Kasha gingerly re-approached the ivied edge of the lawn.  The retriever again crouched playfully.  Kasha bolted to the left this time, and the retriever sprang in the same direction.  While Kasha circled the yard, the retriever jumped up, put his forepaws against the fence's ironwork crossbar, and barked merrily.

The smile left Paulina's face.  This was a big dog.  She had seen dogs his size clear obstacles taller than her fence in movie stunts. She hoped that this one, like most dogs, was unaware of the importance of getting a running start.

She grabbed her hose, marched across the lawn, and pointed it at the retriever.  Before she could squeeze the nozzle, Kasha flashed between them.  Paulina reflexively released her grip.

Kasha wafted up the ivied slope to where the golden retriever waited.  Stiffly and tentatively, she sniffed his nose.

Paulina considered her options.  Now that the dogs had moved closer together, it would be difficult to hit the retriever without also wetting Kasha.  Time to put her in the house.