"I wasn't planning on leaving you like this," I said in a voice that was low but stern. "But if you EVER do that again, you'll be on a diet of beef by-products for the
rest of your life! Understand?!"
Dr. Von Hauser's tail (that's a weird thought) tucked itself between her legs. She nodded her head and I sat her back on the ground.
"What a cute little poodle!" I heard a voice behind me say. A woman, maybe in her 50s, was behind me. She had another toy poodle, this one black and clipped
(unlike Dr. Von Hauser) on a leash. I could tell the new poodle was male and excited about Dr. Von Hauser. "Did you just get her?"
"Yes," I said. It was kind of true after all.
"I thought so! I could tell by the way she hasn't had her fur trimmed yet. Has she had her shots yet? What about a leash?"
"No shots yet," I told the lady. "I've got a leash ... " I leaned over and grabbed Dr. Von Hauser's shoes. I wish one into a collar and the other into a leather eash. "
... right here!" I said, putting these accessories on her.
"Good. You don't want your new doggie to go running off, after all!"
"I think she knows enough to stay by me," I said, looking at the poodle who had been analyzing me for months. It gave a whine that almost sounded like "Uh huh."
"What's her name?" the woman asked.
"Greta," I said, remembering the Doctor's first name.
"A German name for a French dog? Oh well, to each his own. I'm Yvonne Collier, and this is Pierre. May I give Greta a doggie treat?" She reached into her purse
and pulled out a small dog biscuit.
"I know she'd love it!" I said, with a grin. Ms. Collier offered Dr. Von Hauser the biscuit. Reluctantly, as if she didn't want to take it, but was worried I'd make her
somehow, Dr. Von Hauser took and ate the treat.
"What are those clothes behind you?" asked Yvonne.
I turned and saw the rest of Dr. Von Hauser's clothes, including her purse, which I don't think Yvonne saw. I wished the purse into a shopping bag from a local pet
shop. Then, I wished the clothes away, except for Von Hauser's blouse, blazer, and skirt, which I altered in several ways.
"They're for Greta," I said, holding them up.
"A little business outfit! How adorable! You must come by and let me see how she looks in it!" Yvonne handed me a card with her name and address on it. It was
in a wealthy neighborhood.
"Thanks. But I can put them on her right here!"
"No!" said Yvonne. "You mustn't! Poor Greta will be terribly uncomfortable! Here. Take her here!"
She handed me another card. This one said COSTELLO'S VETERINARY AND GROOMING SERVICE.
"They'll give her all of her shots, and style her up so pretty! They do a wonderful pink dye. Oh, she'd look marvelous with pink fur and a little blue bow in her hair
after it's permed, don't you think?"
I laughed. It would be a good joke, having the Doctor groomed, and getting her shots -- and then, maybe turning her back to see what she looked like. And I was
sure Dr. Von Hauser probably had enough money in her purse to cover the cost.
"You're right!" I said, ignoring Dr. Von Hauser's whines. "Thanks. I'll take her there right now."
"Give them my name and they'll give you a discount."
"You've been a lot of help!"
"Just please promise to bring Greta to me for a visit. Who knows? We might even be able to make an arrangement for her and Pierre."
Dr. Von Hauser sat up and did her best to say "WHAT?"