a wolf living nearby heard the calling and came to see his friend. They had known each other since they were pups in a wild wolf pack and their bond was very close. Balto still felt a part of Kemo's family, even though they were from separate litters. Unlike Balto's brownish-gray fur, Kemo was pure white, with gray patches around each eye. He was much larger than Balto and spoke with a deep voice that spoke with wisdom.

"Good morning Balto. How is everything with you today?" asked Kemo.

"Complicated. I'll explain," said Balto. Kemo nodded and sat down," Just yesterday, Tricksy found out that she was going to have puppies."

"That's great news! Kaltag must be proud!" Kemo grinned and thought of how he had been so hard on Tricksy while training her to be like a wolf.

"Well last night Jenna gave me a few inconspicuous hints about puppies. Like, she wants to go out someplace private tonight; just the two of us in the woods... alone. You know..." Balto motioned with his head," You know...," he raised his eyebrows.

Kemo stared at him.

"Jenna wants to have puppies too!" exclaimed Balto.

"That's a good thing! Congratulations," said Kemo.

"I'm not so sure about it yet. That's why I wanted to talk to you." Balto walked in a few nervous circles and then laid down in a soft patch of snow. The cold powder melted at the touch of his warm fur.

"Why ask me about it? I think it should all come naturally to you. I let it happen that way with my mate and I. There's really nothing to tell."

"Well... what if it doesn't happen? If she doesn't get pregnant. Will she think less of me as a dog?"

"Not if she truly loves you, Balto. Besides, you're both still young. I'm sure everything will work out fine," but Kemo could see that Balto was still disturbed," Let me tell you about what happened with me. It was around this time of year. My mate seemed ready for puppies, but I too was nervous. The woods were still dark, and it was a dangerous time. Especially since there were a few hunters that had been following us for a week."

Balto nodded. He already knew the tragic story of how Kemo's pack was killed by humans. He listened carefully, for he never knew how the pack came to be.

"One day she said she wanted to go find an empty cave to sleep in, because it was getting very cold you see. So I went out and looked around until I finally found one. After inspecting it and making sure that nobody lived there I went and told her. She was a bit excited and gave me weird looks. Anyway, when we got to the cave I proceeded to lay down, but then she told me what she really wanted to do in the cave. It was a shock to me!"

Balto nodded. He was sure that if Jenna was that quick with him that it would be a definite shock! He kept listening.

"I won't go into details, but a few weeks later she realized that she was indeed pregnant. The pups were born about a month later. They were so small and helpless, but they soon grew up to be big and strong."

"I'm not worried about that... really," said Balto," I'm sure they'd be born at home or in the hospital, so there wouldn't be any worry of them dying in the cold," said Balto.

"Indeed. Well, that is my story. As I said, it all came naturally for me, and I'm sure that it will all go well for you too."

Balto nodded," Thanks again Kemo. You're a real friend."

They howled together before Balto went back home and Kemo wandered into the woods that were his home.

Balto, trusting his friend but needing a bit more advice, decided to talk to Kaltag about it. Kaltag was at home with Tricksy, and Balto called for him to come outside. Tricksy came as well.

"Uh... hi Tricksy. I need to speak with Kaltag for a little while," said Balto.

"Oh, okay! Bye dear!" she licked Kaltag and pranced into the house.

Balto watched her go. She was so happy and in such a good mood. He wouldn't say it out loud, but she was acting like a git.

"So, what's up?" asked Kaltag.

"Well... Jenna really pressured me last night. Well, not quite directly, but I think she wants puppies," replied Balto.

"Oh, you too huh?" laughed Kaltag," You know that nagging and little hints and smiles and sly looks went on for a week until I finally got the hint. Then it was off to the boiler room. But anyway. Speaking of the boiler room, I heard from Sylvie a few months ago that you two uh..." Kaltag trailed off.

"Jenna told me about that. It was only gossip."

"Okay. Just checking.

Balto sighed and sat in the snow. He was still worried about what was going to happen that night. Sure he had seen lots of puppies before. Sometimes dogs had flown in from other cities and they had puppies. Dogs in Nome had had puppies too, but Balto was always the shy type. He never really felt like he showed Jenna that he loved her. He wanted to find a way to prove it to her, but could never think of anything. Then he put two and two together. He knew how to prove he truly loved her. He walked home and got ready for that night.

