The shivering leaves don't bother Rocky. The critter disturbing them must be small and abundant enough that the dog has acclimatized to the sounds already. It makes her wonder how he gets along with the squirrels in the city, who are as bold and brassy as its human citizens.

"Dare to dream," she encourages him, though her tone is confusingly sarcastic. She straightens her signals out by slipping her fingers along his palm and taking his hand.