Chapter Text
It was dark. At least it was dry. But still… dark.
She didn’t understand it. She had been picked out from the breeders, taken to her new home, and put in a box?
Riyo didn’t know what was happening. Did she have to stay here forever?
Riyo stumbled on her feet. The box was moving. Where was she being taken?
“Oh, Ani. Is that for me?” A woman’s voice called out in delight.
“Yes, Angel. I picked it out just for you.” That was her new owner’s voice.
What was happening?
“Now I’m a little nervous. Should I open it?” The woman teased.
Riyo began to slide back and forth.
“No! Don’t shake her!” Ani yelped.
Riyo was instantly set down.
“Her? Anakin what did you get me?”
The box rattled a little before the lid popped off. Riyo climbed up into the light. The bow, tied crookedly around her neck, unraveled when she stared up at her new owners.
“Oh, Ani. She’s gorgeous.”
Warm hands scooped her up and Riyo was pressed to a shoulder.
“You talked about wanting a dog and I did a lot of research. Cocker Spaniels were a dog you wanted right? Her name is Riyo. That was her name the breeders gave her. We can change it if you want?” Ani rambled.
Riyo was pulled back. Riyo stared into the kind face of her new owner, Angel. Riyo yipped in happiness when Angel smiled.
“I think Riyo is perfect. Little Miss Riyo. A bow Ani?” Finger tugged the bow away from her neck.
Riyo barked in her joy. Was this what having a family was like? It started out a little scary but having this? This she could get used to.
*****
The first night came and Riyo didn’t like sleeping alone. Ani and Angel took her to the kitchen. They placed her in a basket with a heap of clothes in it.
“Will she be alright, Angel?” Ani petted her behind the ears. “She’s still a puppy. Maybe she can sleep with us for a night?”
“Ani. If we ever want alone time, then she needs to learn to sleep away from us. She’ll be fine.” Angel turned out the light and shut the door behind her.
Riyo was left alone in the dark. Again.
She had time to think. Ani wanted her to not be alone. Maybe she can convince Angel? It didn’t hurt to try right? It was a little scary in here. It was dark and had lots of big shapes. What was that one in the corner that was a little shiny… A low rumble started from the machine along with the sounds of splashing water.
Riyo yelped in fright and tumbled out of the basket. Right. There was no way she was spending the night in here. Now to find Angel and Ani.
Riyo got the door open. All she had to do was push on it. She started exploring her new home. She had already explored the downstairs. That left the upstairs.
Riyo slowly approached the steps leading up into the hall. She started to climb. She reached the top and tried smelling them out. Where was their bed?
Riyo yipped when she found it. Success. Riyo pushed open their door. Again. Easy.
She must have been louder than she thought because Angel was waiting for her on the other side. Soft warm hands picked her up and carried her back to the kitchen.
“No Riyo. This is where you go to bed.” Angel scratched under her chin and rubbed her hand behind her back. “Stay.” Angel got up and shut the door.
Riyo waited a whole five minutes before following her. That machine in the corner was still on and making a loud noise.
Riyo headed up the stairs and again Angel brought her back with a stern warning to stay. Once more this happened before Riyo decided to wait for a while. Maybe she could sneak in while they were asleep.
Riyo waited in the dark for a long time. The machine finally stopped making noise with a soft beep.
Riyo yawned and almost fell asleep twice but something would happen to wake her up. The house would creak or something would tap against the window.
Finally, Riyo thought enough time had passed. She climbed down from the basket and inched her way to the door. She pushed on it, except it wouldn’t move.
Riyo tried a little harder but had no luck. It opened a crack but no further.
Riyo sat down and pouted. Maybe if she made enough noise they would come to get her. Riyo began with a few tentative yips and barks. A howl finally rose from her throat and Riyo was startled. She had never done that before. She tried it again and decided she liked it right up until Angel yelled at her.
“Riyo! Stop!”
Riyo huffed. She pushed with all she had at the door and a loud crash happened when the door gave way.
At first, Riyo thought she had broken the door.
Footsteps came racing down the stairs. Ani was the first to see the mess. He sighed. “It’s only Riyo, Angel. She knocked over the chair.”
Ani knelt down and wiggled his fingers at Riyo. “Come here Little Miss.”
