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Post by Lucky on Dec 24, 2018 17:04:39 GMT -5
Belchic, I like it, good job, if you have an itch to scratch, go ahead and post it on DA if you'd like. Okay, I have made my Secret Santa, reviewed it, but my Secret Santa today is Two-Tone. "And today, we'll be expecting snow tomorrow." The weatherman spoke, an Anthro Dalmatian with two black ears and was wearing a red shirt with a small horseshoe mark on the top right side corner of the shirt, he had on also dark blue jeans, His name was Lucky, he was on the chair wacthing TV, as soon as the weather was over, he had gotten up and stretched from sitting on the chair for the time being as he wanted to check out what the weather was going to be. Another Anthro Dalmatian appeared, she also had two black ears, she wore a blue shirt and black pants, she had an earring on her right ear, on her right cheek was a spot. her name was Two-Tone. "What did the weather man say, Lucky?" She asked him wiping her pawhands on the towel. "We'll be in for some snow tomorrow, Two-Tone." Lucky replied, he then noticed that Two-Tone had finished wiping her pawhands on the towel. "Two-Tone, how about I help you out." He offered as he started to walk toward the kitchen. "That would be great, Lucky." Two-Tone spoke as she followed him into the kitchen, on the stove was some corn, Mashed Potatoes, Rice, and in the oven was some chicken. Lucky stirred the corn so they wouldn't burn and stick to the pan as Two-Tone seasoned the Mash Potatoes. "After we eat, how about I do the dishes, for you, it's only fair." He said to her. Two-Tone smiled. "Thanks, saves me the trouble of getting dish pawhands." She chuckled as she checked on the chicken. Lucky finished stirring the corn and took out some dishes, he then placed them on the table and took a couple of glasses. "I'm glad we're spending Christmas together, Lucky." Two-Tone spoke. Lucky smiled. "Same here." He agreed, he looked at the Calendar and noticed that today was Christmas Eve, he hoped that Two-Tone would enjoy the Christmas gift that he had bought for her. It was a surprise for his girlfriend, but knew that they had to wait till Christmas arrive. Lucky and Two-Tone looked at the Christmas Tree that was in the Living Room, as they saw the ordiments, the colorful balls, the lights, the papered candy canes, the popcorn on the tree, and if they looked above at the top of the tree, there was a star on top. Lucky noticed the mistletoe hanging above him and Two-Tone. They both smiled, as they leaned in, kissing each other on the lips. After they broke their lips apart, Lucky and Two-Tone walked into the Kitchen, and brought the pots and pans from the kitchen with food in them and placed them on the table, they fixed their plates and sat down at the table after Lucky carved the Chicken. After they finished eating, Lucky done the dishes up while Two-Tone watched some TV, Lucky came into the living room. "Think our Christmas Specials would be on?" He asked as he sat right next to her. Two-Tone channel surfed for a bit, till they found a special that they liked, it wasn't much, but it was based on a well known Christmas Special, they've been watching the 12 Days of Christmas for 10 days. As soon as it was over, the Dalmatians decided it was time for bed, they both went to bed, the next day, snow had cover the ground outside the house, as the sun rised from below the trees, Lucky was in the Kitchen making breakfast as he noticed Two-Tone was up. "Morning, Two-Tone." He said to her as he flipped some Sausage Patties. "Morning, Lucky." Two-Tone spoke, she saw that Lucky was making some breakfast. "Whatcha making?" She sat at the table. "Some eggs and Sausage." Lucky said to Two-Tone. "Oooh, sounds good." Two-Tone spoke. Lucky placed the food onto Two-Tone's plate and put it on the table for her, he then walked back toward the stove and got his plate ready, he then walked over and sat down at the table and ate with Two-Tone. After they were finished, Lucky walked over to the Christmas Tree, got the gift that he wanted to give to Two-Tone. "Here you go, Two-Tone, I hope you like it." He said to her, he sat down on the couch next to her. "Okay." Two-Tone said, as she opened up the wrapping and saw a black rectangle box, she opened up the box to reveal a diamond bracelet that Lucky had gotten her, her eyes sparkled as she put the box down and tried on the bracelet. "I love it, Lucky." She smiled as she kissed him on the cheek. "Thanks." "You're welcome." Lucky spoke as he smiled at her. They both hugged. Two-Tone looked at Lucky. "I'm sorry, Lucky, I didn't get you anything." She said to him. Lucky just smiled. "Two-Tone, you already gave me my gift." He said to her. "Oh? Where is it?" She asked. Lucky gave Two-Tone a hug. "Seeing you on Christmas, that's my gift." Two-Tone smiled as she wagged her tail while she hugged Lucky back.
