A/n: So this is it, the end of my fluffy puppy fic. Sorry if I dragged it out too long; at least the epilogue is brief. Thanks to everyone who gave this fic and its unknown author a chance; particular thank yous to those who have taken the time to leave reviews, some very faithfully.
PS If you want to know why I chose to feature canines so heavily in this my first (only?) DA fic, check out my tumblr (I don't want the a/n to be longer than the epilogue).
Epilogue
And so it came to pass, that two of the Rose and Crown puppies and their mother started their new lives on the Downton Abbey estate.
The inhabitants of Downton village, as well as those living and working in the big house and on the land, became accustomed to seeing two friendly black dogs out walking in the village streets, along the country lanes and over the estate grounds.
Their human companions varied depending on the time and the day, but as often as possible there were three men: one of tall and substantial build, one slightly taller and rather stork-like, and the last a more compact figure. Many times they were joined by a little girl with brown hair, a little blond boy and another tall man, this one with a yellow dog. Two women were also frequently seen walking with one or both of the black dogs. On Sundays, the dog walking group was usually at its largest.
Members of the group regularly visited the Downton pig farm, where the resident canine welcomed them cheerily, as did the human inhabitants. The tri-colored dog would prance happily around the farmyard with her brother, and their mother sometimes joined in. However, the farm dog preferred staying with the pigs and her master to going on country walks with the others.
About once a month, the mother dog would be seen walking unaccompanied to the big house. Each time she visited the cooks, then returned home again solo, with a meaty bone carefully wrapped and tied to her collar. One of her people would untie the parcel and, once she was sitting in the special spot in the scullery, she got her reward.
Her lookalike son, all black except for the snowy sock on his right front paw, became particularly well known in the village. He started to act as a greeter at the cottage hospital, his friendly approach soothing the nerves of worried visitors, and even accompanied the doctor on some of his house calls.
The redhead puppy went to live in London and surprised everyone by growing into a well-behaved dog. He doted on his mistress, and she on him. They walked daily in London's great parks—or rather the lady walked and threw balls that the dog chased after with great gusto, and nearly always brought back to her.
The London pair made a habit in travelling back often to Yorkshire, where people and pups alike behaved as if they'd never been apart.