The stars were out, and they flashed and sparkled in the night sky. Boris was getting ready to sleep when the two polar bears climbed up onto the deck of the boat. Boris sighed and waited for them to jump on him, but instead they only picked him up and shook him.

"Wake up Uncle Boris!" they shouted," Balto and Jenna are going out to get their family! The stork must be coming tonight!"

"What?!" shouted Boris.

"You said that when someone wants a family they ask the stork. And we just saw Balto and Jenna going into the woods, so we thought they were going to meet the stork in the woods to get their family!" cried Luk.

Boris slapped his forehead and mumbled something in Russian. He jumped off the boat and motioned for the two bears to follow him," Come one. I think they're just out for a walk or something."

Boris knew that it wasn't good to follow Balto and Jenna when they were out on a walk, but Boris thought that if it kept Muk and Luk happy for one evening it was worth it. They were so hard to please and he was running out of good stories to tell them.

They almost lost sight of the two dogs, but thanks to Luk's height they were able to spot them again. Boris stopped and sat on the ground under a tree. He breathed deeply and leaned against the trunk," I'm getting too old for this. Why don't one of you carry me?"

Muk and Luk looked at each other and then each grabbed one end of Boris," I want to carry Uncle Boris!" said Muk.

"No! I'm going to carry him," said Luk, and he tugged on Boris' legs.

"I wanna carry him," and Muk pulled on Boris' head.

"If you don't stop that then you can each carry half of me!" shouted Boris.

The two bears dropped him and he rubbed his head," Oy oy oy! Kids!"

He got up and started walking," Are you two coming or not?!"

The two polar bears looked at each other, then bounded after Boris.

Balto sat on the top of the hill and glanced at the icy lake. It was totally frozen over, and the Northern Lights now danced on it like a flickering flame. Jenna snuggled close to him and also stared at the lights on the ice. She loved the Northern Lights, and Balto knew that. It reminded Jenna of the first time she realized that Balto loved her. They were under the hospital and Balto had used broken glass and the light from a lamp to make a beautiful light design on the wall. It was beautiful, and now whenever Balto took Jenna someplace romantic it always somehow involved the Northern Lights.

Balto was still nervous. He took quick glances at Jenna as she sat there. She also seemed a bit edgy. She kept shifting her body weight, one paw up, then the other. She would pant with her tongue hanging out and then sit with an expressionless face. She looked as if she were pondering some difficult problem in her head. Balto thought about this for a moment longer and then continued on watching the lake.

"You know," Jenna said finally. Oh no, this is it! thought Balto," I think that it's wonderful for Tricksy and Kaltag. They're so lucky."

Balto tried to think up something quick," Yeah. It is... very good! I'm happy for them."

"I think it would be wonderful to have puppies. Little guys running around the house. The pitter-patter of little feet. Someone chewing on your ear."

Balto scrunched up his face. He didn't like that last idea at all! He looked down at Jenna and she turned towards him. She flashed another of her beautiful smiles and stood on all fours," I... I think we, might... should finally start a family Balto. We've been together for so long now I think we're ready. I wanted to ask you if you thought it was a good time for puppies yet?"

Balto tried to get the right words out, but he felt like his tongue was ten feet wide and covered with fuzz," Well, um... I think... that is... uh..."

"I know what you're thinking. I'm nervous too. So was Tricksy. But when I see her now, so happy and smiling, I want to be like that too. It's the most wonderful thing in the world! Think about it, we'll be giving life to something. Making lives! I want that so much Balto!"

"I want it too," finally the nervousness left him.

"That's why I wanted to come out alone tonight," said Jenna.

"I know," replied Balto.

Jenna snuggled his neck and Balto licked the top of her head. Balto remembered the first time Jenna had snuggled him. It was right after she had given him her bandanna to wear in the cold while he searched for the lost sled team that carried the medicine for the sick children of Nome. Jenna walked towards the woods and bent her head down. Her bandanna slid down over her head and she hung it on a low branch. Balto looked at her. He rarely ever saw her without her bandanna around her neck, so this was a rare occasion for him.

"I think I should keep that off for a little while," she said, and she flashed another sly grin.

Balto returned the grin and he nuzzled her neck again.

Boris looked through the bushes. They had lost sight of Balto and Jenna again. Boris grumbled to himself," It was a waste of time coming... out... here," he finished slowly as he saw Balto and Jenna. His mouth dropped open and he fell on his face. Then he stood up and turned towards Muk and Luk, who were a few feet away and hadn't seen the two dogs yet," Well. I think we should just leave them alone after all. Why should we follow two midnight lovers anyway. I'm sure if you two had girlfriends that you wouldn't want your old Uncle Boris watching you, eh?

