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The dogs were a menagerie of breeds, from large and scary to petite and just ridiculous.

Owen squeaked and stepped back as Jack stepped forward to shield him from the angry mutts.

Ianto was running towards them and slowed to a trot as he took in the dogs, he then stopped and popped to a knee.

"Hello" Ianto said and they swung to face him, all deflating as they viewed his soft smile.

"Oh my" he whispered, "You are all so hungry"

He rose and headed into the store next door, exiting with a bag of dried dogfood, tearing it open in the street.

The dogs forgot their fear as they saw the food and they rushed forward to gobble at it.

"Poor babies" Ianto crooned, "So hungry."

A small terrier mix approached and whined, placing a paw in his foot.

"Where are they?" he asked and she started to walk away.

Ianto carried the bag with a few handfuls of food inside as he followed and Jack followed with Sean.

The little dog stood by the front porch of a house and peered underneath, making Ianto drop to his belly and peer into the dark as well.

"Oh wow!" Ianto exclaimed and then to Jacks' horror, he wriggled under.

Jack was unsure what to do so he tipped out the rest of the dogfood and watched the little dog eat.

"Baby?" Jack called after a while and he head a faint reply that was unintelligible.

He sat on the grass and was pleased when the dog climbed into his lap seeking comfort. Sean looked in the neighbouring houses for anything worth taking and found some bedding and kitchen stuff as well as food.

Jack rubbed little ears and crooned as he heard Ianto getting closer, finally emerging without his shirt.

Jack watched as Ianto pulled out the t-shirt and carefully unfolded it to show three tiny puppies.

"Oh my gods, their little eyes aren't even open yet" Jack crooned with glee.

"They won't last but a few days once they toddle out in front of the Zs." Ianto said as he stood and slapped his leg.

The little terrier followed.

Jack looked up at the street sigh and read 'Hesterton Rd' and he called after Ianto, "Hey babe. We can call her Hesta"

"What?" Ianto turned with confusion.

Jack pointed to the sign and Ianto laughed as he got the name.

"Yeah, sounds good Cariad" he called back and then continued to the transporter as Jack walked on air behind him.

Rhys made room in the bean bags for the little mother and her pups as Ianto crooned excitedly to them.

"Wow" Owen snarked, "Someone's clucky."

"Stuff it Owen" Jack muttered, "Leave him alone."

"It didn't mean …"

"I know, but look at him." Jack sighed, "He is besotted. He has missed the pack, just the three tired dogs. Look."

Owen turned to see the other dogs standing at the door and Ianto whistled softly, encouraging them in.

"Aw, we're gonna smell of dog breath" Owen moaned and Sean was the one to slap at him.

"Leave it" Sean hissed, "He loves the company when he runs in the mornings. They'll help protect the place."

"Yeah, no rats!" Jack said with a snort.

"Rats?" Hailey squeaked with horror.

"With the world changed, rats and other vermin are going to be in heaven" Ianto agreed, "The other animals will either keep the cull going or we will be overrun."

"Oh my god" she was scandalised.

"Not our place though!" Ianto assured her, "Not with dogs around to keep them down."

As they headed home Ianto kept checking the dogs, sure one had been left behind until he had checked at least five times.

Happy with his new pack, Ianto settled and hummed happily.

Jack could only smile.

Ianto was happy.