Yawning I open my eyes and look around as I give a slow stretch to get the sleep out of my joints. All I see is darkness but I know I am awake with my eyes open. Am I dreaming being awake I ponder for a moment? Ears suddenly perking I listen closely at a distant sound that catches my notice. It’s talking but for some reason I can not make out exactly what is being said beyond requests for food and complaints about cages being too small.
Foot steps near by shift my ears in a new direction. Leaning forward I sniff the air as my tail begins wagging happily but I am unsure of as to why. The door opens and I shift myself into a more comfortable posture. “Hello Doctor.”
The doctor stops in the doorway smelling surprised then flicks a wall switch causing the lights to blink on. “How did you know it was m…?”
“How did I know it was you and not a stranger?” I finish for him unsure of how to answer. Will he be mad if I tell about the stink about him? Does he never shower I wonder idly thinking surly his coworkers must be able to smell the doctor coming from down the hallway too?
“Well its good your awake dog. Would you like your breakfast now?”
He asks me while watching me closely. He looks so intent as his eyes roam my form I find myself confused as I can sense his excitement about something but I know not what. I watch him once more begin writing rapidly in a note book.
“You of course get to pick your food once more.”
“Steak?”
“If that’s what you wish then steak it is.” The doctor smiles a bit and watches me for a moment. “I see your change needs cleaning as well. That can be done when you’re walked.”
I look down and notice for the first time that I have soiled my cage. But this fact does not cause me to feel much shame and yet I feel I should at least feel some embarrassment but instead there is only indifference.