"Sure!" said Muk.

"We'd take you with us! You're so much fun!" exclaimed Luk.

Boris just shook his head and herded the two bears back the way they had come. He took a quick glance back towards Balto and Jenna and then walked away.

The next morning Tricksy woke up and walked to the kitchen of the house. She took a quick drink of water and then sat in front of the fireplace.

"Are you comfy, Tricksy old girl?" asked her new master.

Tricksy just looked at him and made a puppy smile.

"You'll start to feel the weight after a little while," and he chuckled to himself," `Weight' until they're grown enough to come out, then you'll be glad that they did!" He began to laugh again. Tricksy gave him an odd look and then walked back to sleep with Kaltag.

"He's laughing at my weight!" she complained," I'm gonna go bite his bum inna minute!"

"No don't! He'll kick you out! Remember that the only reason you're staying here is because those are my puppies too. Just put up with him for another few weeks, then it'll be over," said Kaltag.

"Okay, but I'm doing it for you," replied Tricksy.

Kaltag looked at her belly. It was indeed larger, but he knew that the pups were a long ways off. Kaltag thought of how long it took to wait for two days to go by. Then he thought of the six weeks it would take for these little guys to come. Yikes! he thought. It was going to seem like a year!

About a month later, Jenna had already visited the hospital and been given the same news. She too was pregnant. She and Tricksy now hung around each other as if they were sisters. That was how Jenna felt about it. They were both going through the same thing, so why not be sisters! They joked about it and called each other sis, which confused a few of the dogs.

Balto was happy, but soon realized how nervous he really was. He tried to talk with Kaltag about it, but he seemed to happy to be nervous, so Balto just forgot the whole thing. He still did things as usual, but now he had a sense of pride. He was going to be a father soon. The other dogs would slap him on the back and talk to him and congratulate him. Balto was as happy as Jenna.

A few days later, Balto was in the woods with Kemo. He was still excited about the puppies and couldn't wait for them to come, but Kemo was always serious about everything, and wouldn't share his excitement.

"So you did it huh?" asked Kemo," I told you it would just come naturally."

"I know. I was nervous at first, but later it went away," replied Balto.

Kemo made a small pile of snow in front of him and played with it," You know what will happen as soon as the puppies arrive, right?"

"I'm not sure, but when they do I'll be ready!"

"Well, first of all they can't see, or hear things either. All they do is eat, sleep, and... that other thing."

Balto nodded.

"Then after a few days they finally open their eyes and begin to walk around. Then the fun begins. They will chew on things, bite, tear, shred. Be careful, or that cushion you told me about will be gone in a few days!"

Balto gulped. He motioned for Kemo to continue.

"Then they will start going on the carpet, and the humans will get mad at them. They'll have to stay outside for a while. Discipline will be your job as well. You must tell them where it is proper to go and where it's not. Just teach them everything you know and make sure they understand," said Kemo. He put his paw on the pile and lifted it up, leaving a perfect pawprint.

"And Jenna will help out too, right?" asked Balto.

"Well, she'll have enough trouble with them as it is. You're the father figure. Your job is to educate them. The mother teaches them things like cleanliness and stuff. Practical stuff is for the dad to teach."

Balto looked back towards Nome. Jenna was probably either asleep or walking around with Tricksy. He sighed and looked back at Kemo. He had had a lot more experience as a father than Balto did. He only hoped that he would be a good father to his kids, and set a good example for them... however many there were!

Jenna stretched and walked to the kitchen for a drink. Every day it seemed that she was getting heavier and heavier. Her belly now sagged and swung when she walked. She was just about ready to let the pups come out now, but she still had a few more weeks. She had learned that Tricksy was due in a few days, and she wanted to be there to see what it was like. The horror stories about giving birth were running through her mind, but she hoped it wouldn't be as bad as it sounded.

The water felt good as it went down her throat. She saw that there were a few table scraps in her food bowl and she ate them. Since she was pregnant she needed more food than usual, and Rosy's family always gave her the most between her and Balto. Balto understood, but also hoped that the pups would come soon so he could eat more meat.

Jenna was planning on meeting one of the mothers in Nome to talk about pups and birth and whatever else was on her mind. The old German Shepherd lived near the edge of town in a small red house and was owned by a young man who worked in the hospital with Dr. Welsh. Jenna scratched on the back door and was greeted by the Shepherd as she stuck her head through the doggy door.