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Post by Shadow Dearly on Dec 25, 2018 8:30:14 GMT -5
My oh my, thank you Mizan. I adore my pic. Someone please give a cookie to Autumn because she is sad.
Anyway, my Secret Santa is Clayton. He wanted a story about his characters, and I tried to address that in this story.
Without further ado, here is the story.
“A Canine Mystery” by: Shadow Dearly
They say that Christmas is the most wonderful time of year. A time to celebrate with family and give each other gifts that, let’s face it, will most likely be forgotten by New Year’s. As the rest of us are about to watch “Thunderbolt Saves Christmas” I couldn’t set myself to watch along with the others. As you can probably see, I’m pacing around the barn, walking back and forth. A thought was in my mind. I’ve heard, via the barking chain, that a record number of canines were stolen from their homes. How you may ask? A lot of theories pray tell. For instance, this could be the coat plan part two.
However, this is ginormous, and I am going to get to the bottom of this. Of course, my name is Mandy and I have an interest in detective work, and this is the perfect opportunity to test my skills. I can’t do this alone. And seeing that this is Christmas, the most wonderful time of year, one to be shared with family and friends, it’s impossible for the dognapped canines to do so.
I need to find a way to 1) Locate the missing 2) Reunite them with their families 3) Enjoy Christmas
And I will not rest until I find them, mark my words. I see the rest of the Dalmatians, and other animals, like Dumpling, Duchess, and Princess for example, take their place in front of the TV for the special, which will start in about fifteen minutes.
My actions grab the attention of three Dalmatians—two males; one female. One had black ears with three white spots on his right ear, an asterisk spot on his right foreleg. A spot on his left and a blob spot, one that looks like the gingerbread man, on his back. A scarlet colored collar, with a gold dog tag, securely decorated his neck.
The second pup had black ears as well, a white spot on the right ear. What’s interesting to note is that on her left foreleg and on her back, she has a spot in the shape of a dragon. It’s not surprising to learn that she has an adoration to these majestic creatures.
Pups here have an attraction, or affinity, to fat, overweight canines, and this guy is no exception. I have no problems with his weight, and his body is decorated in spots in the shape of stars. Pure chub filled his insides, and it showed. His cheeks are puffed, his body was flabby, perfect to store objects, and his belly jutted out, to what Olwe says, to its perfect roundness. Also, he is squishy and warm. Perfect for those cold winter nights. People wonder why he let himself go. I admit he looks well with all that weight on him. At least he shows something in common with Rolly, Foody, and Autumn. Look at them with their large cans of Korn Fritters and sodas—a plethora amount of food around them. The appreciation of weight gain fills the perimeter of the farm.
“Hey Clayton, Kendra, and Shadow,” I waved a paw at them. “I’m okay, nothing out of the ordinary here. So, you should get ready for the special. You don’t want to miss it.” I turned to face the barn entrance. There was no way to hide this. I knew what I had to do, I wanted to make sure those stolen canines would see their families again.
I didn’t care that I lied to the three pups before me.
Clayton’s tail swayed excitedly, his eyes glistening with glee. Christmas was one of his favorites when it comes to the holidays. Snow. Presents. Snowball fights. And the yuletide tradition of avoiding the yellow snow. Still, he saw right through me. “Now Mandy, you can always tell us what’s bothering you.” he said. “We’ll never judge you.”
Shadow and Kendra nodded their heads in agreement after hearing Clayton. There should be no arguing during the holidays, but one should be open with their problems. No matter if they’re stupid or silly. “It’s important to come clean with your problems. You should never bottle up anything.” Kendra reiterated. “Okay, with that said and done now’s the time for fun.”
