"Conditions?" Alex whined, quite familiar with his mother's endless lists of rules governing everything in life.
"That sounds fair to me," Mr. Henderson said, nipping in the bud any resistance from Alex and his sister.
"Yes, but these rules will make life much easier for everyone," Mrs. Henderson predicted in a rosy manner.
Jared, as he eavesdropped in his sheepdog guise, wasn't convinced.
"Someone will need to take him for walks," she continued. "Once in the morning and again in the evening."
"I can do that," Alex volunteered readily. "But what about the fence?"
Mr. Henderson chuckled. "It can be disarmed with the remote control," he said. "I'll show you how."
"He will also need fed, morning and evening," Mrs. Henderson said.
"Any volunteers?" Mr. Henderson asked.
Cassie, reluctant because she was always so pushed to get ready for school most mornings, explained that she would be glad to see that the sheepdog had dinner every evening. "I will even help you walk him some evenings," she said. "Especially if you have a lot of homework."
"And I can give Shaggy his breakfast," Alex said, dividing the responsibility for that particular chore.
Mrs. Henderson's nose wrinkled and her expression changed as she cast a glance down at Jared. "He will need regular baths," she said. "With all that fur, he will get smelly and dirty."
Jared felt insulted, but he kept his cool until Cassie reached down and flung herself on his back to give him a hug. "Oh, I will give him a bath whenever he needs it," she said.
Jared felt her breasts jiggle as she stretched over him for the hug. He whimpered in expression of the feelings that surged through him. Eager anticipation of bath-time with Cassie didn't quite scratch the surface of his expectations.
"He's also going to need regular veterinary care," Mrs. Henderson said. "He'll need shots, treatments for worms, ticks, and fleas."
"I don't think the kids can be responsible for that," her husband said with a smile.
"I agree, but I don't have time to do it," she said. "I will make the appointments, but you will need to take Shaggy to his appointments."
Mr. Henderson's smile wavered, but he couldn't shirk his share of Shaggy duties after his kids had both stepped to the plate. "On his first appointment, I want you to inquire about having him neutered," his wife continued briskly.
"I'm not sure that will be necessary now," her husband said. "We have the fence to make sure Shaggy doesn't go frolicking through the neighborhood."
Jared waited on tenterhooks for the outcome of the debate, but was alarmed when the discussion ended with his fate still up in the air.
"It never hurts to get an expert opinion," Mrs. Henderson said. "Let's agree to follow whatever recommendation the vet provides."
Without giving her husband time to reorganize his protest, she added, "We'll probably need to take him to the dog groomer, too. Perhaps they can manage to keep all that fur under control."
"That's a great idea," Cassie said. "Shaggy will look cute with a haircut and style."
Jared listened, not persuaded. Perhaps it wouldn't be so bad if the groomer didn't try to stick any ribbons or bows in his fur.
"Shaggy will also need his own house," Mrs. Henderson said. "It's all right for him to sleep under the stars now, but we're bound to get rain, and in a couple of months winter will be here."
"I'll pick up a house down at the hardware store," her husband said. "They have pre-made models, and they'll probably deliver."
"Is that all?" Alex asked.
"Not quite," his mother said. "Shaggy's going to be an outside dog."
"Oh, mom!" Alex protested, joined by his sister.
"But...but...he can be allowed inside for brief visits," Mrs. Henderson hurriedly continued. "Under certain conditions. As long as he clean and not smelly, he can visit. He can visit in your room, Alex, and in your room, Cassie. He's not allowed in any of the other rooms, so he must be led on his leash to your rooms and then back outside after the visit. He is not allowed to spend the night, and he is absolutely not allowed on any of the furniture."
Alex looked a little glum, but he and his sister were used to their mother's rules, so they both agreed.
"I suppose we should ask Shaggy if he's agreeable," Mrs. Henderson joked and reached down and gave the sheepdog two quick pats atop the head. Despite the formality of the pats, Jared felt his dog instincts prevail as his hindquarters wagged in happiness from her scant show of affection.
"Yah! He's staying!" Alex celebrated, and he and his sister engulfed Shaggy in hugs, which really sent his wagging into overdrive.