Blueblood 5.1: Red Alert!! - 14. Going to the Dogs

When you begin the first hours of life as a dog, your whole world is about what you smell. That and staying warm…oh, yeah and milk!

“He’s so tiny,” Colin said softly right next to me. So close, there was almost no room between us. He stroked the tiny black fur gently with his finger.

He was very tiny as he whined and moved his little paws as he moved slightly.

“It’s okay,” I reassured the puppy. “You’re fine and will be loved, Big Guy. Yes, you’re tiny now, but you will grow and get strong. We are going to make sure you have all you need to do that.” I kissed his tiny nose. It was all about smell for now. My smell, Colin’s, his mother’s, and his siblings. Dogs are social animals that we brought in near our campfires fifty thousand years ago. Humans are social animals, too. The two species have gotten along well since then.

I put our new puppy back with his many siblings and his mother. Pusik wasn’t worried. Mark had assured her he was fine, and we were his friends, so we must have been alright, too. She got busy cleaning her babies with her tongue as she nursed them all. It was a good thing she had two rows of teats. Nearly one for each of her babies as they struggled to get to one.

Our little guy wanted one, too, but how many did a dog have? Eight? Ten? Would there be enough? She had eleven puppies! Our little guy wasn’t that big, but he needed time with his mother. With Anton’s supplements, he would have all the milk he needed for all those nutrients and immunities. However, he needed together time with his mother and siblings.

Anton was smiling a very big smile, but his whole face said he approved, “I think your puppy will do just fine in the care of you two. He’s just a few hours old and you’re already bonding with him. He’s a lucky dog.”

My eyes widened and I looked up at Colin, “Lucky!” I waved at the squirming mass of black furred puppies. “He needs a name that says that!”

Colin nodded with a grin, “The odds were stacked against him, yet here he is! He’s small and lucky. That sounds like a leprechaun, but he’s not Irish!”

“Who cares? He doesn’t know that.” I waved at the puppies and looked at the other Humans in the room. I waved at Anton. “His name sounds…” I looked at the veterinarian, “like something other than Russian”

Anton shook his head laughing, “My mother got the name from character in a book she loved.”

“See!?” I held my hands out to show Anton as an example.

“But there are tales I read when I was a boy where a leprechaun named Dan-D was featured,” Anton smiled. “That’s dan hyphen d. Dan-D was a very happy leprechaun that loved pranks and was full of mischief.”

I looked down at our new puppy who squirmed with his siblings to get warm and find an available teat for milk. He could smell it was near. “You know he will be full of mischief and will be very happy. We can call him Dan-D!”

Colin chuckled, “I don’t doubt that a bit.” He nodded. “Dan-D it is. We can explain his name to everyone. He’ll be a big hit. He even looks like he’s a Dan-D!”

I looked at Anton, “Okay. I do this with everyone. Explain yourself, Mister. You know English so well.”

Anton was laughing and nodded, “I went to the Royal Veterinary College in London.” He shrugged, “It was the best! Yuri recognized my love for animals as a boy, he taught me English and paid for my education in England and at the Royal College. I got my undergraduate and medical degrees from there.”

Colin nodded, “He needs the dogs and reindeer healthy. That makes sense.”

Anton smiled, “Tzar Yuri is a very kind man. As a Human or Vampire.”

“A man is what he is,” I said. “Neither of which he is responsible for. His birth as a man wasn’t his fault. Was his becoming a vampire his doing?”

Anton shook his head, “No. Over the years I found out it was an assassination attempt that failed.” Anton shook his head. “Tzar Yuri doesn’t talk about it.”

“His brother Ivan the reigning Tzar,” Colin frowned. “If he wanted something from Yuri, he had the resources and manpower to do it. It wasn't him, was it?”

Anton shrugged slightly, “I don’t know, but you’re right. If the Grand Duke wanted anything, he would have simply taken it. It doesn’t make sense that he would do this.”

Colin looked at me, “Maybe you should ask him.”

I wagged a slow shrugging nod, “And how exactly am I to work that question in?”

Colin grinned, “I don’t know, but if anyone can work a question like that in, you can.” He smiled at me, “And get the answer.”

Mark had been there the whole time touching each puppy and stroking Pusik, “Have you tried your talent with the dogs?”

I looked at Mark, “No. I’m not sure it will even work on dogs.”

