Okay, first I would very much like to thank apsara, limegreenlion and
Shelli for their reviews. I really appreciate it, please continue
reviewing, it makes me happy. Everyone else who has read it and told me
what they thought about it, you know who you are, thank you also. Oh, and
if you happen to be someone who has read it and NOT told me what they
thought about it, what are you waiting for?
Ally sat in the passenger seat of her dad's car, literally bouncing with excitement. Finally after months of begging, blackmail and torture she had convinced her dad to let her get a dog. Suddenly she stilled for a moment as she remembered the compromise she had had to make.
Her oh so compassionate father had flat out refused to let her have a puppy so he could go around all day wading through piss, shredded paper and shoes. After several pleasant discussions she realised she wasn't going to make any head way and changed her tactics. He had found no way to argue out of her getting a dog from the dog sanctuary. It would be miles cheaper to buy and they could get an older dog that was non destructive and all ready trained.
As her father climbed into the car she resumed her bouncing, twenty minutes to four, only twenty minutes till they'd be there, then she'd be getting a dog, she'd be getting her very own dog, she still couldn't believe it. She would know, she thought as they started on their way. As soon as she saw him she would know which dog was right for her. She had already decided that she wanted a male dog so at least that narrowed things down some.
When they pulled into the car park she leapt out of the car and raced through the doors and up to reception where she asked the lady behind the counter for the guide who was to take them around. She smiled sheepishly at her father as she saw him jogging up to the door, huffing slightly and not looking terribly pleased at being abandoned.
'Er, sorry dad, the guide's just coming, ready to start looking round now?' She attempted to smile sweetly at him to calm him down but knew it wouldn't wash.
'Yes, I am ready to walk around. You better stop squirming around though, you'll scare the dogs. They might think you have rabies.' Smiling smugly at getting retribution he preceded her down the narrow run between the cages, giving each prospective dog an assessing look whilst listening to the guide's questions.
Ally pretended mock horror at his remark but couldn't sustain it for long; she knew underneath it all her dad was starting to look forward to this as much as she was. When the guide asked her what sort of dog she was looking for she looked up in surprise.
'Oh, well, we're not really looking for a TYPE of dog. What I mean to say is I'll know which one I want when I see him. I know our dog will be male and dad here would like him to be potty trained, I hope that helps.'
'Riighhht, well, that's original at least I suppose. Follow me, we keep the dogs and bitches in separate sections, there's also separate areas for trained dogs and younger dogs. Hopefully you'll find the dog you're looking for.' Waddling along the corridor she squeezed her rather large frame through the narrow gate and led them to the section they wanted, quietly mumbling under her breath. 'Maybe you could have dreamed what breed the doggie was too or maybe his name before you got here. Probably saw the wretched thing in a vision.'
Stalking through into the right corridor she kicked one of the cages to make the dog shut up; stupid dogs, who would ever want them if they sat around yapping all day. When it fell quiet she put a smile on her face and started to tell them a bit about the dogs. She'd practiced that smile a million times and knew it was a winner; people always chose dogs when they were with her.
Ally followed the woman along, pretending not to hear the comments. Grabbing her dad's arm she shook her head when she saw he was about to say something to her. When his face went that nasty red, blotchy colour, nothing good came out of that mouth- that she knew from experience. Walking around she peered into all of the cages, carefully inspecting the dogs. She looked up when the mean guide started talking again though.
Wincing she looked away again; Christ that's an ugly facial expression. She wasn't quite sure what it was meant to be, the woman looked constipated and as if she was baring her teeth in severe pain. Somehow she doubted that was the effect she was looking for though. Ignoring her again she started walking up and down the rows.
'Hey Ally, what do you think of this one?' Walking over to where her father was standing she peered into the cage. Sitting perched in a rather fancy dog box was a skinny, ugly little dog that had its legs crossed in front of it and its nose in the air.
Wrinkling her nose in disgust she glanced up at her father in horror. 'My God dad, what are you thinking? First that has to be the ugliest dog I have ever seen and second it looks so high and mighty quite frankly I don't think it would so much as consider lowering itself to live with us!'
'I'll take that as a no then shall I?' Her father looked slightly hurt. 'I don't know what you're talking about though. It looks like an exceptionally well kept, well mannered dog. Look it says here on the information card that this dog is 'very loving' and the owner hand reared it himself.'
Ally walked over and took a good look at the card, when she had finished she looked at her father in amusement. 'I don't think you read the whole thing, why don't you go back and read the last line.'
After a moment of confusion he bent over and read aloud from the card. 'Fluffy is a kind considerate dog. He is rather humble though, and scared of most other dogs and humans. He will need a lot of love and attention otherwise he gets lonely.' Looking up he gave his daughter a disbelieving look, was she finally going insane? He couldn't see anything wrong with the dog.
