Living Like A Lion-The Year

Chapter 12-First Job, New Dog, Odd Reaction

12.First Job, New Dog, Odd Reaction

John woke me early in the morning and I got ready for my first day of any kind of work. We hopped in the car and I asked, “What am I supposed to do?”

“Feed and water the animals and clean their cages,” he replied as we parked.

We walked in and John showed me what to do with the cages; then a vet, who looked very similar to John, introduced himself, “Hello, I'm Dr. Jason.” Dr. Jason was the same height as John and had the same dark brown hair, green eyes, and broad shoulders; but he was no where as muscular.

“Hello Dr. Jason. I'm Mr. Otter,” I replied, but it felt weird because lions don't use last names. Last names were earned as mine was James the Crusher for defeating Crush.

“Welcome; so you're the friend John speaks highly of. I'm glad you are here to help,” Dr. Jason replied nicely and I liked him immediately; then he left me to start what John had shown me.

I read the clipboard carefully and hurried to get the correct food. I returned with two small bowls and gently laid them in the cage. I pulled out the old newspaper and laid in the new before petting the cat gently. This reminded me of the me changing in the cage.

In the next cage was a puppy, who was barking wildly; but I could understand what it was saying. “Why am I here? How do I escape? Who are you? Where is MY boy?” it yapped non-stop.

I quickly whispered, “Little puppy, calm down. You're okay and your boy is fine. You will be out of there soon.”

“I want out now,” it whimpered as its tail drooped.

“Don't worry little pup. You will be out soon,” I whispered before continuing with my job.

There were so many crates and I wasn't done by lunchtime, but I was exhausted. John took me to a Chinese restaurant for lunch and I actually liked it. “John, who is that little pup that yaps constantly?” I asked as I stuck my fork into a piece of chicken.

“Scout,” he answered confused.

“What is wrong with him?” I inquired as I stuck the piece in my mouth.

“Nothing. His owners just couldn't keep him anymore,” John responded sadly. “Why you wondering?”

“I was talking with him and he wants to go home,” I confessed as I stared at my plate.

“James, you need to be very careful if you speak to the animals,” he warned as his gaze fell upon me.

“I will, but what is going to happen to him?” I asked confused as I began to push things around my plate.

“Um, they have him up for foster, but no one has taken him,” John replied as he pulled some money out.

“Could we?” I asked excited.

“I don't see why not, but you must be the one to ask Dr. Jason,” he told as he got up; then we went back to the clinic.

I began work on the crates again and Dr. Jason came over. “Mr. Otter, John said that you wanted to talk to me,” he told as I glanced at him.

I turned around and answered, “Yes sir. I was wondering if we, John and I, could foster Scout.”

“Sure, you can take him home tomorrow,” he replied as he patted my back; then he left so I continue.

After we had finished John and I went to Pet's Mart and it was chaos in there; so many animals screaming, it hurt my head. We quickly bought a leash, food, and a crate; then we hurried home for dinner with Anna.

“Anna, what do you think of dogs?” I asked quickly.

“They're fine,” she hissed before sipping her drink.

“Would you mind if we kept one for a little while?” I inquired confused by her hissing.

“I guess,” she hissed more.

“Anna, are you okay?” John asked frighten as me.

“Yes,” she growled.

“James, come with me,” commanded John as he started upstairs.

“What is wrong with her?” I asked confused.

“I'm not sure, but this is bad,” he replied sadly as he glanced down the stairs.

“What should we do?” I inquired scared for my wife.

“Calm her down,” he answered promptly.

“Will she...” I started as I pictured beautiful lioness Anna.

“No, I don't believe so,” he interrupted. “But we need to be careful. We hurried back to Anna, who gave us questioning looks.

“So Anna, how was work today?” I asked in my soothing voice, sort of purring at the same time.

“Fine,” she snapped.

“You look very beautiful tonight,” I commented and she relaxed; then we all enjoyed a peaceful dinner.

The next day, John and I worked for a long time; then we brought Scout home. On the way back though, I noticed John acting strangely. He seemed furious at something and he had trouble focusing on the road. His body was tense and he gripped the steering wheel too tightly.

When we got home, I took Scout inside and showed him his new home. “I get to live here?” he yipped as he bounced around the room, smelling everything in sight.

“Yes Scout. You sleep in that crate and you can play in the backyard,” I replied as I rubbed his head.

“Will you play with me?” he asked excited as he jumped onto my lap as I knelt down.

“Yes, but only inside,” I answered as I ran my hand quickly down his back.

“Let's go outside!” he yapped, totally missing what I had said.

“You can go out,” I replied as I opened the back door.

“Come,” he barked as he rushed out.

“No,” I growled as I closed the door behind him.

I walked over to the couch and sat beside John, who was grumbling about something. I tried to talk to him, but he just refused to acknowledge me. Anna soon came home and she refused to talk to me too. I was completely confused as I laid in my bed that night. I tried every possibility that I could have done to upset them so, but none seemed to fit; then I thought of Scout. This all started the night before, when I told Anna about him; but John and I worked with felines and canines alike, so was dogs the problem?