The ringmaster eventually decided on making Jared a dog. All of the suggestions were interesting but that of a dog was best. After all, his circus had only domestic animals as performers. He and his crew did not believe in harming wild animals or endangered species just for the entertainment of audiences. The domestic animals they had were pampered and for urban audiences, farm animals or others doing tricks sounded very exotic indeed. The other performers were human, or at least humanoids, or even human-like enough to pass as people in costumes or very clever animatronics. And the Ringmaster was conscious that he might want to keep Jared and Tayla for... a while. Oh fine, permanently. So the suggestion of making Jared a dog was quite appealing.
"Listen to me, Jared," he whispered. "I am your friend. Your closest friend. You listen to my voice. You have to. You know I am your friend, one that knows you so perfectly. I know what is good for you. Only I do. Whatever I say is true. I know perfectly what you are and what you like. You trust me, don't you? Whatever I say holds true. Don't you agree?"
Jared just nodded, a goofy smile on his face.
"Perfect. I knew you would understand. You are such a good boy. A handsome, smart and well-behaved boy."
Jared obviously was glowing under the praise.
"A boy that can do tricks and that everyone loves. You love people too because you are a dog. A circus dog that can do tricks. Amusing tricks. You love to see people cheer you and clap. You can feel their joy and it makes you oh-so-happy in return. I know that about you because I am you friend. You trust me to know you perfectly. And what I say is the truth. You are a sweet, scruffy circus dog. Scruffy the dog!"
A puff of smoke enveloped Jared and once it cleared, there was an orange, scruffy, panting, smiling male dog. He had a green ruff around his neck, and a cone-shaped little hat atop his head. He also had a bright red clown nose fixed on his black nose. He was a big dog and barked happily at the Ringmaster, wagging his tail.
The Ringmaster made him trot, jump extremely high and somersault to catch bones and treats, made him stand on two legs with these treats balancing atop his nose, sing merry tunes in barks and select objects while pushing a little wheeled basket. All in the audience applauded and cheered. Scruffy, formerly Jared, barked all around at them, loving the praise and attention and love they all had for him. He'd be sure to get kisses and pats! Hooray! Then he heard a whistle and trotted back to the Ringmaster, his owner and nice friend.
"Thank you for the applause! I am certain Scruffy appreciates it very, very much! But now, it is Tayla's turn! She loves the circus, so what should me make her?"