Not a Therapist

Clarice the Dog

"Come in, Miss Clarice," Kitty opened the door and beckoned the patient in.

In walked Clarice.

Brown hair that covered the whole body, large black eyes, floppy ears, three white paws and one front paw was not there.

Clarice walked on her hind legs, her mint green dress was perfect for summer, matching the diamond embellished collar. On it was a striking silver heart pendant with easy-to-read cursive on its shiny surface.

Clarice Dulapp
0X-XX-XX-XX-XX
24001 Williams St.

Once Clarice came in, she was offered a seat on the couch. She paused, her paw tightened around her suede clutch.

"Don't worry, Clarice. You're allowed to sit on the couch."

"Thank you, Dr. C," she cleared her throat and gently sat in the middle of the couch. She was initially startled by how soft the cushions were, immediately having her hind swallowed by foam.

"How are you Clarice? You look much calmer since our last meeting."

"I'm fine, thank you, Dr. C." Clarice's tail couldn't help but wag twice. "Ever since I lost...well, my paw...I've been getting used to walking on all three's when the humans are present." Clarice's southern drawl stretched out her words, the echo in the room merged her voice. It was pleasant to the ears, according to the doctor.

"But...I still have just one problem..."

"Oh?" The doctor had been reading Clarice's files. Dr. C. knew exactly what Clarice was about to mention. "Is it...?"

"Yes...I can't help myself," she chocked out and hid her mouth with one paw. A whimper still manage to escape her throat. "I can't help but bark at the neighbors who just moved in!"

The doctor paused and leaned back in his seat, his hands unconsciously clasped together to rest on his folded legs.

"That...it's understandable in your case. You are a recently adopted dog in our family." Dr. C. reached over to a file that Kitty handed him. He scribbled something down as he spoke, "lately due to your loss of...footing, you've gotten a bit more skittish. It's normal to start barking at people, especially new neighbors. I'll have a talk with our parents about this predicament. I'm sure that we can come up with a solution." Dr. C. finished writing and handing Clarice the paper.

"Everyday, we'll take you on walks as usual. However, we'll stay out just a bit longer. Upon returning home, we'll limit your time in the yard if you are to bark for an excessive amount of time. If you bark at neighbors, we'll simply ignore you. Once you're finished barking, we'll reword you treats. Barking is normal, but excessive barking is a bit disruptive..." Dr. C. took a big breath of air and sighed, "Clarice, you are a wonderful and smart dog--a very good girl! I'm sure teaching you another trick would also help."

Clarice nodded and wagged her tail, causing a throw pillow to be knocked off the couch. Kitty clicked her tongue and picked the pillow up, hitting away any dust or dirt off the fabric, then fluffed the pillow before placing it back on the couch...just a tad bit farther from its original position.

"That's wonder, doctor! The other dogs would definitely love to do the same! Is it okay if I recommend you?" Her eyes blinked as she begged.

"That's not necessary, Clarice," Dr. C laughed. "I'm very busy with other patients. Anyways, I'll tell the parents to train you to...let's see...Oh, I know! Mother showed this to me a few days ago--"

"What is it? What is it?"

"Whenever you hear our doorbell go off, you must run to the living room and grab a throw pillow!"

"Eh? That'll help with my barking?"

"Well it does not have to be a pillow. You could grab a toy? Anything that you can grab with your mouth. Tell me, can you bark when you're holding something?"

"No...no! You're right doctor!"

Dr. C smiled and stood up to lead Clarice out the door.

"I hope to see you well again for our next appointment, Clarice."

"That's next week! Oh, thank you, doctor!"

"Thank you, Clarice. Have a lovely walk this evening."

The moment Clarice walked out the door, Kitty ran up to the doctor.

"Doctor?" She reminded him, "there are three more patients coming in at..."

"Hm? Oh right...haha, the night has just started and I'm already drained!"

A knocking came from the door and in walked another patient.

*

Dr. C picked up his files from the desk and secured them in his drawer. Kitty picked up any drinks and treats to be stored and cleaned. As Dr. C shut his curtains and cleared his desk, he flipped the desk over and filled it with its original contents: three notebooks, a cup of writing utensils, a calculator, a stuffed animal maid cat, father's watch, a pair of child-safe scissors, and mother's old phone found somewhere under the couch.

The child huffed and pushed the boxes outside his room and towards the outside closet in the hallway. As he ran back to his room, he heard his mother shout.

"Honey? Are you ready for bed?"

"Yes!"

He jumped into bed and turned on his favorite red nightlight. The room changed from his office to a sky full of dazzlingly red stars, each one like a ruby twinkling within a void. The door opened to flood the room is a warm light that outlined two tall shadows.

The child smiled at his parents as they wished him good night.

"I love you too!" He kissed them both on the cheeks, "good night!"

"Good night, lovely."

"Hey," his father pinched his nose, "you better get up early tomorrow for school! We don't want to be late like today, got it?"

"Uhuh!" The child nodded furiously. It wasn't his fault that a former patient of his held him up that morning!