Millie’s dog was named Skip. Skip was a skeptical dog, to the degree that dogs were capable of skepticism, which was limited, but not as limited as some thought. Skip doubted that Millie loved her as much as Millie wanted Skip to think she did. Millie was lonely, Skip knew. Millie was using her. If I had a pet, Skip thought, I’d probably do the same. Skip noticed that sometimes Millie was more attentive when her boyfriend was around.

One day a robber broke into Millie’s home near the park by the pecan farm. Skip attacked the robber, tearing off a piece of his leg. The newspaper ran a picture: Skip the Hero Dog. I wish it were Skip the Skeptical Dog. Whatever. Fame is fame. Millie was kinder to Skip after that. I suppose, thought Skip, this is the love that is available in Las Cruces.