Fern had barked at the youngster climbing through the window, but she was used to tarlings coming to admire her litter; and had no expectation of harm. Her nest smelled of milk and warm puppies. She watched closely as first one and then another were lifted for inspection.

She had seen this tarling before – roly-poly, like her pups. The youngster spoke to the puppies while comparing their features. Fern understood a lot of the words: “hide” meant a game.

“…later … s...