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My little puppy, Echo
“I love you so much Echo. My sweet darling dear.”
Fives was cuddling Echo and being certainly head over heels in love with the pup. Placing small kisses on the pups head showing his love the best he could. Having adopted the partly paralysed dog from the pound just a little while ago. The pup having been a Force sent to the lonesome former soldier, having lost plenty in the war. But thankfully the young pup had ended on Fives’ path just in time and despite his hardship, Echo had been cheerful and rather social, winning Fives over at first sight. Love at first sight as it were.
Echo the pup, being held in a tight hug was listening intently to the words he could barely understand. But from the affectionate way his new keeper was holding him, the soft spoken words, the hugs and kisses, Echo knew he was loved and cared for by this, Hooman. And there was the one word Echo recognised for sure. Love. Something he knew to be a good thing.
Echo’s tongue darted out just then, the long and rather moist appendix sliding across the face of the Hooman. It was Echo’s way to show love and thankfully well received as well as Fives was giggling of the rather wet kiss spread across his face. Only too happy Echo felt safe in his arms and his new home. Fives having been warned Echo might not be able to adjust to new surroundings due to his bad experiences before. But Fives felt differently. And thankfully, he had been right as it would have broken his heart if Echo felt anything but safe and loved.
“You’re an affectionate one aren’t ya Echs.”
Echo let out a small happy bark in response, his snout in a wide smile as well. Wagging his short tail he could not have been a more happier pup being loved by this new Hooman in his life as he kept on licking Fives’ face to prove his point.
“Awwww… “ Fives laughed out loud. “Would you like a treat my sweet boy?”
Echo barked louder his response as a yes in dog of course but meaning also right now (please)!
Fives could not help but kiss the pup some more. Squeezing Echo tightly in a loving hug before letting him back on the floor finally to go and get the promised treat. But Echo did not seem to mind at all. Simply basking in all the attention, the affection and love he was getting. Then following Fives right on his heels to the kitchen where Echo knew the treats were kept being the smart dog he so totally was.
*
Fives and Echo were taking a long walk in the park. It was something they both enjoyed immensely to do several times a day. The nature untouched mostly with some of the wildlife daring and roaming free because the local residents left them undisturbed, keeping the place more natural and wild as it was meant to be.
They were on their usual route having spotted squirrels and deer on their way. The animals certainly curious of Echo. A few daring enough to come up close and to say hello by sniffing the pup. They were both having a good time certainly, Fives snapping several mementos of Echo and his animal friends. Their home already adorned by pics of Echo on the walls.
The duo were already on their way home when they heard it. A low whining sound coming from somewhere around the trees close by. Both stopping in their track, exchanging confused glances.
“Did you hear that too Echo?”
Echo responded with a low growl.
Fives glanced around, trying to figure out where the noise was coming from. That’s when they heard it again. The low whine of sorts as if someone was in pain.
“This way.” Fives immediately headed towards the sound with Echo in tow, worried some animal might be hurt badly.
They reached the trees in no time, starting their search. It took a few moments but they found the source of the painful sounds hidden under some shrubbery. Surprised as they were both staring into the water filled eyes of a tiny dog. Most likely a puppy like Echo, only different in breed. Small with its tangled long fur the pup looked so sad. The pup also had a large bleeding wound on the side. Clearly having been injured and left to fend for themselves, making Fives so angry inside.
Fives was on his knees, talking in a soft voice. He was cooing the pup with Echo right by his side.
“Here, buddy, is alright, we’re here to help you sweetie.”
Letting the pup sniff his hand, before moving in closer. Echo right there, sniffing the stranger as if assuring the two would not harm them, that they were friendly. It looked like it was working too, Echo managing to win the trust of the small pup. The injured dog letting Fives put his jacket around them and then picking the pup up. Cradling them in his arms, feeling them shiver.
“Come on little one, it’ll be alright, Echo and I will take care of you.”
Fives being pretty sure this pup was homeless and left to fend for themselves for whatever reason someone had had to do so. Carrying the freezing pup to their home. Echo never leaving either of their side. Echo daring to hope this foundling would become his new friend, his brother perhaps, as they quickly made their way back home. The three of them.
After all, Echo had been there himself. Knowing all too well how it felt to be left behind, injured and hopeless. Just because he had been broken. Not wanting something like that to happen to an other one like him. Echo hoped he knew his Hooman, Fives, well enough by now and to trust him to take care of the new pup like he did with Echo.
*
It had taken some effort to heal the pup Fives and Echo had found. But Tup as they called him was beginning to feel more like himself. The flyers Fives had put out just in case the pup belonged to someone who had perhaps lost him for some reason had gone unanswered. And so, Tup would become a permanent member of their little family.
Fives had of course witnessed the care and love Echo had for their newest member but wanting to make sure Echo understood the situation, Fives would have to have a wee chat with his first arrival, Echo.
Sitting down on the sofa with Echo on his lap while Tup was sleeping happily on the doggy bed he shared with Echo now. The two of them watching Tup sleep for a moment.
“So, Echs, I just wanted to have a chat with you… about Tup.”
Echo’s tongue was hanging out, his tail wagging after hearing the name of his bff being said out loud. Tup.
“You like him very much don’t ya.” Fives scratched Echo behind his ear getting an appreciative woof in response.
“Heh, yeah, I do too.” Fives was quiet for a moment before continuing. “So, waddaya say if Tup was to become a permanent fixture of our little family then?”
Echo glanced from Fives to Tup and back. The older pup understanding rather clearly what Fives was asking him.
Echo barked and wagged his tail again. Giving Fives a lick in his face before jumping down and making his way to the doggy bed and curling around the smaller pup. The message quite clear to Fives, who could not have been happier with his two beloved pups, Echo and Tup.
Indeed the three of them having found a loving family in each other.