Paulina heard whining again—this time, Kasha's.  A new dog, a large golden retriever, stood at the fence.

Something was different now, though.  Although Kasha seemed as agitated as when the boxer was lunging and bellowing, this dog stood motionless.  Kasha likewise became still, except for the trembling in her legs.
 
 Suddenly she rushed frantically at the other dog, yapping thinly and unconvincingly.

The golden retriever remained impassive for another moment.  When finally he reacted, it was simply to lower his massive head and chest to the ground, with his hindquarters still raised, wagging his tail in a playful parody of readiness to pounce.

Kasha paused as if in astonishment—then raced off to the right.  At that instant, the retriever shot off in the same direction.  As he bounded to the opposite corner of the fence, Kasha streaked all the way around the yard.

Paulina smiled in spite of herself.