"Bad dog! BAD, Chad - I mean, Spike, I knew you couldn't resist trying on the collar," Rico said, "now I own you. It's what your dog tag and these papers say." He collected the lone Manila envelope and papers. The other files had vanished as soon as Chad put the collar on.
Chad stared up at Rico quizzically. He whined, and then began to beg.
Rico chuckled. "Damn, that's the biggest tackle I've seen on a chihuahua," he said in surprise as Chad exposed himself by leaning backwards on his hind legs and extending his crooked paws.
He pulled a lead out of his back pocket, and motioned for Chad to come over to him. Not really seeing any chance of his new 5lb frame overpowering 140 lb Rico, Chad defeatedly crawled over to Rico.
"That's a good boy, Chad. You behave yourself, and you may just end up walking around on two legs with your old body."
Chad perked up instantly, and yapped happily. Rico stood, and pulled on the lead.
"Come, Spike. I'll fill you in on the way to the vets."
Chad sat on his butt covered his crotch with his forelegs, and whined.
"No. I wasn't planning to neuter you, stud. But if you continue to disobey, I might have to."
Chad was up on 4 feet, and racing passed Rico as far as his leash allowed.
"Now quietly walk with me to my truck like a good dog."
"Rico, better not let Sinclair see you got a dog in the locker room," warned Bruno, "you had it here at school all day?"
"Nah, my ma dropped it off on her way to the night shift. I'm taking him to the vet's."
"Oh, well, even so Sinclair hates dogs. So I'd hurry."
"Oh, yeah allergies," Rico snickered. He headed for the exit with Chad in tow. But stopped at Sinclair's office. Picked Chad up, set him on the desk, and brushed his fur with his hands. "Pet dander and hairs galore."
Then he picked Chad up, and ran out to his pickup. He let Chad sit in his lap, as he drove away.