I knew Clayton and Kendra were right. They could be trusted, and I am glad to call them my friends. Alleviating an itch on my ear by scratching it with a hind paw, I had no choice but to come clean. “I’ve heard that a bunch of canines were taken from their homes. It had come to my understanding that a grey vehicle, a Charrera, stopped by pinpointed houses in Gruteley and left with one or two dogs in tow.” Adjusting my collar some, thinking it looked a tad askew, I waited for their response. When I heard none, I went on. “What are they even going to do with them? What does anyone want to do with a large group of adult canines?”
“This dognapper could do anything to these innocent canines!” Shadow said, his mind looked only on solving this and helping his sister. He had no time to play. It appears that a case sprouted in front of them. “Any try to evade capture? Nevertheless, this is something we shouldn’t ignore.”
“They did not say, or I lost my train of thought.” I chuckled nervously. I patted down my fur, wanting to look my best. Doing my best to remember what the barking chain said, a lot of thoughts went through my mind.
You’re not a good detective. What are you doing wasting your time doing stuff you’re not good at?
If you go to Gruteley, you will only be captured and brought to the pound.
Maybe the canines were male and female, I don’t know. That wasn’t important. Finding the dogs and reuniting them with their owners was. This is the plan of action.
“The answer’s right in front of us,” said Kendra, bringing me back to reality and away from my thoughts. A flash of unmissable anger surged through her pupils. “I say we should head on over to Gruteley, find the dogs, and head back.” Eyeing outside, it wasn’t snowing out. It wasn’t forecasted to snow until the weeks ahead. That means we have a time limit. I made it my duty for us to be back before the snow falls, otherwise it will be heck for us.
Kendra was tense on her four paws; she spoke with command in her voice. Clearly, her rank in Bark Brigade was showing. “It’s the appropriate thing to do, really.”
Shadow and Clayton agreed, wholeheartedly. “If we could be any help, in any possible way, let us know. We will betray you, Mandy.” Clayton smiled warmly, nuzzling me some. Kendra knew Clayton was an affectionate Dalmatian, so there was no reason for us to be jealous. Still, Clayton added, “You don’t have to fly solo on this.”
“Good,” I chuckled, “Anyway, we should get going. We have a long walk to Gruteley. We should pack some snacks first.”
Walking on a dirt road in the start of December isn’t all to bad. Shadow was happy because he believed that the Earth connected to his paws, and Kendra nearly felt the same way minus the adoration to paws. The sky above was overcast in clouds, but that was it. The forecast for the week ahead was cloudy skies. On our backs were backpacks with food. Thank goodness for Shadow to pack food for us, so we won’t go hungry. Also, this will test Clayton, Kendra, and Shadow’s skills in detective work. “For the canines!” Clayton said out in the open. We all replied simultaneously, and Clayton wagged his tail. We quickly moved to the edge of the road. The last thing we want happening to us was getting run over and possibly killed. It’s been said a lot but it’s better to be safe than sorry.
Clayton and Shadow could pass the time by performing showtunes but neither one felt like singing. “Hey, Clayton.” Shadow snickered. “What do you call someone who sleeps late?”
“I don’t know. What do you call someone who sleeps late?” Clayton asked.
“. . . Your average human.”
We couldn’t help ourselves. We laughed at Shadow’s attempt at a joke. And it was quite humorous. Telling jokes and making us laugh is a perfect way to pass the time.
“Once we return, and it snows here, I’m challenging you all to a snowball fight!” Shadow grinned. “Me and Mandy vs. Clayton and Kendra. It would be so awesome!” It was no brainer that Shadow enjoyed the snow. After all, he did say that he came from a place where it snowed all the time. Even though Shadow doesn’t remember how to get to Snowcrest, the farm covered in the vast white wonderland is the next best thing.
“Okay, you’re on Shadow!” Kendra gave Shadow a competitive grin. “I always like a challenge.”
Clayton grinned and wagged his tail before eyeing to me, concern in his eyes. “How exactly are we going to find these missing canines anyway? We don’t even know where in Gruteley they are. Are they in the outskirts of Gruteley in a run-down home? Maybe in the heart of the town, close to Ma and Pa’s Grocery store.
