Chapter Text
Oscar had been looking forward to this hike all week. He had the perfect trail picked out—one with just enough incline to make it a workout but not too steep that Lando, his excitable hybrid, would struggle. He packed a backpack with water, snacks, and extra supplies before clipping Lando into his harness, lead, and muzzle.
Lando, of course, was already vibrating with excitement, his tail wagging so hard his whole body swayed. "Alright, mate," Oscar said, tightening the last buckle. "You better behave, or we're turning back."
The first half of the hike went well. Lando sniffed everything, tried to chase a few birds (but was stopped by his lead), and even accepted some water without getting too distracted. Oscar started to relax, thinking maybe—just maybe—this trip wouldn't end in chaos.
That thought lasted until they reached a particularly rocky section of the trail. Lando, in his usual hybrid fashion, decided he could scale the boulders like a mountain goat. Oscar barely had time to react before Lando launched himself forward, the lead pulling taut.
Snap.
The lead broke.
"Lando!" Oscar shouted, lunging forward.
Lando, now free, took off up the trail, his ears flopping wildly, tail wagging like this was the best game in the world. Oscar groaned, sprinting after him.
By the time he caught up, Lando had somehow managed to roll in dirt, tear through a bush, and—Oscar didn't even know how—completely ruin his harness. The straps were hanging loosely, chewed through, and his muzzle? Now dangling off one side of his face like a fashion statement.
"Are you serious?" Oscar panted, hands on his knees.
Lando grinned up at him, tongue lolling out, looking absolutely proud of himself.
Oscar sighed, rubbing his temples. "Guess we're walking back without any gear, huh?"
Lando barked happily, clearly unbothered by the destruction he had caused.
The hike back was long, but at least Lando stayed close. Mostly.
Oscar made a mental note: next time, double-check the gear... and maybe bring backup.