Warning! Spoilers ahead for Nightwing #88
In the latest issue of DC Comics' Nightwing, Dick Grayson's adorable puppy shows Batman's dog Ace how to unite a group of heroes. Grayson saved the puppy — known as Haley and affectionately codenamed Bitewing — from a group of abusers in Blüdhaven and took her in as his own. Not only is she incredibly cute, but this new issue sees Haley hilariously being credited with assembling several heroes to support Dick Grayson in his efforts to lift his city out of its darkness.
In previous issues of Nightwing from writer Tom Taylor and artist Bruno Redondo, a massive target has been placed on Dick Grayson's back. While his intentions to use his newly inherited billions are good (wanting to act as a safety net for the least fortunate), not everyone is happy with his plans such as the crime boss known as Blockbuster. For example, Nightwing #87 saw Dick Grayson learning that a large bounty has been placed on his head, and Haley herself was dog-napped before Nightwing and Batgirl ultimately saved her.
Now, Nightwing #88 sees Dick determined to continue his work such as publicly breaking ground on the Alfred Pennyworth Foundation, regardless of the danger it may put him in. When Barbara points out that Dick always puts everyone else first before himself, she also makes the hilarious remark that she and Haley "talked" and decided that they would be there to make sure he stays safe. However, the issue doubles down on the adorable joke when it's revealed that the Titans have been called in as backup, with Beast Boy commenting on the persuasive power of Bitewing, having "assembled" all the heroes together to keep Grayson safe.
It was definitely a good thing that Barbara and the Titans are there considering Blockbuster has hired assassins to take Dick out. However, the added bonus for the issue is that both Barbara and Dick's fellow Titans give credit to Haley as the one who "convinced" them to back Nightwing up. Even if it's just a fun joke, it gives Bitewing a role in the series beyond just being a cute puppy.
Thankfully, Nightwing learns that he doesn't have to fight his fight alone. He has plenty of friends and allies to back him up, and that of course includes Haley, his loyal puppy with her "powers of persuasion." It's certainly true that Batman's dog Ace is a good dog too, as he recently helped the Dark Knight take on a group of human traffickers. But it seems as though Nightwing's Bitewing is in the running to surpass him as the best puppy in the Bat-Family.