Chad hit the ground and tumbled. He still wasn't used to his stubby legs, barrel shaped body and weight under 20 lbs. He scrambled to right himself and exit the bush under the window, as Dylan climbed out the window after him. He ran glancing over his shoulder to see how close Dylan was behind him. When he looked forward, Chad was surprised to see Rick coming toward him.
Maybe Rick could help him? But how could he make Rick understand that the tiny 18 lb dog was really his 185 lb teammate and best bud. He didn't know how. So he swerved to avoid Rick. But Rick was a receiver, and Chad was just an over-sized football to Rick.
Rick extended his open hand, caught Chad under his ribs, and hefted him to his chest. His other hand held the squirming pug with paws and maw facing outward. He glanced down at the tiny terrified dog with his tiny erection, and laughed.
Dylan was there in seconds. Karl exited the clinic and came round a few moments later.
"Lucky I was passing by. I assume he is one of yours, Dyl?"
"Thanks, Rick," Dylan said panting after his short run. He might look a lot like his twin, but he really hated exercise, and this pug had made him exercise more in a few minutes than he had in weeks. He would really enjoy cutting its nuts off. He held out his hands for Rick to hand him the pug.
"No problem. Maybe I should carry him inside for you. We wouldn't want him squirming out of your grasp again. Woukd we?" Rick said.
"Good idea," Karl said.
Dylan blushed.
"So you were just passing by, Rick?" Karl asked. He had heard Rick's earlier statement.
"Yeah. What're you doing here, Karl?"
"That's my dog," was his curt reply.
Dylan was oblivious, but Chad picked up on the subtext. Rick must have been involved or at least figured out what Karl had done to Chad. Neither said anything explicit, as Rick carried the pug back into the clinic. Karl held the outer door open, while Dylan held the door from the lobby to the hallway open.
Chad squirmed madly, and yapped at Rick to put him down immediately. Dylan didn't even try to take him. He led them back to a surgical table. Selected a new sterile syringe, ripped the package open, and stabbed a small bottle of clear liquid. He drew the liquid up into the syringe. Then he spoke to Rick.
"Hold Chad still. This should calm him down." He injected the pug in his thigh. The squirming grew less. The dog hung limply in Rick's arms. Dylan said, "Thanks for the assist. You can put him down now." He gestured to the steel table. "I'll let the doctor know that Chad is ready to chip."
Rick complied. He sprawled helplessly on the metal table where Rick lay him. He was unable to move anything except his eyes which followed Rick and Karl as the gathered round the table to inspect him.
As soon as the door closed behind Dylan, Karl and Rick began speaking in hushed whispers.