Riyo approached with her tail between her legs. She knew she had been bad. She made a mess. She expected Ani to yell at her. That’s what the breeder did whenever they knocked something over.
Ani picked her up in his arms. “What’s wrong Riyo? Why don’t you want to sleep?”
Riyo whimpered. She knew they couldn’t communicate. It didn’t stop her from wishing.
Ani turned and instead of heading for the kitchen, he started up the stairs. “Don’t worry, Riyo. I can convince her. It’s just for a couple of nights.”
Riyo perked her head up as they entered the bedroom. She was set on the bed at the foot. A blanket was folded over her.
“Ani, what?” Angel sighed deeply. “Alright. For tonight only. Tomorrow, she’s back in the kitchen.”
Riyo yipped and licked at Angel’s hands when she reached for her.
“Goodnight, Riyo.” Ani’s hands were there too as he rubbed her back.
Riyo settled to sleep happily. This was her new family and she couldn’t feel any happier.
****
SIX MONTHS LATER…
Riyo yawned as she woke up. It was a lovely June morning and it was time to start the day.
Ani would be off to work soon and Angel would be starting breakfast. The Angel would spend the day with her. The morning they would stay home. Riyo would be able to be outside with Bail and Breha the bloodhound and Scottish terrier next door. Then Angel and her would go on an afternoon walk. Riyo would maybe take a nap while Angel worked on her papers up in the office. Ani would be back after Riyo’s nap and they would all have dinner.
A normal day for her.
Riyo stretched and then began the process of waking up Ani and Angel. She walked up the bed to Angel’s face and began licking her cheek. Angel gently pushed her away and rolled over. Riyo went over to Ani and nudged his face with her nose. That usually woke him up.
Ani groaned and slid out of bed. “I’m up Riyo. I’ll let you out. Come on.”
Riyo was happy she got her owners awake. She headed downstairs and out the backdoor. She went around the house smiling at the beautiful day. It was delightfully warm and the sun was shining.
“Riyo! Come here!” Angel called for her.
Riyo ran for Angel. Angel usually had something to give her when she behaved nicely. Angel would always call her Little Miss and would scratch her chin or ears and give her a tasty treat or dog cookie.
Today the treat was something different. When Riyo went up the steps, Angel had met her with a collar and license.
Angel made sure the blue collar fit nicely around her neck and the tag hung just so on her front. Riyo let her fuss. It felt nice to be have this careful attention every once in a while.
A rub to her ears happened and Riyo closed her eyes in bliss.
“So pretty, Little Miss. Go on. Go show your friends. Just come back for lunch.” Angel headed back inside.
Riyo barked happily. She had a collar and license! She was finally an official part of the family.
Riyo walked down the steps and next door to Bail and Breha’s yard. Riyo entered their yard calling for the older couple.
“Breha? Bail?” Riyo nosed at the grass and bushes.
She came across Breha laying in the shade of the bushes along the fence. “Breha! Guess what?”
Riyo walked over to the scottish terrier. She sat down and made sure her collar was on display.
Breha stretched and sat up. “Let me see… did you have a bath? Your ears look nice.”
“No.” Riyo shifted. The smooth metal of her license hit her fur.
“Did Angel take you to the groomers?” Breha smiled fondly when Riyo shook herself and her licensce swung around her neck.
“Breha.” Riyo laughed. “I got my license and collar.”
“Oh. So that’s what is bringing a sparkle to your eye. Congratulations, Riyo. You are official.” Breha glanced over at the porch with a sigh.
A growling whimper rose up and a thud happened.
Riyo stood up. “Is Bail okay?”
“He’s fine. He’s just sleeping.” Breha brushed against Riyo’s side. “Come on. Let’s go show him your new accessory. He will love to see it.”
Riyo approached the porch and the sleeping Bail. “He’s sleeping. I don’t want to wake him. I can show him later.”
“Nonsense, dear.” Breha marched right up to Bail and began nudging him awake. “Bail, come on, love. Wake up. Riyo is here and has something to show you.”
Bail jerked up with a short bark. “What? I’m awake. I wasn’t sleeping.” The bloodhound stretched out and yawned before sitting up. “What’s this about Riyo?”
“Are you alright, Bail?” Riyo watched the older dog in concern. “You’ve been sleeping a lot.”