Mark shrugged, “How will you know if you don’t try?” He grinned.

I looked at the puppies, “But they are so young…”

“Not these dogs.” Mark’s eyes rolled and he pointed outside of the room. “The ones out there. They understand commands. They should recognize the tone and meaning with whatever language you use. Give it a try.” Mark turned toward me more directly. “Just think of what you want them to do and give a command. One word is best, but it will probably work.”

I shrugged, “Okaay.” I said slower and turned to exit. Then turned to the puppies. “Daddy-Colin and Daddy-Devon will be back, Dan-D.”

Anton began walking with us, “This, I’ve got to see.”

It was still early, but most of the dogs were still here and barking at us with their tails wagging and ears back. They wanted to play with us, not harm us. I did what Mark said and thought how I wanted them to be quiet and calm down. I raised my hands out and said, “Quiet.” Every single dog there stopped barking immediately. “Calm.” After I said that they stopped resting against the bars on their kennel bays. “Sit.” Every single dog there now sat, patiently waiting for the next command.

“Yept,” Anton marveled as he looked around at the dogs.

By now, no one needed a translator for the Russian word for damn. Then he frowned at me. “Are you trying to make us look bad?” His tone held amazement and humor. “Dan-D will the quickest trained dog ever!”

Sarcasm is my thing, remember? “Yes,” I muttered. “You found me out. It was my goal to shame everyone and make everyone look bad.” Then I returned to my regular voice as I waved at the dogs. “I never knew I could do…this!”

Colin chuckled, “Hey, I was tempted to sit, be quiet, and be calm.”

“I’ll remember that next time we argue.” I grinned.

“We never argue!” Colin shot back.

“As far as Dan-D’s training goes, after he learns what the words mean…” I began.

Anton waved at the dogs, “They know commands…in Russian! You said the commands in English and the did what you said to do.” Anton was still looking at each dog. “I always said dogs obey what they sense you feel more than what you say. They did.”

“I love dogs!” I said happily. “I’ve had one in the past, but with what we do now, I didn’t think about including one.”

“I had some, too.” Colin added. “Over a century and a half ago. I didn’t think I could either.”

“Well,” Anton grinned. “Now, you can! You have your own plane? I heard you did.”

“Yes,” Colin nodded. “We do.”

“Not everyone on the plane is documented or even if they were,” Anton ventured. “Is it authentic?”

Colin nodded and admitted, “No.”

“I can provide documentation,” he held that finger up. “It will be in Russian, but that will just add complication if they check. All my dogs have been vaccinated and treated for rabis, distemper, worms, Bordetella, Hepatitis, Parainfluenza, Leptospirosis, Parvovirus, and dozens of diseases dogs are prone to in other countries. Most countries won’t dispute documentation about that.” He waved at the dogs still sitting patiently. “Dan-D will be getting the series of shots. The first will be in six weeks, then ten weeks, then at sixteen weeks, and then a year. There will be annual shots for rabis depending on the country. I can provide George Holms with the medications so he can give the shots himself. The milk supplement that will contain mother’s milk with the nutrients, immunities, enzymes, and some bolstered proteins to help Dan-D grow and develop as he needs.” Anton shook his head. “Dan-D isn’t the first runt I’ve successfully treated.”

“I don’t doubt that, but poor little Dan-D,” I said sadly and pointed to Colin. “You and I need to be there to keep him calm, but I hate he will associate us with any pain.”

“Poor!?” Anton balked. “That tiny dog in there is probably the richest dog I’ve ever met!”

“Because Colin has money,” I said.

Anton’s head waggled a bit, “Partly, but you two obviously love that dog now! How much more will he be loved by you in a few weeks?”

“He’ll probably smother,” Colin chuckled. “Especially with Devon’s love.”

“Aw, come on, Colin.” I moaned. “You saw that helpless little creature in there and fell in love as much as I did.”

Colin nodded, “Yes, I did.”

“How much time with us and his family is needed with Dan-D?” I asked.

“Right now,” Anton considered. “He needs about eighty twenty. Eighty percent with his canine family and twenty with you. As the days progress, depending on how well he nurses with his mother, we can slowly move it up to sixty forty. Sixty percent with his dog family and forty with you. We do that until we reverse the eighty twenty to eighty percent with you two and twenty with his dog family. When he gets weened…which he will probably have that done earlier that his brothers and sisters, he can be one hundred percent with you. However, as long as his siblings are here, and his mother and father, he needs to play with them a while every day.”

