The Secret Life of Pets Problems in New York

Blood Against Blood

Slamming a bloodhound and a whippet into the side of an old car, Duke and Leonard could hear their fragile bones breaking. One thing about strays, Duke thought as he stepped back to allow the dogs' mangled bodies to fall to the ground, They don't have much meat on their bones. "Pepe, I'm coming!" Leonard howled, realizing his friend was in trouble with three large Dobermans. Duke was about to follow the poodle when someone slammed into his flank.

Getting back on his feet, Duke whirled around to find Mars standing before him. The large mutt towered over him. "My sweet son, you have your mother's spirit," Mars whispered. Hatred boiled up inside Duke as he retorted, "You're no father of mine. Not anymore." Without another word, the large mutt launched himself towards the other. Baring his teeth, Mars did the same and the two collided into each other.

Bits of fur and drops of blood flew through the air as father and son clashed. The two dogs matched each other in strength and adrenaline. But Duke knew he couldn't match the metal paw of Mars. However, he just might be able to outrun and outwit the giant canine. Spitting out some blood in his mouth, Duke kicked Mars away from him and began climbing up a pile of broken cars. Shaking his head, Mars followed.

Struggling to climb, Duke finally made it to the top. Peering over, he could tell that Mars was also having difficulty climbing the cars. The giant dog was barely halfway up the pile. Panting, Duke got behind the top car and began pushing it towards the edge. With one last push, he sent the old vehicle crashing down towards Mars. A loud yelp told him that he hit his target.

Skidding down the pile, Duke warily approached the old car, which had fallen on its side. A coughing noise alerted him that Mars was still alive. He found the large canine crushed underneath the vehicle. A pool of his own blood formed around him. Lifting his head weakly, Mars whispered hoarsely, "So much like your mother..." Resting his head on his paws, he breathed his last. And yet, Duke did not shed a single tear for the dog who was his father.