“I’ll be fine. Is that a new collar? Congratulations, Riyo. I’m so happy that Ani and Angel made it official. You are really their dog now.” Bail nudged her playfully. “Any other plans today?”
“Yes. Angel had some news she’s been worried to tell Ani. I don’t know what it is but hopefully soon we can celebrate as a family.” Riyo perked up when she heard Angel whistling. “That’s her, if you will excuse me.”
“Go on dear. We will see you later.” Berha barked in goodbye as Riyo ran off back to her yard.
****
Riyo walked through her backyard thoughtfully. The news that Angel told Ani was puzzling. Riyo couldn’t figure it out. Was this good news? Ani and Angel seemed to think so.
When Angel told him, Ani had shouted and picked her up. It was a happy shout. Ani and Angel had disappeared upstairs and Riyo had headed outside.
She was confused. Why were they so excited? Why did Ani and Angel seem so happy? Was whatever coming, something good? What exactly was a-?
“Riyo, dear!” Breha came around the corner. Her tail was wagging like mad when she spotted Riyo. “I have some… oh, dear. What happened?”
“I’m just confused. The news Angel had is a little worrying.” Riyo laid down in the grass.
“Tell me all about it, Dear. Maybe I can help.” Breha laid out next to her.
Riyo relaxed into the older dog and began telling about Angel’s news and Ani’s strange reaction. “Breha? What’s a baby?”
Breha jerked a little. “A what dear? Where did that come from?”
“A baby. That’s Angel’s news. She told Ani they are expecting one. I don’t know what one is and I can’t figure it out. Are we going to be having a guest stay with us?” Riyo crossed her paws and rested her head on them. “I’m worried because Angel also has been sick lately.”
“I wouldn’t worry about it Dear. A baby is…” Breha started.
“Trouble.” A new voice piped up. “A baby is trouble.”
Riyo stared at the new dog. He was taller than her and Breha but shorter than Bail. His fur was thick and slightly matted. He was brown and white and tan or was the brown mud and dirt. His eyes were what drew her in. Full of pain and sadness but still had a slight sparkle to them. Like he was clinging to hope.
Despite all that, Riyo knew she had never seen him before and he wasn’t from around here.
Breha bristled and jumped up. “Who are you?”
“I’m Fox, and you, Cyar’ika, are in trouble.” Fox shot her a toothy smile. “See, a baby is a little human. They are trouble. Sometimes, you just want to have a good scratch and you are getting yelled at for getting fleas on the baby.”
“Fleas! Why you…?” Breha growled. “Don’t make me get my mate.”
“Or…” Fox raised his voice to speak over Breha. “You just want to scare some birds or protect your yard and they will be shouting at you to pipe down or you will wake the baby. Babies are a trouble that no dog survives intact. They pull on your ears and tail. They poke you in the eyes. Twist your fur until it’s so tangled it hurts having it brushed.”
Breha sniffed. “Sounds like you are speaking from experience, street dog.”
“Hey, now. I didn’t call you names, your majesty.” Fox bobbed his head at her sarcastically.
“Not Ani and Angel. They won’t let that happen to me. They love me.” Riyo was really worried now. Was what this dog saying true?
“Now, you went and scared her. Get out of here! Before I alert my mate.” Breha growled and started barking loudly.
“Alright. I’m going. I know when I’m not wanted.” Fox headed for the open gate. He looked back and met her eyes. “Just remember, Cyar’ika. When the baby moves in, the dog moves out. No one I have ever met has been the exception.” The street dog named Fox left her yard.
Riyo sat back and thought. She whined lowly in her throat. “It’s not true, is it? Ani and Angel wouldn’t do that to me. They gave me a collar and license. I’m their family.”
“Hush dear.” Breha nuzzled her ears. “Calm down. That street dog doesn’t know Ani and Angel. If he did he never would have said that. You know them better than anyone. Do you really think that they would ever get rid of you? Babies are a big thing yes. But your owners love you. Don’t worry, Dear. Street dogs are always jaded like that.”
Riyo sat back and let Breha comfort her. She couldn’t help but wonder though. The words Fox said rang with a bit of truth. That pain in his eyes couldn’t be faked. Was he telling the truth?