There was a part of Jared's brain that, rationally, realized that his most important goal should be to get home and reunited with his real family. He still placed a lot of trust in his brother. If he could only communicate with Kevin, he was sure that he would be halfway back to walking on two feet again.
There was another part of his brain that enjoyed being the focus of attention for a pretty girl who had just described him as "adorable." This was the same girl he had made a date with for coffee only a few weeks ago. He had been a nervous wreck, but they'd had a good time. He had meant to call her back, arrange another date, but then the now very familiar chain of events had intervened and had landed him in dog form. What harm could it do to enjoy Cassie's company while incognito. He wanted to know her better, and here was a perfect opportunity to learn more about Cassie, who was a pleasant, all-American girl with a nice figure, blond hair, green eyes, and even a sprinkling of cute freckles over her pretty face. Even better, she obviously disliked Cy Whalen.
There was still another part of his brain that worried him about Mrs. Henderson's unreasonable (at least from Jared's viewpoint) fixation on having him fixed. At least her husband had not seemed to grant much urgency to it, which had given Jared a measure of relief.
Jared decided that he wanted to spend more time as Cassie's dog. His own home and family were only a few blocks distant from his current location. A brief walk and he could be back home in no time.
He decided that, for now, he would try life as the Henderson family dog. He was so lost in his thoughts he hadn't paid close attention as Alex and Cassie led him into the backyard. He heard the squeaking of the hinges as they swung open a gate into a fenced portion of the yard. Cassie bent down in front of him, which pleased Jared with the close-up glimpse of her cleavage in her blouse, and released his collar from the leash. But, just as quickly, she swung the gate closed, caging the hapless sheepdog in the backyard.
Jared ran to the fence and, using his hind legs, stretched out and tried to hook his front paws over the top of the fence.
"Arf! Arf!" Jared complained about being enclosed in the fenced yard.
"Oh, don't worry, Shaggy," Cassie said and patted his head. "I'll bring you dinner later. Just make yourself at home."
He watched as Cassie and Alex walked back across the yard to the back door into their home, leaving him caged in the fenced portion of the yard. He got back onto all fours and gave a displeased huff. He would just have to wait. He hoped Cassie would return soon.