Chapter 4:
The next day, the two young puppies went off exploring the city together again. This time, Einstein was coming along as he was very excited about the prospect of a new friend. Being child-like in personality, Einstein was very happy in the company of the two younger dogs and enjoyed playing with them both. It had been raining that day and the three dogs were taking amusement in sliding around on top of wet cars, which gave some drivers a bit of a fright- especially in Einstein's case.
After a couple of hours, Rita started to get anxious to go home. Dodger was annoyed as he wanted to play some more and became rather sulky. Rita felt it would be fair to give him an explanation, and hoped that help Dodger cheer up as he wasn't much fun in a bad mood.
"My mom got real mad when she found out what I was up to. She wanted me to stay home and not see you."
"What's up with her? She's never even met us! I bet if I brought your mom something nice she'd like me. I mean, come on, what's not to like?"
Rita laughed. "I don't think that would help, but if it makes you feel better, I like you." She said. "Anyway, my dad was a street dog, and I think she's kind of embarrassed by that."
Dodger was a little offended and opened his mouth to say something, but Einstein cuffed him with his large paw, he enjoyed listening to stories and was keen to hear if Rita would say more.
"My mom's a purebred saluki; she's done pretty good in shows and stuff. No one really expected her to have pups with a stray. It's harder to find homes for mixed breed pups like us, though Mom did say that he had some saluki in him. She also says that people will want us more if we're well behaved pets- apparently pick-pocketing isn't socially acceptable."
Einstein didn't really know what that meant but nodded anyway.
"Then why'd you come out with us again today?" Dodger asked.
"You guys are fun. And it might help if I've got some survival skills." Rita looked a little sad as she continued. "I heard my masters talking, they need to find new homes for us by the time they move or they'll just get rid of us. So just in case I get dumped somewhere, I'll need to be able to take care of myself." She thought for a moment. "I guess my mom just doesn't want me going to the pound or getting abandoned."
Einstein looked sympathetic, but Dodger was positively excited.
"Hey, you could come live with us! I bet Fagin would really like you." He slowed down slightly. "I don't think he could buy you though, we're kinda poor."
Rita smiled at the idea. "Maybe if I don't find a home in time I could stay with you." She said cheerfully. The thought of being completely on her own in the huge city was not a very pleasant one at all. She was very relieved and felt a rush of affection toward Dodger. "Thanks, I really didn't want to be all on my own."
"See you've got nothin' to worry about." Dodger told her with his usual cocky grin.
"Maybe I can play a little longer then, do you want to?"
"Absitively posolutely!"
"I think that means yes." Einstein said slowly and thoughtfully.
"Think you can get us something to eat Rita?" Dodger asked.
"Sure I can, where should we start?" Rita replied, happy to rise to the challenge.
"I like ANY food." Said Einstein hungrily as the three dogs headed off.
