"Why to protect our dogs, of course." The woman looks surprised by the question. "We have only the finest purebred animals in here. Captain, that German Shepherd there, for instance." She points to a huge black dog watching them from the first enclosure. "He is a champion worth five thousand dollars. All of our animals are superior members of their breeds. Smarter, healthier, and longer lived than any others. That is why we keep the kennel area locked unless one of us is here. And it is also policy to lock them in their runs whenever someone who is not a staff member is with them - not that I don't trust you, but we have had attempted thefts before, and it is policy."
That made sense, though Jacob and Henry didn't like the implication that they might be dog thieves. Jacob looked at the German Shepherd with renewed interest. "Damn! He's worth five thousand?"
The woman stopped and came back with a smile. "Yes, at least. He is very friendly. Are you sure you won't play with him for a little bit?"
The animal barked and stood up suddenly, wagging his tail frantically.
"Geeze! It's like he understood you!" Jacob grinned. "Well, if you're sure he won't bite."
"Nonsense!" She opened the lock on the enclosure gate and let Jacob step in, then closed and locked it behind him. The dog jumped up and started licking his face.
Henry felt a little left out now, and looked around. A powerful woof drew his attention to a huge Great Dane that was staring at him with pleading eyes from the enclosure two doors down.
"MaryAnne! Are you anxious for some company too?" The woman looked at Henry. "What do you say? She's a lovely girl - very sweet natured and loving. Why don;t you spend a little time with her. After all, your friends are having a great time. And you came here to be with the animals, didn't you?"
Henry looked back at Jacob, who was already on the floor with Captain, laughing as the dog licked him. "Yeah, I guess. OK. But just for a little while." He stepped inside as she opened the gate, but felt a little uncomfortable when she locked it after him.
"Don't worry." The woman grinned as if she had just told a joke. "Why, after little while, I bet you won't ever want to leave her."
Before he could reply, Henry got a faceful of Great Dane slobber. "Bleh!" He tried to push her away, but the animal was too big, and he finally sat down on the floor and let her have her way. It was actually sorta nice. And she smelled good. Funny, he never thought of a dog smelling good like this. He shifted uncomfortably, realizing that he was getting a hard-on. Damn! From a dog?
"Hey, knock it off, Captain!" Jacob sounded annoyed. "Get off me, you stupid mutt! I'm not a girl dog!"
Curious, Henry turned and pressed his face against the enclosure fence and saw Jacob standing with his back against the gate to the German Shepherd's area. MaryAnne continued to lick the back of his head, plastering his hair to his scalp. It was obvious that Captain was making amorous advances to his friend, and Henry laughed. "Say Jacob! Can I have choice of your first litter?"
"Ha, ha. Very funny." Jacob turned to scowl at him, only to stare at Henry in obvious bewilderment. "Henry? Is that you?"
Henry was too shocked to answer, for he was staring back at Jacob. The young man's normally blond hair had turned jet black, and his ears were pointed and higher on his head. And as he watched, Jacob's face was beginning to push out and get darker.