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[dishearten]

text / call / action

Comments

[sheriffing]

Do you have another fifteen flower names to match?

[dishearten]

no. they don't have names, yet.

( but he concedes flower names are a good idea. )

[sheriffing]

What about homes?

[dishearten]

no, not yet
have fifteen friends in need of puppies?

[sheriffing]

No, but I have two puppies in need of friends.

[dishearten]

it's possible for them to have new puppy friends without us getting a new puppy
you do realize that, right?

[sheriffing]

I do. I want to bring them over when I meet them.

[dishearten]

well, I suppose that'd be acceptable. they are certainly not too young to start making friends.

[sheriffing]

Aren't you the one who told me they have a better chance of getting adopted if they're friendly? I'm just giving them their best chance.

[dishearten]

clearly, only knowing their fourteen brothers and sisters will be detrimental to their socialization.
I'll see you in a few hours. if you intend to get any sleep at all, you should start soon. and we'll come see them again in the morning, I promise.

[sheriffing]

You mean in the afternoon?
I'll sleep. Try to remember to eat while you're taking care of the dogs.

[dishearten]

we will compromise and go whenever you wake up.

( like he won't be exhausted at all or something? )

I will. goodnight, love.

[sheriffing]

On a scale from one to I'm leaving you, how upset are you going to be with me if you come home to a puppy?

[dishearten]

if you don't already know the answer to that question, we're going to have to look into therapy
though I am curious as to why.

[sheriffing]

I found him in the middle of the street on my way home from work. He doesn't seem like he's hurt, just a little too shaken up to bring anywhere. I figured you might be able to take a look at him.

[dishearten]

( WHY DID HE GET A NEW HEART, THE PAIN... POOR PUP... )

no leash or collar? does he seem well fed?
I can try and check for a chip in the morning, but we haven't had any new reports of lost dogs. what does he look like?

[sheriffing]

No.

[ Take that for the three "no"s that it is, giving that much bad news is just overdoing it.]

He's small; dark fur, floppy ears, scares easily.
No one's been taking care of him.

[ That might be a big assumption, if Emma wasn't married to someone who has told her exactly what to look for. He's too skinny, his fur's too matted, he's in need of a lot of care.]

[dishearten]

the poor thing.

( these days, Graham is a lot better than he used to be at hating humanity for their cruelty towards animals. sometimes it's hard to remember why. )

I'd bet he's dehydrated. how old is he, you think? either way warm milk is a good place to start.
I can be home in less than twenty.

[sheriffing]

Maybe about four weeks? I'm on it.

[Turns out Emma was listening when he talked about his work. It's not as good as having her pup whisperer husband at home, but it's a start.]

We can hold down the fort if you're busy, he's warming up to us.

[dishearten]

I'm sure you can but I would like to help, anyway.

Do you remember where you found him? That's awfully young. he could be one of a litter.

[sheriffing]

I didn't have time to get a good look, he was the only one around and he was already frightened.

[Insert location here.]

Can you check it out on your way home?

[dishearten]

I'll see what I can find, and get a patrol out to take a look
keep him warm and don't worry about a bath for now. just get him clean with a damp cloth. we can take him to the vet tomorrow.

is there anything else you think you might need? I can get it before I head home.

[sheriffing]

He's sticking close, I don't think I have to worry about keeping him warm.
I think we have everything we need, unless you think of something on your way home.

[dishearten]

I doubt I will. you're better at this than you give yourself credit for.
I'll be hope as soon as I can manage, love. be good to the little one for me, will you?

[sheriffing]

Well, I do happen to know someone who's kind of an expert with things like this.
I will, I love you.