"Come in! Come in!" she said.

"Thanks," replied Jenna.

The Shepherd led Jenna to the living room and the two dogs lay down on the floor.

"So, you wanted to talk to me about my children, hmmm?" asked the Shepherd in a thick German accent.

"Yes. I'm going to have some of my own soon and I wanted to learn as much as possible," said Jenna.

The Shepherd chuckled to herself and smiled," You are not the first one to see me. A young wolf-shepherd came to me the other day. She was younger than you, but still had that look in her eyes."

"Look?" asked Jenna.

"Yes. The little spark that tells you she's going to be a mother. The glint of pure happiness that burns from the deep recesses of your brain. It gave her away in a second, before I ever saw her belly!" she chuckled again.

Jenna smiled," What is it like... you know, when the time comes?"

"Ooh, well. It's a bit complicated you know. First the humans took me to the doctor's. Then they watched me in a small room as I gave birth. They would take the puppies and wrap them in towels and then bring them back a few minutes later."

"Were you worried?" asked Jenna.

"At first. But after they returned the second one I was sure they were being careful with them."

Jenna grinned and looked at the ceiling light. Two, she thought, Maybe even three... or four!

The shepherd sighed," They never brought back the fifth one. He must have died. I wish I could tell you what that is like, but I never really understood the feeling. It's like you're going to meet someone you've never known, and then they die before you really get to meet them. Do you love them or not? Will you miss them or not? It is sad, yes, but the others were healthy and soon grew."

"So you had four? What happened to them when they got older?" asked Jenna.

"You're jumping ahead my dear," chuckled the shepherd," I'll tell you about puppy rearing, and then I'll get to where they are now."

Jenna listened intently.

"Yes, those four were very frisky, and every two seconds they were getting into trouble. One fell into the garbage and was almost taken out to be burned, but I grabbed the bag and it broke open and the puppy fell out. I was scolded for spilling the garbage but at least my pup was safe. Yep, life was like that for a few months. Then they grew older and more responsible."

"Did the humans sell them?" asked Jenna, remembering being taken from her mother and sold to Rosy's family.

"A few, yes. But the other two stayed with me. I had two more litters after that, but the first will always be in my memory, as will the fifth puppy who didn't make it."

After Jenna left she went to see Tricksy. She was sleeping on the floor of the living room inside her master's house. She woke up as Jenna scratched on the door.

"Come in!" she shouted.

Jenna came inside and sat next to Tricksy," Hey, sis!"

"Hi sis!" smiled Tricksy," How's your bundle?"

"They're fine. Yours?"

"Good. I think they'll be out soon, but you still have another week or two at least!'

Jenna smiled and looked down at her bulge," Yep. But then we'll all be together as one big family. Are you anxious?"

"Yes. I can't stand it! I have these mad cravings for squirrel and ice chunks, so Kaltag is out catching them."

"I haven't had any cravings yet, but I'm hungry all the time!"

Tricksy sat up and licked her front paw," And I'll be glad when they're finally out. I'm tired of my master making fat jokes about me. He's calling me `Roly Poly' and `Pudgy Pup' and other stupid names. I should really bite his bum!"

Jenna laughed," Well if you do don't blame me if you get kicked out. Don't forget how gracious he's being."

"Yeah, but he could be a bit nicer. I'd like to see him try to carry these guys inside him!"

Jenna chuckled as the thought of Balto sagging at the waist came into her mind. She smiled and laid down next to Tricksy," I'll bet Kaltag is being very supportive."

"You bet! That's my Kaltie!" smiled Tricksy," He's always good to me, like going out to get me food and stuff. He's too good to me in fact!"

"Balto is being supportive, but he still seems really nervous. Sylvie tells me he's always talking to someone about pups and raising them. He even talked to Star and Steele! he must be desperate to be a good father."

"I guess. Kaltag's just going to let his instincts take over. I think he'll do a good job!"

Jenna nodded. She said goodbye to Tricksy and left. On her way out she saw Kaltag coming down the street, carrying a squirrel in his mouth.

"Hi Jenna," he said after dropping the squirrel.

"Tricksy is expecting that," she laughed.

"I know. Man she's keeping me busy. I'm all out of breath!"

"Just you wait until the pups come! They'll just be one big ball of trouble!"

