"Nah," your master answers, "He just followed me home. I'm sure he belongs to somebody, he's got a tag that says "Bruno" on it. I'm taking him to the animal shelter now."
"Oh, that's sweet of you to help unite a stray with its owner," Nikki gushed.
You look up at your master with confusion. How could he not be your master? You've never had any other master. You shudder as he tugs on the leash and resumes his walk through the park. He's taking you to the animal shelter? No one is going to claim you as their lost pet, because you've never been anybody else's pet. How long do they keep dogs before they put them up for adoption or put them to sleep?
"The animal shelter's just down the street from my home. Can I come too? You know he's a handsome dog, if nobody claims him, do you plan to keep him?"
The former you laughs. "Me and this dog? I don't think so, but if you want to take him to the pound for me, I'm not objecting."
Stacey forces a smile, and takes the leash.
"