“Excellent point there, Clayton. Every detective can agree on one tactic. Interrogation, prolonged at best.” I felt confident in my answer. All we had to do was ask questions to random animals we stopped and find a way to put two and two clues together for the big finale revelation, or it could be short, and the canines could be in a place where we least expect them to be.
As of right now, the four of us, me, Clayton, Kendra, and Shadow are on the open road. We have a lot of fun to make up, but solving a mystery is equally fun.
We soon arrived to Gruteley, and we were met with the entire community decorated for the Christmas season. Wreaths, holly and the ivy, decorative Christmas lights, with a large Christmas tree perched in the town square, decorated the entire area. “First, we need to designate a leader, someone who could take charge and protect us and making sure that Shadow doesn’t get into any predicaments if he gets into any.” Clayton said, patting Shadow’s belly. His maw then fell agape, eyeing at all the wonderful decorations. The four of us discussed. Eventually, it was for the best that I take the role. With that said and done, I led my friends through Gruteley.
Stopping at Ma and Pa's General store, we heard the two proprietors converse about the very thing we're trying to solve. “Those poor, helpless creatures,” Ma said, staring seemingly into nothing, as she spoke next to her husband, if they're actually married.
“Mm-hmm. . .” was Pa's reply. “Whoever did this won't get away with it.” This is coming from the only police officers in Gruteley. It's such a small town, but it's adorable at Christmastime. Pa added, “But we called Stiffle and Topstown and they have officers there. Searching far and wide for the Charrera.”
“And to report anything we find to all the owners. Talk about a heist.” A pause. Then Ma said, “The last thing we saw was a grey Charrera skid away with adult male dogs stuffed in the back. What would anyone want to do with that many dogs?”
Yes, what would anyone want to do with a group of dogs?
Kendra spoke up saying, “I'm sorry to break you from your thoughts but we need to go. Before they see us and call for the dog catcher.”
“And fast,” added Clayton.
Shadow eyed towards the overcast skies. What was he thinking? “If we want to solve this mystery, we better start interrogating any animal we find, starting with the pets here.” he said. “We even have our first clue, the grey Charrera.”
The dognapper's mode of transportation.
“And that vehicle can't be far! Who knows. It could still be in Gruteley!” Clayton and Kendra wagged their tails, a sign pointing us in the right direction. It was a start. We had that clue in our paws, and one clue is better than none at all. Interrogation begins.
Making our way through the town, being on our toes, avoiding the dogcatcher, I turn to Shadow. Knowing that he is a regular visitor here, maybe he had some knowledge on the identity of the person with the Charrera. “Shadow, what happened the last time you sneaked in Grueteley?” I wanted to know.
“Well,” Shadow squinted his face, trying to recollect himself. “I remember every afternoon, between four or five in the afternoon, considering when this human gets home from work, a Labrador Retriever walks this middle-aged man. Last time I was here, I high-tailed it out not wanting to be seen. I didn’t even see the Charrera.”
Clayton, Kendra, and I—along with Shadow—discussed how we were going to find this human. Gruteley isn’t like Stiffle or Topstown, so hopefully finding him will be a cinch. Now to find that car. It’s funny, we’re like Cruella when she plots to steal the farm from our pets. Kendra then said, an idea forming in her head. She turned around and saw the exact car we discussed before. A two door, front lights that have the appearance of widening, menacing eyes. Metallic grey. We quickly rushed over. Either this was a real car or a mirage. The dragon spotted Dalmatian pawed the car; her paw didn’t phase through. “Guys, it’s real! We found the car.” she said. It felt weird how this whole thing was coming together. I would’ve thought this was going to take more time.
Congratulations. You get to come home early. You’re still a good detective, even though this was a quick case to solve. Not all cases take a year or remain unsolved.
Thoughts raced through my head as I studied the car. Again, I straightened my collar and eyed to Clayton and Kendra, and Shadow, making sure that they’re well groomed. They were.
However, a voice again broke me from my thoughts. It said, “Hey! Quit pawing my pet’s vehicle! It’s brand new! Any nicks and he’ll be upset.” Clayton eyed up at the voice and saw the head of a Labrador Retriever dangle from the driver side window. “Also, what are you four puppies doing by yourselves? Do your parents know where you are?” It was a not a surprise to us that the Lab in front of us was an adult. Still, we couldn’t lie.
