A howl escaped the basement. Harl's face flushed, though he tried to hide it. His guest remained calm, the first to arrive at Book Club.
"My my, that time of the month?"
"Uh, puppies you know, they... vocalize."
"Puppy? May I see it?" The guest smiled, sipping tea coyly.
"No," Harl gulped, "It's..."
"Vicious? Dangerous?"
"...She could snuggle you to death."
The guest laughed, "She tried ninety years ago! Thankfully I'm already dead."