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It felt like an eternity till the secretary finally stopped typing and looked at me “you’ll have to start tomorrow” she stated printing off a schedule and handing it to me. I nodded taking the papers and putting them in my pocket for now ‘now to find a job’ I thought leaving the school without another word. I went back home and put my school stuff down on the beige,shag carpeted floor. After setting my stuff down I left once more walking around asking if anyone was hiring and each time they would turn me down or say I wasn’t old enough. So here i am standing in front of the animal shelter “welp...this is my last chance before I have to go out of town” I sighed going into the shelter. I was met with the barking of dogs large and small along with the meowing of cats wanting to be out of their cramped cages. While walking to the desk there were small items for pet needs and comforts along with a small line of birds that instantly fell silent when i walked by. I glanced at one making it chirp almost happily hoping to be adopted. I had a faint smile going up to the desk and inquiring about a job. The clerk explained they needed someone to care for the more aggressive animals and train them to be more friendly so they won’t have to be put down, which seemed to break the owner’s heart, I nodded accepting. “Great! You can start right away if you like. So that way you can know where everyone is along with the supplies!” they smiled enthusiastic about finding fresh meat for the pets. I followed them to where they kept the nonsocial animals. “Now about these guys” the owner started turning to me “are the ones that don’t particularly like being touched in anyway so till you gain their trust use this pole to feed and water them” they explained handing me a hooked pole for the food and water bowls. I nodded taking the pole and looked at the dog that was in the cage next to me. It was a large german shepherd mix of wolf hound. I went over to the cage “w-wait i wouldn’t do that if i were you” the owner called out. I looked at them “why not?” I asked looking back at the dog “hercules here is our most aggressive one” they explained. I whistled calling hercules over. The dog growled at first but instantly stopped when I looked him in the eye with my silver and gold mixed eyes. The owner stood there shocked that the dog known for hating people was being obedient. “W-well...seems you got this under control so i’ll just leave you to it” they said walking off. Opened the cage letting hercules out “come on. I have to clean the cage out” i said quietly. Hercules walked out of the cage and sat next to me. I petted his head “good boy. Now stay” i said going into the cage and cleaning it. After about an hour the cage was clean and livable for the dog. I looked at hercules going over to him putting a leash on him “you need a bath” I commented. Hercules barked standing ready to follow. I smiled at him “really now? That long?” i asked earning another bark from the german wolfhound as i led him to the grooming area the shelter had set up for the animals. I brought him to the area earning shocked and scared looks from the other workers there. Hercules growled at them to which I respond by tapping his nose with my index and middle fingers “stop it” I said softly making him stop growling instantly. As I cleaned and groomed Hercules, he would bark and I would respond talking to him softly like he was an actual human. After the grooming and 4 washes to get all the dirt and dried blood off him Hercules looked like he was from a professional breeder that cared deeply for their dogs offspring. One of the other workers hesitantly came over to me while keeping a close eye on Hercules “h-how are you doing that?” they asked with shock,fear and confusion “do what?” I asked looking at the worker petting the very large dog “that. Being able to get him to listen and do what you want” they motioned to Hercules; who was sitting at my side; I shrugged “you just have to know how to speak and treat them.” I said simply keeping my secrets to myself.