Clayton cleared his throat before smiling sheepishly at the canine in front of him. “We’re on a tip, via the barking chain, that a lunatic kidnapped innocent canines. And we’re going to find them and rescue and reunite them with their families. They must be worried sick about them.” he said. He was tense on his paws; he imagined what it must be like yanked away from the Dearly Farm, and placed in an unknown area where unimaginable things could happen. “You can understand, can’t you ma’am?”
The Labrador nodded her head. “Clearly I can. But you better get in the car before the dogcatcher sees you.” She opened the door and we all jumped inside. We had to help Shadow.
The interior of the car was in tip-top shape. No trace of trash on the floor. The Labrador told us to keep quiet and not make any noise. She even draped a blanket over us.
We all stayed quiet as the car soon started and sped off.
The car stopped in front of a refurbished two-story house. The Labrador was let out and whilst her pet was with her, we scurried out of the car, opening the door and rolling out of the vehicle inconspicuously. Shadow didn’t let his weight stop him as he flopped on the driveway. We high-tailed it next door. A tabby cat rested on the front porch. We rushed over to the feline, hoping that they would cooperate.
Sitting next to the cat, I turned to them. “Hey, do you recall seeing your neighbor bring in excessive amounts of stray dogs inside his home?” I wanted to know everything. Interrogation was the key. “I’m asking because my friends and I are following a tip that says groups of male dogs were dognapped from their home, and we’re here to find them and notify help.” I waited for the cat to reply. Shadow and Clayton focused on the house next door, and Kendra perched herself next to me. I was glad I didn’t have to do this alone.
The tabby cat eyed directly at me and then eyed to Kendra, Clayton, and Shadow. I didn’t know what exactly the cat was thinking, but I hoped it was good. She licked her body nonchalantly before cleaning her paw the same way. Was she deliberately doing this? Kendra waited until she was finished as the cat licked her back some. Her thoughts then turned to the stolen dogs. It was hard not to think about them. Were they in cages? Are they treated for any injuries? Are they guinea pigs for scientific experiments? Is this Pavlov part 2? Anguish was in her voice as Kendra said, “Please, it’s a simple question. Don’t pretend you don’t hear us. Did you or did you not see your neighbor bring in male dogs into his home? Doesn’t that seem odd to you?”
The cat hissed at Kendra. “I haven’t seen anyone bring any dogs in next door. Now quit asking!” Clearly, she wasn’t in the mood for interrogation. “Now leave this property at once. Haven’t your elders taught you that trespassing is wrong?!”
Clayton sighed and said quietly to himself, “My someone’s being a sourpuss.”
“I heard that!” spat the feline. “If you have something to say, say it to my face.”
Shadow rolled his eyes but quickly calmed down. He waddled and turned to Kendra. “Try to reason with this beautiful feline. We probably don’t have much time to begin with.”
“I can see that, Shadow!” Kendra said. She turned her attention back to the cat. “Okay, since you claim you didn’t see your neighbor bring any groups of dogs in, then I guess we’ll let you go then.”
“I am telling the truth,” said the cat, “I was inside napping.”
“Lounging around the house sleeping because there’s nothing better to do.” Clayton pondered a bit, eyeing the feline, and saw that they were telling the truth. “Maybe you would help us solve a mystery then?”
The cat perked their ears and their head cocked to the right. “A mystery you say?” they said. “Okay, I’m in. I’m Bryn by the way. I enjoy being active and scary things. I also identify as ‘they/them.’” They eyed the canines in front of them. “So, I’ll like it if you refer to me as that, okay? Are we cool?” They smiled as we nodded our heads in understanding. “Anyway, let’s head next door and scratch said door until this guy you’re talking about lets us in.”
We followed Bryn as they led us next door. I turned to them and said, “I accept you for who you are. My brother, Shadow, is gay himself.” “A non-binary feline and a homosexual canine. What are the odds of that?” Bryn asked.
Clayton, not knowing Bryn, and being cautious, came up to them and asked, “You’re not going to two-time us and get us caught by the dogcatcher, right?”