Kaltag gasped and Jenna walked away. If that didn't make him nervous than nothing would!

Balto and Jenna snuggled on their cushions. Balto patted her belly and licked her face. Jenna just smiled and looked down at their future pups.

"Do you think we'll be okay?" asked Jenna.

"We're going to be just fine. Rosy's family will take care of the pups too don't forget," replied Balto.

"I know. But I still worry," replied Jenna.

"Don't."

They turned in for the night. Balto grunted and rolled over," I'll be glad when they're out," he said.

"Why is that?" asked Jenna.

"Then they won't kick me at night!"

"No. They'll be sleeping on your head!" laughed Jenna. She licked his face and they fell asleep.

Tricksy wished she was dead. The pups were having trouble coming out and the pain was excruciating. Kaltag was with her, and tried to comfort her by licking her face. The third pup came out. It was tan with a brown eye patch and looked exactly like Kaltag. The nurse took him and put him with the other two: a white and black pup and a lightly coloured pup. They were so tiny and just lay in the small box that had a blanket on the bottom, barely moving.

Kaltag's owner looked at the pups as they huddled together. They were blind and deaf to the world around them, totally helpless. He knew that they would make good money when they were big enough to sell, but he also wanted to keep the best for himself. He had his heart set on winning a dogsled race at some point in his life and if Tricksy and Kaltag could make the perfect racing dogs then he wanted them for himself.

Another pup came out. It was a brown male. He was also placed with the rest of the pups. Kaltag watched as his second son disappeared over the edge of the box," Four!" he gasped," My goodness, we're going to have a lot of work on our paws."

"I've still got some work to do myself!" cried Tricksy. She was now gritting her teeth," Next time you can get pregnant!"

"Sure," replied Kaltag with a bit of a smile. He licked her face again.

Jenna, Balto, and a few other dogs waited outside. Jenna was more nervous than any of them, for she knew that she was next. Her pups would come soon and she hoped that it would work out better than it was with Tricksy. The dogs murmured as another of Tricksy's loud shouts was heard.

"My goodness. Now I'm glad that I don't have to go through that," said a male dog next to Jenna.

Jenna smacked him," Hey, shut up! Or you'll never have to worry about making any pups!"

The dog got the point and sat further away, rubbing his sore cheek.

The screaming stopped. The dogs stood up and leaned closer to the hospital, their ears pointed towards the hospital, waiting for the slightest sound. Then Kaltag came flying out of the hospital and crashed right into Balto.

"Six!" he shouted, then howled," We've got six puppies! Yahoo!"

"No way!" cried Balto," That's great!"

"Congratulations," said Sylvie, and she ran to tell the whole town the good news.

Jenna approached Kaltag," How's Tricksy?"

"She's fine. We just had a little trouble that's all."

"What exactly did youse two get, dere?" asked Nikki.

"Umm, three boys and three girls. Three and three is six. Yes! Six! Yahoo!" shouted Kaltag. He was very excited.

"Wow! How do you like that?" Balto said to Jenna.

Jenna just looked at the hospital. It would be her turn soon. But how soon, and what would her experience be like?

Tricksy and Kaltag were now the talk of Nome. Their six pups were very cute and everyone stopped by their house to see them; even Balto and Jenna. Balto looked at the pups and smiled. He thought of the feeling he would have when his own pups were born. The pups snuggled close to Tricksy and slept soundly. Jenna loved each one of them. She couldn't wait for her own pups now, but was still nervous for when the big day arrived.

Balto and Jenna returned home and lay down on their cushions. Jenna licked his nose and stared into his eyes," Do you think we made a good decision when we decided to have pups?"

"I think it's the best decision we ever made," replied Balto.

The two dogs fell asleep.

Jenna was feeling full of energy the next day and asked Balto if he felt like going for a walk in the woods. Balto agreed and they left around noon. While walking, Jenna felt some mild cramps in her belly, but thought it was just some bad meat she had eaten the day before. She just ignored the pain and enjoyed the walk.

They approached the old grizzly bear cave where Balto had lived as a wild dog. It had been used several times by Balto and also kept Kemo warm when Balto had found him frozen in the woods. The same had happened to Tricksy, and Balto knew where to take her where it would be warm and safe. Jenna walked inside, in awe of the large cave. In all the time she'd known Balto she'd never been here before. It was incredible. There was no ice or snow inside, and the floor was covered with leaves and pine needles, which made a soft bed to lay on as well.

