Raphael had just switched the TV on and was just getting settled on the couch when he heard a banging at the door. He jumped to his feet, wondering who would be pounding on the door. Anyone who had any business being there knew how to get in. At the sound of Michaelangelo's voice, his momentary panic turned into annoyance. "Hey! Could somebody get the door for me?"

Grumbling, Raphael walked over to the door and crossing his arms, stopped. "What's the matter, your arms broke?"

"No. They're full! Now open up already!"

"What's the magic word?"

"There's no time for this Raph! Please!"

Raphael felt that there was always time for harassing his goofball brother, but he relented and opened the door. Michaelangelo brushed past him and made a beeline for the kitchen. It looked like he was carrying a large animal of some sort. Raphael groaned inwardly and, closing the door, headed after him.

Absorbed in his reading, Donatello didn't even notice Michaelangelo's presence until a bushy tail obscured his view of Popular Mechanics. The tail twitched and nearly upset his glass of orange juice. Donatello looked up at his brother. Michaelangelo spoke, "Don? Would you help me out here? Don't look so worried, he's a nice dog."

Donatello arose from the seat and cleared his things from the table. He looked over at the large canine now laid out on its side. Michaelangelo leaned over its head, speaking gently. "Now just lie still boy, I'm gonna wash my hands and get the first aid kit. You're gonna be fine."

Donatello smiled. It always amused him to see his little brother talking to animals as though they could understand what he was saying.

"What the hell are you doing putting that mangy mutt on the table? We eat off of that you know!" Raphael stormed into the room.

Washing his hands, Michaelangelo spoke over his shoulder; "Some jerks in the park shot him in the leg! What was I supposed to do, leave him so they could finish him off?"

"You can't be bringing home every miserable little animal you find! This isn't a zoo!"

"Oh yeah? Well then why does your room smell like the monkey house?" Michaelangelo left to retrieve the first aid kit. Raphael followed after him, continuing to argue.

Donatello washed his hands, and moved to examine the animal. It had features similar to a German Shepherd and its alert ears and bright yellow eyes tracked his every move. Donatello estimated its weight to be around 120 pounds. The left hind leg was matted with dried blood and it was panting rapidly. Keeping a watchful eye on it, lest it should snap at him, he laid his hands on the injured leg and began carefully feeling for broken bones. Much to his surprise, the animal neither snapped, nor showed any resistant to his handling of its leg.

Arms laden with bandages and antiseptic Michaelangelo returned, trailed by the remainder of their unusual family. Raphael was glowering but Leonardo and Splinter both bore neutral expressions. Carefully setting the supplies down on the opposite end of the table, he looked at Donatello and asked, "So what's the diagnosis Doc?"

"Nothing appears to be broken, and I don't think any internal organs have been pierced; however, it looks like quite a bit of blood has been lost. Oh, and this particular canine lacks the requisite parts to be a 'he'."

Raphael snorted derisively and Michaelangelo looked slightly sheepish. Donatello continued, "Provided that she doesn't lose too much more blood; if we can get the bullet out of her leg and stitch the wound shut, I think she should be okay. She certainly seems eager to cooperate."

At that, she wagged her tail and looked hopefully towards the assembled group. Donatello watched as Splinter stepped forward and gazed down into her eyes. He knew that his Sensei had never cared much for dogs; most that they encountered were dangerous strays, but this one seemed tame enough. Splinter reached slowly forward to stroke her head. She whined and as he withdrew his hand her tongue darted out to lick it. Splinter looked at Michaelangelo and spoke, "This is not a stray dog. She must belong to someone. You may tend to her wound and she may stay until she is able to walk, but then you must see to it that she is returned to her home."

"Awww, but Master Splinter," Michaelangelo began.

"No. You may not keep her. The sewers are no place for a dog to live. Until she is healed, she is your responsibility. You will feed her, clean up after her, and see that she stays out of trouble."

"Yes Master Splinter."

"You will also clean this table with bleach and water after you are done here. The kitchen is not exactly an appropriate place for surgeries."

"Yes Master Splinter. Sorry. Um, may I keep her in my room?"

Raphael stepped forward. "Hey! It's my room too! No way you're keeping that smelly beast in our room!"

"Raphael! It is rude to interrupt." Splinter continued, "Yes, you may; however, if she causes your brother any problems you will need to find another place to keep her. Donatello?"

"Yes Sensei?"

"Are you going to help Michaelangelo tend to her wound?"

"Yes Master Splinter."

"Then I suggest you get started. We shall leave you both to your work."

With that, Splinter ushered his other two sons out of the room and they set to their task.