'Yes, very nice but maybe you should read the bit underneath that.'
'Previously owned by Hamish Ring. Tragically this poor dog has to be accepted into our establishment when the owner was sent to receive psychiatric care. Ah, I might just see your point there.'
Smiling smugly she continued to walk down the isle. Poodle, ugly dog, three legged dog, smelly dog, correction VERY smelly dog! Keeping her hand firmly over her nose she quickly hurried around the corner. One dog left. When she was just about to reach the cage the guide suddenly appeared again and waddled around until she was positioned in front of her.
'Ohh, you don't want that one.' She simpered, starting to lead them on. Obviously she thought that her bad opinion of the dog instantly meant that they also wouldn't like it. Well now, let's see, she didn't like the guide and the guide didn't like this dog. Your enemy's enemy must therefore be your friend. Taking an immediate liking to this new dog she crouched down to have a look at it. Then stood back up again. That is one BIG dog. Before she even knew what she was doing she reached into the cage and began stroking the dogs head, a smile on her face. This would be the dog she would choose.
Lakh barked softly in pleasure. He still wasn't used to this form, but this was definitely something he could grow to like. He could smell chocolate on her too, lots of chocolate. By the looks of her the witch's lotion was working, no chance she would've chosen him otherwise. He didn't exactly exude an aura of playfulness and companionship. Trying to be subtle about it he sniffed around to try and locate where she'd stashed the goods, inwardly smiling when he saw a bulge in her trouser pocket.
Looking pointedly at what he wanted he pawed gently at her pocket hoping she would get the message. Daybreak had warned him to dampen down his powers, or else he'd frighten the animals away. He'd done that but he still scared the animals away, maybe that said something more about him than his powers though. When she gave no signs of understanding her growled in frustration. Sometimes humans could be very dense. Okay if she didn't get the subtle approach then obviously he was going to have to be a little more direct.
((Look at that poor dog in front of you, he looks half starved, you should give him your chocolate. The whole bar. Looks like he hasn't eaten all week!))
He watched with satisfaction as she handed over the chocolate, pausing only briefly to remove the foil for him. As soon as it was within range it disappeared in his cavern of a mouth and he rolling onto his back, kicking his feet in ecstasy. That was another thing he was trying to teach daybreak. Subtlety gets you nowhere but a little mental persuasion can you get you anywhere you want to go with free accommodation thrown in too. This little adventure was starting to look much more promising.
Ally sat in the passenger seat of her dad's car, literally bouncing with excitement. Finally after months of begging, blackmail and torture she had convinced her dad to let her get a dog. Suddenly she stilled for a moment as she remembered the compromise she had had to make.
Her oh so compassionate father had flat out refused to let her have a puppy so he could go around all day wading through piss, shredded paper and shoes. After several pleasant discussions she realised she wasn't going to make any head way and changed her tactics. He had found no way to argue out of her getting a dog from the dog sanctuary. It would be miles cheaper to buy and they could get an older dog that was non destructive and all ready trained.
As her father climbed into the car she resumed her bouncing, twenty minutes to four, only twenty minutes till they'd be there, then she'd be getting a dog, she'd be getting her very own dog, she still couldn't believe it. She would know, she thought as they started on their way. As soon as she saw him she would know which dog was right for her. She had already decided that she wanted a male dog so at least that narrowed things down some.
When they pulled into the car park she leapt out of the car and raced through the doors and up to reception where she asked the lady behind the counter for the guide who was to take them around. She smiled sheepishly at her father as she saw him jogging up to the door, huffing slightly and not looking terribly pleased at being abandoned.
'Er, sorry dad, the guide's just coming, ready to start looking round now?' She attempted to smile sweetly at him to calm him down but knew it wouldn't wash.
'Yes, I am ready to walk around. You better stop squirming around though, you'll scare the dogs. They might think you have rabies.' Smiling smugly at getting retribution he preceded her down the narrow run between the cages, giving each prospective dog an assessing look whilst listening to the guide's questions.
Ally pretended mock horror at his remark but couldn't sustain it for long; she knew underneath it all her dad was starting to look forward to this as much as she was. When the guide asked her what sort of dog she was looking for she looked up in surprise.
'Oh, well, we're not really looking for a TYPE of dog. What I mean to say is I'll know which one I want when I see him. I know our dog will be male and dad here would like him to be potty trained, I hope that helps.'