“To learn how to be a dog,” Colin nodded.

“Right,” Anton agreed. “Little things like hiking his leg when he pees. That’s a learned male trait. Otherwise, he’ll squat all his life.”

I looked at the various dogs, saw a German Shepherd and asked, “Is that Dan-D’s father?” The dog looked at us and seemed to know I was talking about him and stood, his tail wagging and ears back.

Anton nodded, “Yes, that’s Moguchy.” He was about to warn us, “Be careful. He’s…” Getting closer to the dog, Moguchy wagged his tail even more and whined his willingness to be greeted. Anton’s head waggled and he sighed, “Oh, never mind.”

I stuck my hand out to the dog, palm down as I knelt down. Moguchy proceeded to lick my fingers and tried to get closer to me. “What’s wrong?” I asked Colin.

“What’s wrong with Rex, King, or even Spot for a dog?” Colin complained. “Why Moguchy?”

Anton chuckled again and waved as Colin joined me in greeting Moguchy who greeted Colin just as friendly as he did me. “Rex and King are fine, but do you see any spots on him? Moguchy means mighty one in Russian. He is very cautious of strangers and a little aggressive.” Anton added quickly, “With other people.”

I petted Moguchy on the head and neck, “You’re a sweetheart, aren’t you?” I looked again at Anton. “You kept him here to be with his family?”

“Yes,” Anton answered. “He knows the puppies are his. Because this is his first-time fathering puppies as opposed to her second…and with his aggressive nature he’s going to have supervised visitation until we’re sure he’s calm with them.”

“Oh, she had puppies with another dog,” Colin said like it was a scandal. “Why is that?”

“Pusik is six years old,” Anton waved at Moguchy, “He’s only three.”

I laughed, “That’s a twenty-one-year difference in age in dog years. He likes older women!”

Anton grudged a nod, “She has a proven nose, and he has proven to have an excellent nose. So, sure. Why not?”

“Imagine,” Colin said pretending to ponder the idea. “Someone older seducing someone younger than they are.”

“Imagine still,” I grinned. “Someone younger seducing someone older than they are.” I said pointedly as my eyebrows wiggled up and down.

Colin blew a breath, “Like that would ever happen.” He grinned at me.

Anton, of course didn’t know what we were talking about. So, he left it alone.

“We’ll call you the dog whisperer,” Colin said. “And people…probably horses, too. All animals.”

I stood up and faced Colin, “As much fun as this has been, I have to be at the lab this evening. As Yuri and Zoya aren’t following the sun’s cycle anymore. They will probably be awake earlier than sunset. I need to stop by the café to arrange another meal for them. Then they start night three. When the sun rises again, they will be watching it for the first time in centuries.”

Anton’s eyes widened, “Really?”

“Really,” Colin nodded. “Where’s the best place to witness that in Asbest?”

Anton pointed up, “There’s a ridge right up there. It’s far enough out of town and high enough to see over any trees. You’ll have an unobstructed view of the sun rise.”

“We can access it from inside?” Colin asked. “The sun won’t hurt them, but it will become uncomfortable after a few minutes to an hour. You’re welcome to join us…maybe show us the way?”

Anton nodded, “Absolutely. I wouldn’t miss it.”

“Meet us here a couple of hours before sunrise,” I instructed. “We can see Dan-D, Pusik, and her brood again, then go up and see the sunrise.”

‘I will!” Anton agreed. “Now, I need to go prepare the milk supplements. I’ll see you then!”

 

We went to the café. I asked them again for something to give Yuri and Zoya. I told the chef this time he could lightly flavor it. Nothing spicy, but it was okay to add a little salt and pepper. I asked if there was a borscht with chicken.

“Yes,” he told me happily. “I will make a good borscht with chicken!” He waved at the above town. “We have many chickens in Asbest!”

I nodded chuckling, “I know, but tomorrow morning…the lightly seasoned chicken breast is best. The next night we can try your borscht with chicken.”

“Da, da, choroso,” he said waving me off.

I’d heard the speak enough Russian I didn’t need the translator to tell me yes, yes, okay. I was learning! I still used the translator but didn’t need to then. “As a matter of fact, when you serve the chicken borscht,” I waved at the dining area, “wait and serve it here.”

