Canine Capers 13

Hard to believe that our time here is coming to an end. But rest assured that the story is not over, folks.

First things first, though.

We all slept in till late today — comparatively late, that is. The sun was already up when we first went outside and breakfast was still a ways away.

Finally, the meaty goodness was served and M and I scoffed it down without delay. Then, while Jenny and Leon were munching down their breakfast, we began to gather up all our things so we would be able to pack quickly when the time came.

At one point, M was so busy rushing around that he got himself completely tangled in his leash, which was hanging down the side of the chair. What a goof!

Fortunately, Jenny snapped a photo before she freed him.

Then it was off for a walk. A last chance to take a good look around the neighbourhood for anything that needed fixing or saving, and a last opportunity to let everyone know that we were expanding to a ‘new’ address.

Okay, our old address, as in our usual address, but 'new' sounded a lot better than saying we were packing up and going home.

No offence, Mom!

Anyway, as we were walking around, it occurred to us that the entire place was devoid of bipeds, canines and critters.

“Where is everyone?” wondered M. “Why isn’t there anyone out on the streets?”

I had no useful answer. “I don’t think it’s because of the heat, but I suppose it could be.”

“It is a Sunday, so maybe everyone is still sleeping.”

I chuckled. “Sleepyheads!”

But as we went along, the signs were everywhere — on fence posts, walls, trees, rocks, sidewalks, car tires and fire hydrants. Hidden messages that only M and I could decipher. And the message was clear — everyone was afraid. Apparently, there was one thing left for us to do ... perhaps our greatest challenge.

The word on the street is that it isn’t safe anymore. Too many drivers recklessly taking to our road with way too much speed and gusto, making it particularly dangerous and scary for kids, the very grown grownups, and critters of all shapes and sizes. Something bad is going to happen to someone before too much longer, and that will devastate us all. We simply can’t stand by anymore and let a few terrorise us with their boom boxes on wheels.

What we need is a way to get the word to the bad drivers and make them slow down to a safe speed.

And what we need is a pair of super sleuthy detective dogs to lead the charge.

“What do you think, T,” M asked with a quirky grin. “A job for Dog Gone It!?”

I put my arm around my brother’s shoulder. “Absolutely, but this is a big one. So, let’s wait until both Mom and Dad come home so we can work together as a family to make that happen.”

M laughed uproariously. “Dog Gone It! A family affair! Who would have thunk it?!”

And with that, we loaded up our doggie bags and headed home, happy in the knowledge that, along with our new friends Alice, Carli, E. A., Cheryl, Jonathan, Harriet, Darcy, Sammy, Claude, Elisabeth, Adam, Theodore, Webster, Harley, Copper, Mikey, Riot, Shadow, Dingo, Winnie, Lachlan, Madam Dragonfly, Mr Cat, and, of course, the Doctor, we had made our world just a little bit nicer for everyone.

This is yours truly and Mr One and Only signing off for now, but know that, as the Doctor always says, “The adventure never really ends — it just gets way better!”

T