“When did I say I’ll do that?” Bryn asked, narrowing their eyes at Clayton. “I don’t remember planning to betray you canines. I’m not part of a secret feline organization whose main goal is to obliterate your sweet kind. Not all cats are bad.”
When we arrived next door, Bryn meowed. The type of meow that said, “Give me attention! Give it to me now! Or else!” We stayed quiet as we listened to them meowing out for hopefully the person of interest.
The door opened and we were met with the middle-aged man holding a mug of coffee, dressed in only informal clothing. Such a beautiful sight to see for the first time. I took a thorough glimpse at the man, as if taking a photo using my eyes as the camera. Bryn thought about sprinting inside and infiltrating the place, something that sounds like a good idea, but Kendra told them to wait until the time felt right to enter. But wait. That scent.
The human eyed at Clayton and Shadow and exclaimed, “Aw, I’m afraid you two are too young for my Prudence. You can’t perform well as adults can.”
Clayton and Shadow eyed at each other in utter confusion. Shadow leaned toward Clayton and whispered, “What did that guy mean when he said we’re too young for Prudence?”
Clayton replied, “Yeah, and who’s Prudence?” He took a few deep breaths as he focused on the task at hand.
The Labrador Retriever padded her way outside. She eyed Shadow and Clayton, and then she glared at us. “I am her. My name is Prudence.” she said. “May I ask why you are here?”
I walked up to her and said, “I’m sure you heard about the dognapped adult dogs. I don’t think that needs repeating.” But that scent. It couldn’t escape my nose, or Shadow’s, or Kendra’s, or Clayton’s. It couldn’t be hidden. I could smell the scent of the stolen.
Prudence fell silent and immediately rushed back inside. The man, not seemingly the one who reports strays, did not rush in his house to grab us as we all rushed inside, following the Lab. “Prudence, wait!” I called out. “I need to ask you some questions!”
“Okay what? What do you need to ask me?” Prudence turned to face us, her eyes on the brink of tears. “Yes, it's true. My pet brought all those dogs in here trying to get me to perform. And not in the way you think. It's embarrassing, being forced to do something you don't want to.”
Clayton, Kendra, Shadow, Bryn, and I all knew what Prudence was talking about. We quickly shook that intrusive thought away. “Well, there goes the mystery.” Shadow said, breaking the silence. “If your pet stole the animals, where is he placing them? The basement?”
Prudence nodded.
I perked my ears as I eyed the Labrador Retriever. “Do you mind leading us to them?” I asked, a twinge of closure in my grasp. Now since we know that the dognapped dogs are here, the task at paw is how to get the word out. “And mind if I ask why you seem apprehensive before?”
Prudence sighed, clearing her throat. “You’re too young to know what’s going on, but let’s say that guy really wants me to have puppies, and lots of them.” She pointed to the middle-aged man who re-entered his house, closing the door behind him. “He’s a creep, and I have to live with him.”
Bryn walked over to Prudence and they rubbed themselves on Prudence’s fur, giving off a soft purr. “You know, you can always run away. You’ll never have to see this guy again. Who knows, you may even be adopted into a new family. One that . . . doesn’t force you to”—They eyed me, Clayton, Kendra, and Shadow hesitantly—“you know . . .” Prudence smiled a bit as she allowed Bryn to continue. “Okay, follow me.”
After barking non-stop, scratching the basement door, Prudence led us down to a plethora of dog cages, each containing one adult dog. Perched in the middle was a table, white as icy snow. There were other unmentionables, but clearly it was set in stone that Prudence was telling the truth.
“This is appalling!” Kendra barked, growling at the sight before her. She was against animal testing, and forcing the miracle of life counts as one. “Call it what you like, Prudence, your pet is abusing you.” She walked to a random cage and saw a grey Husky sleeping. “Poor dear . . .”
Clayton couldn’t believe what he was seeing. Cages, a table, dog treats, toys. He leaned toward Prudence and whispered, “Did you notice that your owner wasn’t hesitant to let us come down here? He basically have no problem sharing his findings to the world!”
Prudence nodded.
