Born to Race

Chapter 6

The next day the master took Tan somewhere in his car. She came back later that evening and stayed in her kennel. Only leaving when feeding time came and when she was thirsty.

The dogs could sense something different about her. She didn't talk much anymore and she kept away from Sasha who didn't want to talk to her in the first place.

"What do you think happened?" Shadow whispered to Smokey.

"Well, I think they took away her pups," the grey whippet said.

"How?" Shadow asked.

"By something called 'Abortion', humans use it too," Smokey replied.

"Sounds scary, why do it though?" the young greyhound asked.

Smokey paused to think for a moment. He shrugged, not really knowing the answer.

"Maybe they don't want the pups?"

"Maybe."

"Yeah."

~

The dogs were growing concerned and curious about Tan's behaviour. So they decided to ask. Shadow, Snowy, and Smokey sat together on the concrete at the door. They called Tan over and she padded up to them.

"What's up?" she asked.

"We just wanted to know...what happened at the vet?" Shadow asked.

Tan lowered her head and barked. Then she sat down as the three dogs waited expectantly. She sighed and told the story.

"The Boss took me to the vet and talked to this woman in a white pelt. They then took me to this room where they made me sleep. Then when I woke up I knew my pups were gone." There was sadness and pain in the yellow dog's voice.

Shadow and Snowy felt sorry for her. Imagining how their mother must have felt when they were taken away. Smokey thumped the ground with his tail. He felt sorry for Tan too.

"Now are you dogs going to leave me alone?" she asked, tilting her head.

"Yeah, sure," the three race dogs got up and moved from Tan's favourite spot.

Even though they knew the truth, they didn't think it would help Tiger and Sasha squash their beef. The brindle male was sitting alone behind the house. While his mate and pups stayed in the kennel.

The days went by and it became hotter. Tiger, Smokey, and Tan were brought into the runs to train. So it was only Sasha, Shadow, and Snowy with the pups.

"Tan will be a good mother, hopefully her pups will be strong and healthy, they have a fast and loyal father," Sasha said bitterly.

Snowy and Shadow glanced at each other. Then Snowy padded over to the older female.

"Sasha...Tan's pups were aborted by the vet."

"What?!" Sasha looked shocked. "How unfair, Tan did nothing to deserve that!"

"I know, I agree, but you can't blame Tiger either! He will probably still look after your pups if you let him!" Snowy said.

"Enough now, I will see later," Sasha said and went over to the shade to lay down.

The pups continued playing while Snowy and Shadow watched them for Sasha. The little greyhounds were growing fast, they were almost as big as Shadow and Snowy when they had arrived.

The three adult greyhounds padded into the yard. Tiger and Tan had scars on their backs, and Tan had her muzzle still. Sasha looked up at Tiger who barked at her in greeting. Sasha barked back twice but did not move to him. Shadow bounded over to Smokey and they got into a play bow.

"Missed you buddy," Smokey barked and did zoomies around Shadow.

"You're so fast, Smoke! But not as fast as I," Shadow barked and ran to the kennels.

"You're on Jack!"

The two dogs raced off, tackling each other and play growling. Then they ran again. The nameless pup and Tabby ran after them as well, joining in their game. Their sisters played tug of war with a stick. It seemed that everyone was having fun, except Sasha, Tan, and Tiger.

~

Snowy rolled in the grass. Iching her back. Smokey and Tiger were arguing over a bone. Like they always did when they were bored or grumpy. The pups were playing with Shadow, trying to take a pine cone from his jaws. While Tan and Sasha were conversating in the shade.

Clouds began to gather in the sky. A storm was coming. Rain started falling onto Snowy's pelt, dampening it. Sasha and Tan nudged the pups into the kennels. Sasha curled up around them protectively.

"It's just a silly storm!" Smokey barked. "It's probably just rain, no thunder."

"Shut up Smokey, that's stupid to think, storms are dangerous!" Tiger barked.

Suddenly a loud boom came from the sky and the pups whimpered in fright. All the dogs' hackles were raised.

The Boss hurried out of the house and towards the kennels. He yelled for the dogs to get inside as rain pelted down rapidly from the sky. He picked up Sasha's puppies and leashed the mother dog.

Tiger barked, not wanting to leave his mate. But the master kicked him and locked his cage. All the dogs were locked up, while Sasha was led inside with her pups.

"They get to go inside where it's warm and dry but we have to stay out here?" Smokey barked.

"She has pups! So she is allowed inside," Tiger barked back.

The dogs crouched low and moved to the back of their cages. Shadow and Snowy glanced at each other, feeling frightened.

The rain began to pelt down faster. Lighting struck in the distance, then another rumble of thunder. The dogs waited patiently for it all to be over.