As the days passed, however, Dooku could see that Buddy was changing Qui-Gon's life. The boy was becoming more and more responsible,, he was making new friends, and changing in other ways that Dooku couldn't really describe.
He could easily see the strong bond that had quickly formed between his Padawan and Buddy.
Though he'd never admit it, he had grown fond of the dog himself.
Qui-Gon woke Christmas morning to find Buddy missing. He rushed out into the living area and stopped.
"Merry Christmas, Qui-Gon," Dooku said with a smile.
Beside him sat Buddy with a bow on his head. He was Qui-Gon's present!
"Buddy!"
Buddy went to the boy, who hugged him around the neck.
"Thank you, Master."
Dooku was caught off guard by the hug he recieved but accepted it.
"You're welcome, Padawan."
A little later than afternoon, some of Qui-Gon's friends stopped by and asked if Qui-Gon could go outside with them.
Dooku allowed it but insisted that Buddy stay behind for now.
Once Qui-Gon and his friends were gone, Dooku sighed and began to pick up the wrapping paper. After that, he took out a vanilla pudding cup and began to eat it. He was about halfway through with it, when he realized that he really shouldn't be eating it. He didn't need it.
He sighed, put it down, and went to get a bag to put it in. When he got back, he found Buddy licking up the pudding from the cup after pulling it off the table.
"If that's not one of the strangest sights I've seen here at the Temple I don't know what is," he said shaking his head in disbelief.
About a month later, Qui-Gon was taking Buddy for a walk, and Dooku was told that a man requested to see him outside.
The man introduced himself merely as Snively, a birthday clown.
"What can I do for you, Mister Snively?"
"I believe you have my dog."
Snively handed Dooku a paper with a picture of him and Buddy on it.
"That's him. Ol' Blue."
Dooku felt like his stomach dropped. He turned at a noise to see Qui-Gon and Buddy.
One look at his Master's face told Qui-Gon the truth.
"No!"
The boy ran after Snively as he put the cage holding Buddy in his ship.
"No! You can't take him!"
"Listen, kid, we'll come by for your next birthday, and you can see him then," Snively said, putting a card in Qui-Gon's hands.
Qui-Gon ran inside, tears blurring his vision.
"Wait! Wait, please! Please, I'll pay you! I'll pay for him! Wait!"
Dooku's words were in vain, and the Jedi could only watch as the ship holding Buddy flew out of sight.