The New Pet

AJ: So, did you and your mom have fun catching your two-legged walking dog?

Sylvia: Oh, totally! We found a great one. He’s a bit skinny, but he’s still young. I just have to make sure he gets some proper training. He’s got a few bad habits already.

AJ: Honey, you adopted a wild animal. What did you think would happen? You basically dragged him out of the wild. So, where’s this scruffy mutt?

Sylvia: Dad! Don’t call him that. He needs time to get used to us. By the way, can I borrow some money for his food?

AJ: Did you at least take him to the vet? Make sure he doesn’t need shots or anything? You know, rabies and all that.

Sylvia: No, Mom and I took him to get registered with the Imperial Inquisition. Lucky for us, they have a vet on site, so he got all his vaccinations. They cleaned him up too, although he really fought it. You’d think he was allergic to water or something.

AJ: Well, that’s a relief. No one wants a stinky pet around. But you’ll have to introduce him to me soon, okay? I’m running late for work, and I’ve got to keep an eye on Vieregg. He’s been in a suspiciously good mood lately. Probably because of all the new recruits. Now he’s all fired up about designing new armor and weapons. (kisses her forehead and cheeks) See you later, kiddo.

Sylvia: Bye! Love you, Daddy! I’ll show him to you once he’s calmed down. Mom’s working on that. For some weird reason, he’s totally freaked out by Mom and Grandmama. But he’ll come around.

Dad: Ha! Alright, see you later this afternoon.

(Nora comes in after kissing her husband goodbye as he heads out for work)

Nora: So, what do you think of your new pet? He’s a bit skinny, isn’t he? We should probably fatten him up with some American BBQ. My husband’s obsessed with the stuff. Maybe the dog will love it too.

Sylvia: Oh, Mommy, you and Grandma love BBQ just as much! Brisket, ribs, pulled pork—you both can’t get enough. Maybe we can talk him into firing up the smoker.

Nora: And, you know, maybe let’s hold off on showing your dad the dog for now. He might freak out. We’ll need to set up a new place for all your animals. I bet I can get him to build something right next to the house.

Sylvia: Hahaha! Thank you, Mommy!

Nora: So, now that you’ve got a new dog, what are we calling him?

Sylvia: Bobby! He just looks like a Bobby. Let’s name him Bobby.

Nora: Alright, Bobby, it is then. We’ll make sure he’s happy here.