“It sounds like he’s proud of his achievements.” Bryn noted. They walked throughout the basement, eyeing each canine trapped inside their cages. “We have got to tell someone about this. Bring someone here to see this, and they’ll notify the police.”
“I volunteer Kendra to get help!” Shadow said, raising his right forepaw. He turned to Kendra, sheer determination pooling in his eyes. And knowing her rank in Bark Brigade, Shadow knew that Kendra was able to evade the dogcatcher or any obstacles that could stand in her way. “Kendra, go to the general store, get Ma and Pa, and bring them here. I see something that will ruin this man’s reputation.”
Kendra turned toward Shadow and said, “I see one flaw in your plan, Shadow. I go alone. Something like this requires two people to go. So, Prudence come with me. You know how to get here from your walks with your pet.”
Prudence smiled and trotted over to Kendra. “Okay, I’ll lead the way. Stay close and don’t wander off.”
Kendra and Prudence walked the streets of Gruteley, noses working to full speed, on the way to the general store. Again, shouldn’t Gruteley get a full police force? Then again, crime hardly ever happens here. The only news-worthy, action news, coverage Gruteley ever had was when Anita accidentally locked her keys in her car, or something.
“So, Kendra, tell me,” Prudence said, striking a conversation to pass the time, “word on the street is that you’re a Dearly Dalmatian, and your pets treat you the way you wanted to be treated, right?”
“Yes, I am. I and Mandy and Clayton and Shadow,” Kendra smiled, her tail swaying happily. “They treat us with the utmost care and keep us sane. And the farm’s great. You’ll enjoy it. It’s away from the farm, there’s a swimming hole called Hiccup Hole, and it’s the perfect spot to view meteor showers and lunar eclipses. I’m part of this group called the Bark Brigade, high-ranking to be exact. Clayton and I are in it.”
“Bark Brigade?” Prudence asked.
“It’s a group that teaches us the basic survival needs to survive in the world. It’s run by two canines and one feline: The Colonel, Sergeant Tibbs, and Lieutenant Pug. It’s both learning and Pug knows his leadership, even if he falls asleep frequently.”
“It sounds like something you join as a pup,” said Prudence, as the two rounded a corner, the general store in sight. “If it’s all right by you, I might as well check the Dearly Farm out. It’s not like you have some insane sickos next door.”
“Insane sickos . . . right . . .” Kendra smiled, sheepishly.
Kendra. Tell Prudence about Cruella.
“I don’t know. After what she’s been through, I don’t want her to feel trapped.”
She’ll find out eventually.
“If that happens, she’ll have the support of all of us. Dalmatians and other livestock.”
This is one of those things you cannot hide forever. You have to tell Prudence about Cruella.
Kendra stayed quiet, her thoughts running wild. She followed behind the Labrador Retriever as they ran towards the general store. They began barking, getting the attention of Ma and Pa.
“OK, I’m coming I’m coming!” Pa said, Ma following suit. He eyed down to Kendra and Prudence and said, “What is it? What can I do for you two?”
The Dalmatian pup and Labrador Retriever pulled Pa by his pants, having a firm grip by their teeth. “I think they want us to follow them, dear.” Ma placed a hand on the underside of her lip. “I’ll lock up. They look distressed.”
Kendra and Prudence padded off, with the two humans trailing behind.
Arriving back to the Prudence’s house, Pa knocked on the door. Prudence’s owner opened the door and asked, “Hello, may I help you?”
“Steve, these canines urged me and my wife to come here. Do you mind if I inspect your home?” Pa asked. The man nodded and stepped aside and the two canines rushed to the basement door, Prudence scratching like mad.
Steve went over to the basement and said, “You have to excuse her. She likes going to the basement.” He eyed down to the Lab. “Okay, girl. Okay.” He opened the basement door and Kendra and Prudence raced down the steps.”
Ma and Pa followed behind, and Steve wasn’t hesitant at what the two were about to see. “Steve, come down here, would you?” Pa asked.
Steve walked down the steps, joining the others. The elderly humans were flabbergasted, appalled at what they were seeing. “Dogs, lots of dogs, in cages. Explain why you have tons of dogs in these cages. And these look exactly like the dogs that were stolen. A Husky, Dalmatian, Great Dane, Bloodhound, Rottweiler, and Corgi. They’re all here!” Ma quickly turned to face the now guilty man. “And you don’t suppose you drive a Kohrs Charrera, right?”