'Riighhht, well, that's original at least I suppose. Follow me, we keep the dogs and bitches in separate sections, there's also separate areas for trained dogs and younger dogs. Hopefully you'll find the dog you're looking for.' Waddling along the corridor she squeezed her rather large frame through the narrow gate and led them to the section they wanted, quietly mumbling under her breath. 'Maybe you could have dreamed what breed the doggie was too or maybe his name before you got here. Probably saw the wretched thing in a vision.'
Stalking through into the right corridor she kicked one of the cages to make the dog shut up; stupid dogs, who would ever want them if they sat around yapping all day. When it fell quiet she put a smile on her face and started to tell them a bit about the dogs. She'd practiced that smile a million times and knew it was a winner; people always chose dogs when they were with her.
Ally followed the woman along, pretending not to hear the comments. Grabbing her dad's arm she shook her head when she saw he was about to say something to her. When his face went that nasty red, blotchy colour, nothing good came out of that mouth- that she knew from experience. Walking around she peered into all of the cages, carefully inspecting the dogs. She looked up when the mean guide started talking again though.
Wincing she looked away again; Christ that's an ugly facial expression. She wasn't quite sure what it was meant to be, the woman looked constipated and as if she was baring her teeth in severe pain. Somehow she doubted that was the effect she was looking for though. Ignoring her again she started walking up and down the rows.
'Hey Ally, what do you think of this one?' Walking over to where her father was standing she peered into the cage. Sitting perched in a rather fancy dog box was a skinny, ugly little dog that had its legs crossed in front of it and its nose in the air.
Wrinkling her nose in disgust she glanced up at her father in horror. 'My God dad, what are you thinking? First that has to be the ugliest dog I have ever seen and second it looks so high and mighty quite frankly I don't think it would so much as consider lowering itself to live with us!'
'I'll take that as a no then shall I?' Her father looked slightly hurt. 'I don't know what you're talking about though. It looks like an exceptionally well kept, well mannered dog. Look it says here on the information card that this dog is 'very loving' and the owner hand reared it himself.'
Ally walked over and took a good look at the card, when she had finished she looked at her father in amusement. 'I don't think you read the whole thing, why don't you go back and read the last line.'
After a moment of confusion he bent over and read aloud from the card. 'Fluffy is a kind considerate dog. He is rather humble though, and scared of most other dogs and humans. He will need a lot of love and attention otherwise he gets lonely.' Looking up he gave his daughter a disbelieving look, was she finally going insane? He couldn't see anything wrong with the dog.
'Yes, very nice but maybe you should read the bit underneath that.'
'Previously owned by Hamish Ring. Tragically this poor dog has to be accepted into our establishment when the owner was sent to receive psychiatric care. Ah, I might just see your point there.'
Smiling smugly she continued to walk down the isle. Poodle, ugly dog, three legged dog, smelly dog, correction VERY smelly dog! Keeping her hand firmly over her nose she quickly hurried around the corner. One dog left. When she was just about to reach the cage the guide suddenly appeared again and waddled around until she was positioned in front of her.
'Ohh, you don't want that one.' She simpered, starting to lead them on. Obviously she thought that her bad opinion of the dog instantly meant that they also wouldn't like it. Well now, let's see, she didn't like the guide and the guide didn't like this dog. Your enemy's enemy must therefore be your friend. Taking an immediate liking to this new dog she crouched down to have a look at it. Then stood back up again. That is one BIG dog. Before she even knew what she was doing she reached into the cage and began stroking the dogs head, a smile on her face. This would be the dog she would choose.
Lakh barked softly in pleasure. He still wasn't used to this form, but this was definitely something he could grow to like. He could smell chocolate on her too, lots of chocolate. By the looks of her the witch's lotion was working, no chance she would've chosen him otherwise. He didn't exactly exude an aura of playfulness and companionship. Trying to be subtle about it he sniffed around to try and locate where she'd stashed the goods, inwardly smiling when he saw a bulge in her trouser pocket.
Looking pointedly at what he wanted he pawed gently at her pocket hoping she would get the message. Daybreak had warned him to dampen down his powers, or else he'd frighten the animals away. He'd done that but he still scared the animals away, maybe that said something more about him than his powers though. When she gave no signs of understanding her growled in frustration. Sometimes humans could be very dense. Okay if she didn't get the subtle approach then obviously he was going to have to be a little more direct.
((Look at that poor dog in front of you, he looks half starved, you should give him your chocolate. The whole bar. Looks like he hasn't eaten all week!))
He watched with satisfaction as she handed over the chocolate, pausing only briefly to remove the foil for him. As soon as it was within range it disappeared in his cavern of a mouth and he rolling onto his back, kicking his feet in ecstasy. That was another thing he was trying to teach daybreak. Subtlety gets you nowhere but a little mental persuasion can you get you anywhere you want to go with free accommodation thrown in too. This little adventure was starting to look much more promising.
