"I usually stop around now," Eliot said, accepting the coffee. The dogs were on their way back, one of them with the ball in its mouth. "There's less for them to do in the winter. This way, they can let off some steam."
Eliot supposed it was true for both him and the dogs. Riding was peaceful, but he was still working. Throwing the ball for the dogs gave him a chance to take a break from life for a short time.
He took a drink of coffee and set the cup on the ground when the dogs returned. The ball was dropped at his feet. Dancing excitedly, Honey and Snazzy waited for him to throw it again. Eliot turned in a pitcher's stance, wound up, and let the ball fly high and far. The dogs shot off after it again.