Princess? That couldn’t mean… John tugged hard at his leash, but now it was like trying to move a mountain.
“Princess! Behave!” Katie admonished, offering a strained smile at the shopkeeper. “My little sister picked her name.”
The old man crouched down, his joints popping. “An inspired choice!” He said, patting the pink poof on top of John’s head. John growled and snapped at the old man’s hand.
“Princess! Bad girl!” Katie cried, aghast, tugging the leash and sending John stumbling backwards. “She’s not usually like this, I don’t know what’s gotten into her!”
Careful, Princess, the shopkeeper's voice echoed through his head. The old man’s eyes glinted at John as he stood back up. “That’s quite alright, dear,” he said, smiling pleasantly at Katie. “You were saying?”
“Oh, it’s just so expensive to care for a dog.” Katie said. “Even a small one like Princess.”
John was taking a moment to examine his new body, each change more humiliating than the last. Four tiny, dainty little paws, immaculately trimmed pink fur (could that be a natural color?), short, stubby tail tipped with a poofy pink ball of fur… he lifted one hind leg, before immediately slamming it back down to the ground. Yep… he was a she. Completely a female dog. 100% poodle bitch.
“If you’re looking to give her up for adoption, we run a shelter out of one of our other stores,” the old man replied casually. John looked up at the massive humans standing around her and whined. No, no, no, no, not that!
Katie bent over and scooped John up, hugging the toy poodle to her chest. John yipped in surprise as she was lifted into the air. “I couldn’t do that! I love my little Princess, I could never get rid of her.” John nodded her poofy little head. That’s right!
“Well..” the old man said thoughtfully. “Have you thought about dog shows? I’m sure she could be a prizewinner, cute as she is!” John grumbled disagreeably, causing the old man to look towards the dog, his eyes twinkling mischievously. “Or maybe breeding?” He wiggled his eyebrows suggestively. “Purebred as she is, I’m sure the studs would be absolutely drooling over her!” He chuckled, while John blanched and had to fight the urge to be sick. What? No way!
“I don’t know,” Katie said doubtfully. “Maybe…” No, not maybe! John thought, shaking her head, her poofy fur bobbing. Never!
“Well, if you ever want to go that route, you make sure you come back here.” The shopkeeper said. “Now, is there anything else?”
“Nope!” Katie replied cheerfully. Yes! John thought, struggling. Katie deposited her gently back on the ground. “That’s it! Thanks!” That’s not it! Stop!
“C’mon, Princess!” Katie called and began pulling her towards the shop exit. John dug her claws into the linoleum but could not prevent herself from being dragged away. Wait! She whimpered, directing her thoughts as loudly as she can towards the old man. I’m sorry! Please make me a man again! I can’t be a dog!
Well now, that’s all I wanted to hear. “Hold on, miss,” the old man called nonchalantly. “I believe I forgot something.”
“Yes?” Katie asked quizzically, turning back.
Are you sure you’re ready to be human again? The old man was looking hard at John. A dog’s life is an easy life. You might find that you enjoy being Princess.
Was he kidding? No, please! I’m sorry! John repeated. I made a mistake! Don’t leave me as a… a bitch!
Fair enough. I can accept your apology. The wand was back in the old man’s hands, and he twirled it at the fluffy pink poodle.