Tiny, bright-eyed, and endlessly enthusiastic, the Shih Tzu bounded into the house like a puffball of pure optimism. The moment he saw Wick, his tail wagged so hard it nearly lifted him off the ground. Wick responded with a slow blink and one deliberate swat—no claws, just a statement. Quigley, of course, took it as love. 

By lunchtime, the hierarchy was clear. Wick ruled the window, Tigra ruled the couch, Quigley followed Tigra everywhere, and I—apparently—worked for all three. 

Quigley and Tigra bonded quickly. She tolerated his clumsy affection with patient amusement, occasionally swatting his ears when he got too close but always circling back to nuzzle him afterward. They became inseparable playmates—two whirlwinds of fur and energy zooming through the house while Wick watched from his perch, unimpressed and mildly concerned for the furniture.