The Story of Tiberius

Chapter 95

"Guys, meet Pops," Buddy declared as he took the group over to an elderly basset hound. A hamster was waving a flyswatter at him like a fan while another was giving him a back massage. The old dog was also in a wheelchair. As they got closer to the sleeping canine, the search party could hear him muttering something about money, mud and sweet potatoes. Gazing down at the basset hound, Tiberius could've sworn that he had seen this dog somewhere before. Meanwhile, Buddy piped up, "Hey Pops." When the dog still didn't wake up, the dachshund tipped his head back and howled, "POPS!" Without warning, the hamster with the flyswatter whacked the basset hound, causing him to fall over, startling the group.

"Who's that?! What-" Pops cried, his eyes still closed. Sniffing the air, he calmed down as he smiled and commented, "Oh, hey Buddy." Turning himself back over onto his feet and wheels, he stared at the group blindly. "How you been old timer?" Buddy asked, smiling at the elderly basset hound. The rest of the search party were gathered around behind him. Pops answered the dachshund's question curtly, "Paralyzed."

A vase broke in the background as the group stared at the dog before them with wide eyes, their minds blown to smithereens.

"Great!" Gidget yipped, the first to snap back into reality. Taking a step forward, the fluffy white Pomeranian went on to explain, "Listen Mr. Pops. Our friend Max was taken. Last we heard, he was lost in the sewers. Buddy said that, maybe, you could... help us?" Her voice sounded like she had been pleading. Scrunching his forehead up as he thought, Pops remarked, "You know, I do know a guy in the sewers but um... nah! I don't go out anymore." Tiberius could sense the sadness coming from Gidget as her tail drooped slightly. Sighing heavily as she rolled her green eyes, Chloe muttered, "Oh what a waste of time..."

"Who said that?" Pops asked, trying to pinpoint the voice. All eyes were on Chloe now as she replied quickly, "Oh, I said it. By the way, I meant NO offense. I just... have you seen yourself?"

"Welly well well well! Looky what we apparently have here. Meezy would like to have a look see. MYRON, BROWS!" Pops responded. A moment later, the hamster who had the flyswatter earlier peeked his head out from where he was behind the pillow that the elderly basset hound had been sleeping on. Hopping up onto the dog's head, the small rodent reached down and grabbed his brows before pulling them up, opening the dog's eyes. Seeing Chloe, Pops gave her a big smile and winked. Horrified, Chloe mumbled, "Oh no..."

"Oh yes," Pops replied while Myron slid down his ear. Still grinning at Chloe, the elderly basset hound commented, "Me like what me see. Well what me can see. It's all an attractive blur." The gray tabby cat glanced over at her friends for help. Mel, Sweetpea and Norman were trying not to burst out laughing at her reactions. Turning to Gidget, Pops went on, "Little lady, this here's my city. I'll find your friend." Raising his voice, he shouted, "ALRIGHT! Party's over! Myron, vacuum!" A split second later, the party animals were running for their lives from the hamster on a vacuum cleaner.

"So where are you from my fuzzy angel?" Pops asked Chloe as he led the search party away from the danger. Glaring at him, the tabby grumbled, "Dude, I'm a cat!" Not even fazed, the elderly basset hound replied, "Well nobody's perfect." Hearing the party animals running for their lives behind them, Tiberius merely rolled his eyes as he followed Norman, keeping a close eye on the guinea pig and waiting for the perfect opportunity to strike.