Jenna was admiring the ceiling when she felt more cramps, but they were much more painful this time. She gasped and fell to her knees.

"Jenna!" exclaimed Balto. He ran beside her and tried to help her up. She only cried out in pain and fell onto her side.

"I think they're coming!" cried Jenna. She began taking deep breaths.

"Omigosh!" Balto began to run around in circles," I don't know what to do!"

"Go and howl! Maybe Kemo will hear you!"

Balto nodded and ran outside. He skidded to a stop in the snow and cleared his throat. He howled like he never howled before, for his mate was in trouble and he feared that she may die.

Kemo was just settling down for a quick nap when he heard the howl. It was very unusual, and Kemo tilted his head to try to hear it better," Owooooo oo oo ow ow ow!" Kemo knew what it was now. A cry for help!

He ran as quickly as he could towards the source of the howl. Then he saw Balto standing outside the old cave with his head tilted back.

"What's wrong, Balto?" he asked, coming to a quick stop.

"It's Jenna! She's in a lot of pain! The puppies are coming!" Balto spurted.

"Take me to her."

Balto led Kemo inside where Jenna was still laying on the floor, rolling slightly in both directions and moaning deeply.

"Where does it hurt, Jenna?" asked Kemo.

Jenna moaned and moved her paw over her swollen belly. She could feel one of the pups kick and struggle inside her.

"Yes. It's time,' said Kemo.

"We're too far from town! Will she be okay out here?" asked Balto, anxiously pacing back and forth.

"Wolves have been giving birth out here for centuries, Balto. Consider it an honour for her to give birth as our ancestors have," smiled Kemo.

"Would you guys shut up and get over here!" shouted Jenna, who had found the breath to speak.

"Okay. Now you need to try to push them out as they come, understand?" asked Kemo.

Jenna nodded. Her eyes widened and she seemed to be straining.

"Gently," said Kemo.

Balto was still pacing back and forth. He tried to look over Kemo's shoulder to watch, but at the same time was afraid to look. Kemo whooped," I got one!"

Balto immediately moved beside him and looked at the tiny thing. It was light cinnamon in colour, but a bit dark because it was still wet. Balto smiled. It was a male. He had a son!

In the next half hour Balto counted as the puppies came out. He was very happy, and grinned like a kid in a candy shop. Three, four, and Jenna was still trying. He looked the pups over. There was the first male, a reddish-cream coloured female, another female who was coloured gray, and a male who was totally black, except for a little white star on his chest.

Kemo was still working with Jenna, practically cheering her on as she kept trying with the next pup.

"Push Jenna, push! Push! Push!" he said over and over.

"I AM PUSHING!" shouted Jenna. With that the last pup popped out. It was a small female.

Jenna took a deep breath and collapsed onto the soft floor of the cave. Balto lay next to her and put his paw on her face and rubbed it," You did really well. I love you, Jenna."

"I love you too," replied Jenna weakly.

"Hey Kemo! You're an uncle!" joked Balto.

Kemo looked from the pups to Balto and smiled," Glad to be one. It's a great feeling isn't it?"

Balto and Jenna both nodded. Now that the adventure was over they were both dead tired. As the pups snuggled close to their parents, still blind, deaf, and helpless, Balto and Jenna looked down on them lovingly. Their family had finally entered the world. Not in the best way or the best place, but they were here, healthy, and safe.

Later that day Kemo was leaving to go back to his den when Balto walked up to him.

"Thanks again for being there, Kemo. I don't know what I would have done without you,' said Balto.

"Probably what any first-time father would have done," said Kemo.

"What?"

"Exactly what you did do!"

With that Kemo winked and walked away. Balto looked a bit puzzled at what his friend had said, but soon figured it out. It wasn't what he would have done, it's what he actually did that made the difference: he called for help when he needed it.

It was getting dark now, and Balto returned to the cave to sleep with Jenna. She was sitting with the pups. She loved their soft fur and couldn't stop licking and nuzzling them. They had both agreed on names; the first male was named Ace, the second pup was named Kala, the third was named Natasha, the fourth was named Jenner, and the last and smallest was named Mishka.

Balto lay down next to Jenna and looked out towards the cave opening. It would be a long trip back to town, and they would have to be very careful when moving the pups. Balto still had no idea how he was going to move five pups but he'd figure it out by morning. He yawned and lay his head down to sleep, but not before counting each of the pups... just to be sure.

THE END

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