"Oh, it's not that I don't like dogs," she quickly replied, "I just am more into ......... something smaller. I live in a tiny apartment and don't really have space for Jingles. If he were a cat, or gerbil, or something like that, I wouldn't feel so bad leaving him alone at home so much."
"Oh my yes, I do know what you mean. These larger dogs need space to run. Perhaps you just need a different collar," the old man remarked. "Here. I happen to have just the thing." With that, he handed Katie a white collar. John couldn't help but realize that the collar seemed a bit small, even for his new neck size.
"That doesn't really look like it will fit my Jingles, sir."
"No, no... don't worry about all of that. Just try it on him. I assure you that you will be satisfied."
Katie took the collar and began to place it around John's neck. He wanted to resist, but was afraid that the wizard would do something worse to him. He had to play his cards well. He may only get one chance to free himself from this nightmare.
"I guess I was wrong," Katie said. "It does fit."
John was a bit taken back by that remark, but he was even more taken back when he felt himself lifted into the air. He then was turned so that he was face to face with Katie. She was now huge! John felt as though her head was almost half his own size. He screamed in surprise, but all that came out was MREOOOW!
"Oh don't you complain you big baby," Katie said to him. "I'm sure you will get used to it. Besides, just wait until all those lady cats see you all spiffed up." She then turned him toward the old man and reached one of her arms out forward. He shook her hand and the transaction was complete.
"Thank you for your business ma'am. If you have any difficulties in the future, please do not hesitate to return to the store," he said.
"I will, sir. You have been most helpful."
John could have swore that he saw the old man wink at him as he was lifted onto Katie's shoulder and carried out of the store. He tried to wiggle his was out of her arms, but he was too weak. He could have bit her to free himself, but he didn't want to harm her. After all, it wasn't her fault. She was under a spell also. He needed time to get her on his side. Once they were home he would be able to convince her of his plight. He may not be able to speak, but there were other ways to communicate.
---
It didn't take too long to arrive back at the apartment. John had always considered it such a small place, but it was enormous from his perspective at the moment. He was sent down on the floor once inside the entrance. This prompted him to immediately go into the bedroom to collect some tools. John had it all planned out. He knew how to make Katie believe his story. He just needed some things... and some food. Boy, was he getting hungry.
"Jingles?" he heard coming from the other room. "Dinner time."
Dinner time? Great. Just a quick bite and then back to business.
John headed back into the living room and turned toward the kitchen. He stopped for a moment when he realized that his "dinner" was being removed from a tin can. Cat food ?! You have got to be kidding me, he thought to himself.
But John was just plain famished. So what if it came from a can. So does tuna. Hmmm... tuna... and chicken. He could smell it. It was amazing. So tempting. Just a quick bite.
He couldn't take it any more. He ran over to the bowl on the ground and gulped down on his feline feast.
"My you're a hungry feller tonight," Katie said, smiling. "When your finished, we can play with your new toys that I bought today."
John felt something odd as he ate the meal. There was some stirring in his thoughts. Maybe being a cat wasn't so bad after all. Free food... lazy afternoons... no responsi-
NO! I am NOT a cat! I am a man! he quickly correct himself. What was happening? Why was he losing his train of thought? He had to keep focus. That.. that stupid collar. It must still be affecting him. If he didn't get it off soon, he might find himself forever Jingles, both in body and mind.
He saw the back door to the apartment. He ran to it and scratched it hoping that Katie would allow him out.
"Time for nightlife already? I wish that I had that kind of social schedule," she said, opening the door. "There you go... but don't stay up all night mister."
He scooted out the door an into the back alleyway. He knew that several sharp objects were bound to be accessible near the garbage bins. He made his way toward them, hoping to find something that he could use to snare the collar and cut it. What he didn't expect to find was...."