The Pet
Jake's new pet means disaster for the station!

The Pet is a Pocket DS9 Young Adult novel – #4 in the series – written by Mel Gilden and Ted Pedersen. Published by Aladdin Paperbacks, it was first released in .

Summary 
From the book jacket
It's the anniversary of the discovery of the Wormhole, and ships from all over the galaxy are headed to Deep Space Nine to celebrate. When the freighter Ulysses docks at Deep Space Nine, an animal escapes from one of the crewmembers and heads straight for Jake Sisko. It does not speak or eat, but loves to play ball! Since the furry little creature presents no threat to the station and the owner is under investigation by Security Chief Odo. Commander Sisko allows Jake and Nog to keep the pet until the situation can be straightened out.

Besides, the Commander has more important things to worry about. For starters, a huge new ship has come through the Wormhole and its captain is threatening to blow up the station unless his Crown Prince is returned, unfortunately for Sisko, he's never seen the prince. Also, mysterious creatures have begun terrorizing the station. With time running out, Sisko and his crew search the station for clues, while Jake and Nog try to save their pet from an alien's evil plan.

Background information 
 The story idea by Ted Pedersen was inspired by Robert Heinlein's . ()
Sisko comments: "My own ancestors suffered centuries of prejudice on old Earth".

Characters 
Jake Sisko
Nog
Benjamin Sisko
Odo

External link 

de:Das Schoßtierchen
Pet, The