It felt good to get back to work, although Ethel was mad at me, or sad, I'm not sure which. The only negative about work was everyone complaining about the short paychecks were due. Everyone will be broke next week, no one even to borrow from. We all discussed our plans to survive this untoward event and cursed our employers who so callously shut us out. But I still enjoyed being at work doing my pleasantly monotonous job.
Whatever resentment Ethel, my dog, had towards me was rapidly forgotten when we picked up the fat yellow dog, who's real name is “Paulie" and the big red chow who's name is “Chow" . . . They had to wear their sweaters which was a bit embarrassing for me but they didn't seem to mind.
For a dog who will not leave his yard Paulie was very energetic and seemed to be in a contest with Ethel as to who could pull ahead the hardest in an obvious contest to rip my arm off. The big Chow just gallumphed calmly by my side.
Dana was waiting for us at the lot. We would have surprised her coming from another direction (She was staring at where we normally appear) except Ethel, even without barking, made a tremendous amount of racket. I took their leashes off and Ethel and Paulie took off like maniacs. Ethel lapped Paulie several times and still had the time to come over and greet Dana. Chow watched the two dogs take off stepped up, woofed deep in his chest and then came over and laid at my feet.
Dana thought the two new dogs were mine as well. I wanted to tease her but I'm not very good at that so I just told her the story.
When Paulie got exhausted (he is WAY too fat) he came over and climbed on Chow's back and panted.
To her disgrace Dana thought their doggie sweaters were adorable.
I had a surprise for all the dogs - FROSTY PAWS! Ethel doesn't know it but this is her only treat for two weeks. Dogs will do anything for Frosty Paws. The odd thing was Chow just plumped down and licked his to death. Paulie ate his on Chow's back and Ethel licked and chased hers all over the lot. When they were finished they all looked at me with a new sense of wonder and respect.