Tea Time

It was a bright and sunny day; Wallace was sitting in his living room enjoying a spot of tea. Gromit by his side, knitting.

"What a lovely day," Wallace remarked.

Gromit Nodded in agreement.

"I'd hate to be cooped up all day," Wallace said, "Maybe we should go for a walk?"

Gromit looked outside thinking and then turned to Wallace to nod.

"Come along then," Wallace said, setting his tea down and standing up. He walked to the front door.

Gromit set his knitting down and stood as well, fallowing Wallace on two legs. Wallace sighed, looking around their front hallway.

Wallace said, "It's the most peculiar thing, Gromit; I can't seem to find your lead."

Gromit looked around himself; he couldn't spot it either.

"Well, that's alright," Wallace reassured, "I trust you enough to follow me on your own."

Wallace patted Gromit's head and then left the house, with Gromit shortly behind on all fours. The two went around their block, enjoying the sunshine. When they returned home, it was getting dark out.

"Well, that lasted longer than expected," Wallace said, "I hope I didn't exhaust you, old chap."

Gromit did feel a bit tired but gave a shake of his head. They went inside, and Wallace closed the front door.

"Why don't you tuck in early tonight," Wallace said.

Gromit stood up and walked upstairs. Wallace prepared himself a small plate of cheese and crackers when a knock on his door.

"I wonder who that could be," Wallace asked himself.

He came to the door, and there was a woman as stout as can be on his front porch.

"Are you Wallace," She asked.

"Why yes," He said, somewhat confused, "Is there something I can help you with, miss?"

"I'm Karen Furriptor," She said, "I'm head of the Board of directors at the Advocates for Animal Rights Group."

"I see," Wallace said, a bit concerned now.

"May I come in," She asked, "We need to discuss something dire."

"Oh," Wallace said, opening the door and stepping aside, "Of course, come on in."

Karen walked in, visibly disgusted as she looked around.

"Pardon the mess," Wallace said apologetically as he closed the front door, "I wasn't expecting any visitors today."

"I do say you have a rather odd home." She sneered, "But this is about the dog you own."

"You mean Gromit," Wallace asked, somewhat curious now. He leads her to the dining room table.

"Of course I do," She growled.

"Oh my," Wallace said, "Please take a seat."

Karen sat down at the table. Wallace sat opposite her on the other side of the table.

"What about Gromit," Wallace asked.

"We at the Advocates for Animal Rights and Group feel that Gromit has been mistreated," Karen explained, "We have reason to believe you have been neglecting Gromit."

"Neglecting Gromit," Wallace said, surprised, "Me?"

Karen practically hissed, "Yes, and we will not stand idly by and let you get away with it."

"Now hold on just a moment," Wallace said sternly, "What evidence do you have that I neglect my friend?"

"He doesn't have a proper collar or tag," Karen said, "And he's as quiet as a mouse; you been neglecting him."

"He is a rather quiet fellow," Wallace admitted, then got upset, "But that doesn't mean I've neglected him. I've tried to give him a good collar in the past, but he never wore it."

"Perhaps then you should try again," Karen said, "You have until the end of the month to sort it out. If you succeed, you can keep him. If you fail, we will take Gromit away to a home that loves him."

She went through her purse and pulled out a business card, and said, "This is a number to a dog psychologist. He'll help Gromit find his voice again."

She tossed the card on the table then left in a huff. Wallace looked at the card.

"Dr. Walker Watkins," Wallace read aloud, then remarked, "I shall call him in the morning."