"And I'm suddenly glad we left the restaurant early!" Max's voice spoke, startling everyone. The assembled uncles looked towards the front door to see a certain Jack Russell terrier and a certain Pomeranian standing there. Sending a glare to both Duke and Snowball, Max growled, "I thought you two knew better."

"Come on kids, time to go home," Gidget woofed softly, beckoning the puppies over. All five ran to their parents, happy to see them again. With one final glare at the uncles from both parents, the family left Snowball's apartment for Gidget's across the street. The whole way there, the puppies laughed and chattered about anything under the sun. Their mom and dad, however, trailed behind in a quiet conversation.

"I can't believe our time with them is running out. It seems like yesterday they were just born," Gidget whimpered. Her eyes brimmed with tears as she relieved the memory in her head. Letting her lean against his shoulder, Max kissed her head and murmured, "I know honey, I know. But this happens to all puppies, you know that." Gidget nodded her head as she mumbled, "Yeah... I just don't want them to go..."

"Me neither, but it's too late," Max whispered, glancing at their puppies as they crowded around the outside of the apartment door, "This is out of our paws..."