“I do, actually. The thing’s a beaut.” Steve answered.
“Answer a few questions for me . . .” Pa said. Clayton, Kendra, Shadow, Prudence, Bryn, and I eyed up at the scene before us. I said, “I think we can call this case closed. We should go back to the farm now. Prudence, your owner is obviously going to jail for this, so . . .”
Prudence didn’t hesitate to say, “Take me with you.”
Clayton perked his ears. “Come again?”
“After hearing Kendra talk about the Dearly Farm, I’ve come to think I’ll have a better life there than here.” Prudence answered. “I don’t think I can give a better answer than that.”
Shadow turned and exclaimed, “I’m all for it. I’m sure our pets won’t mind. Plus, they’ll make sure she’s fed.” He then eyed the sky and sighed. “However, they would try to find her pet, but he’s right here confessing everything . . .” A disgusted look plastered on Shadow’s face. “Okay, I wish I didn’t hear that!” He winced his eyes, sticking out his tongue. “The miracle of life is gross!”
Clayton gulped. “Ditto! Okay, let’s get back to the farm!”
Luckily, the basement door was still open as we quietly left the three humans. Ma and Pa were busy with who will now be known as Prudence’s former pet to notice us leaving. But we left proud that Ma and Pa will most likely inform the owners that their canine companions have been found, after they spend days, hopefully not that long, finding their owners.
Bryn said, as they circled around us for what will not be the last time. “Prudence, be sure to tell word about your new life at the farm. A farm with a plethora of Dalmatians, it’s kinda too crowded for me.” They eyed to me, Clayton, Shadow, and Kendra. “No offense, though.”
I shook my head, smirking. “None taken.” The smile didn’t leave my face as I ruffled Bryn’s head. “Anyway, let this not be goodbye. We’ll see each other again soon. I promise.”
Bryn waved goodbye as we all walked off, this time with Prudence in tow. With her with us, she could protect us from the dogcatcher. Speaking of which, he must be on vacation or something. Neither of us seen him the time we were here.
“I am glad to be away from that man! I only hope my new pets will accept me.” She then turned to us, as if an quiet alarm surged through her head. “I’ll explain to your folks that you were with me the entire time.” It was a motherly intuition Prudence had. “They must be worried sick about you.” Now we were back on the dirt road, on the direction to the Dearly Farm. We took off running.
Once we got back to the farm, Pongo and Perdita were seen at the entrance to the farm. They rushed over to us, and Pongo said, “Oh, thank goodness. You four are safe! Where were you?”
Perdita added, sternly, “You four are in so much trouble. Walking out without informing us. Lt. Pug had to organize a search party, so you have him to inform of your safety, too!” She soon calmed down and smiled down at us and said, "Anyway, you're all back, and that's all that matters."
"Hey,” Prudence walked up to Pongo and Perdita. “Go easy on these pups, please. They were with me the whole time and they actually saved me.” She hesitated a bit to go a bit further. “My former pet dognapped canines from their pets—random ones that he could get his hands on—because he was desperate to give me a litter of puppies for his amusement. It’s so embarrassing in so many ways I can’t understand. To think I wanted this? You can’t force offspring.”
“I see . . . Forced labor. Crazed experiments I assume . . .” Pongo eyed to us. “Is that the truth?”
We nodded.
“Well, what you still did was wrong, but I think Perdy and I can let it slide just this once,” Pongo said, turning to Perdita, who nodded approvingly. “though next time tell us where you’re going and if there will be an adult guardian.”
“You shouldn’t worry about the latter,” Prudence said to Pongo, “I’ll claim responsibility as chaperone and/or guardian!” She puffed out her chest, even though it was unnecessary. She was to be a new member of the farm, and another adult.
And it’s the holidays, so I guess we can also welcome Prudence into the family. As for her old owner, I hope he looks good in prison orange and banned from even being a pet from now on. Any punishment is suitable for his actions.
In the end, we all gathered in front of the TV, awash in the many Christmas specials we could binge watch, and everyone is here to stay on the farm.
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