The reason for the skateboard became clear when, shortly after the swap of dogs, Waffle began making an unpleasant snorting sound, dragging the other dogs and Maggie to a halt as his already shuffling gate slowed to a halt. Maggie immediately placed Butch on the skateboard along with Cujo and scooped Waffle up smoothly, letting the dog snort, hack, and drool all over the front of her tank top--and the surrounding skin of her arms, though it didn't seem to bother her any.
She turned the little parade around, cooing at the horking dog. "That's enough for today, huh? Who's getting a treat and a belly rub for being such a strong little boy when we get home? You are! That's right, who's a little trooper? Waffle is!"
Waffle, despite his obvious breathing difficulties, wiggled happily to be the center of attention, causing the drool to fly everywhere. Cujo flopped down, all four short chubby legs splaying out on the skateboard as he was tugged along. Butch remained sitting, looking ahead like a tiny panting admiral.