A Dog's Tale

Chapter One

As I lay on the floor, unable to move, I was thinking of the first time I had come into this room. Boss, obviously upset was seeing to my needs as best he could, but his own difficulties were only too apparent. I knew I would never move again, and the time had come to end it. Although hating to do this to him, I cried out, as if in terrible distress, and so forcing his hand. In all my time with him, this was the first I had asked for his help.

It had all started just over nine years ago. I am supposed to be able to communicate with all birds and animals, although a poor childhood left me somewhat less skilful than I should have been. The only animal I have trouble communicating with is man. Other than vegetables, which can be good to eat, and do not move about, making them easy to catch, and useful for marking my territory; man is the creature I have the most trouble talking to. This leads me to conclude humans are not clever enough to understand, or are another form of vegetable!

I had better start by explaining to that I'm known as a dog, the fourth highest intelligence in the evolutionary chain, according to scientists; being superseded by monkeys dolphins and man. Judging from my perspective I think I should be at the top, a point also held by quite a few people. Although unable to utter many sounds myself, I can be taught to perform acts from spoken commands; I am also the only animal to perceive love as a reward. Being bred from the wolf, a very sociable animal, meant I am exceptionally suitable to join the human family, and am often allowed to share their home. I am fiercely protective of this small territory, repelling all with the greatest show of noise and fierce looks that I can muster; although, if the truth were known I will only attack as a last resort.

I was born to what I can only assume was a loose woman, who, although a gentle creature with a soft, mainly brown coat, had it away with a big black man. My mother was the type, known as an Alsatian, or German Shepherd. She was taken to a stud kennel, but got out and was mated by a Doberman. German shepherds are intelligent, if a little laid-back, where as the Doberman remains childish, and is full of energy.

I was a very beautiful puppy, being black with tanned legs, underbelly, chest and eyebrows. I've got my mother's head and face with my father's forehead, which makes me look more intelligent and attractive. I have my mother's ears, and a body formed from both breeds, giving me a slimmer look, but with a very powerful rear. When I grew up, I became handsome, rather than beautiful. I look butch however, as many people mistake me for male. All in all I have the best of everything, making me a proud and magnificent animal, on a par with a male lion. I have my mother's gentle nature, but can look very aggressive when necessary and have my father zest for life. I am intelligent, being naturally good at most things.