“Here!?” He asked surprised. “Tzar Yuri and Lady Zoya will eat here?”

“Yep,” I slapped him on the shoulder and left the café. I was really liking Russia now and many Russians.

 

Colin and I did nap and…other things…including showering and changing. We did go back to the café and had an early dinner. Then we took the tram to see Dan-D.

They were still a squirming mass and if we didn’t know Dan-D was the smallest…I would have to really look to tell. Even then I didn’t know all of their names. Pusik greeted me, not getting up. She had just had a busy day! She was resting. All the while licking her babies, feeding her babies, and just getting to know each one. That alone was a fulltime job. I noticed she wore a dark blue clothe around her neck. Navy? Colors again given names to confuse us. Touching it, it felt like flannel. It was large enough to be loose and not restrictive. I was greeted as I spoke quietly to her. No sudden or rapid movements by me. A rottweiler’s colorings were distinctive. Black with brown around the muzzle and a brown spot like eyebrows over each eye. She had brown down her neck that faded in the black fur, but the brown reappeared on her underbelly, down legs…she was a powerful dog. Moguchy was also a powerful dog. Both would be scary if they didn’t know you. She had her tail which wagged as she greeted me licking my hand as I tried to project trust and love. Love of her and her babies. She accepted that and showed no fear or distrust.

“You’re a good mama,” I told her as I petted her and touched on the squirming mass of puppies. “I will love all of them. Colin will, too.”

They looked alike at this age! Little black fur balls of puppies that couldn’t see yet but could smell very well. Their colors would come out as they grew. German Shepherds looked distinctive, too. They were also black and had a lot of brown with that black color like a saddle on their backs. The combination of two dogs would come out more on the puppies as they grew. I picked up the smallest one and held him up touching my nose to his. I wanted Dan-D to get my scent, know who I was and remember. That’s how he learned about his world for now. Colin was looking pleasantly happy at them.

“Daddy-Colin,” I began and handed Dan-D to him. “You need to let Dan-D to know you. Holding him now will solidify your scent in his brain.” I spoke softly again to Dan-D, “This is Daddy-Colin. You and he are going to love each other.” Projecting trust again…I wasn’t even sure that worked, but Dan-D let his mewing, soft whine be heard as Colin caressed the fur. “I don’t want to dictate anything.” I confessed quietly. “You often don’t say anything when I make decisions like picking Dan-D, naming him Dan-D…”

Colin’s eyebrows rose, “Do you think you could ever make me do anything I didn’t want to?” He grinned at me.

“It’s just I do it a lot!” I defended softly. “We chose England. I chose Egypt, and Romania. We brought home a Pharoah, and Dracula! I never even asked. I chose to try to reach Wayne…”

“And all those decisions have proven to be good ones!” Colin smiled. “We took Amasis and Vlad with us. As far as Iustina, Repetate, Ralph, and Wayne are concerned, that was a good decision, too. George and I wouldn’t have thought to try and reach them. You did and are making headway. You’re getting those three talking!”

“With Stan’s help…”

“That doesn’t matter!” Colin stated firmly. “You said one time I was like the President of this nation of vampires.” He pointed at me and tapped my chest. “I say you are. George is one, too. And John, Gabriella, Alex, Willie, Mom…everyone in our group. I’m finance, George is Science, John is weapons, but you are the heart! You see things we miss. You saw the Old Ones as victims, not just predators. You feel.” He nuzzled Dan-D. “And this little guy. You fell in love with him instantly. I am in love now, but…” he moved sideway to take Dan-D away from any grasp by me, “we are not giving him up!” His eyebrows knitted, “It was Anton that gave us the name, not you.” He narrowed an eye a looked at me. “What is his last name again?”

“Masaitis,” I chuckled.

“What happened to Smith or Jones!?” Colin moaned.

“Wrong portion of the globe,” I shrugged.

Anton came in holding something in his left hand and froze a second, “Back visiting the new arrivals?” He grinned.

“Guilty,” I then added pointedly, “Dr. Masaitis.”

Anton’s head went back an inch with a surprised look on his face, “Okay, Misters Wentworth.”

“Colin’s just learning last names, Anton.” I explained. I pointed at his hand was a small, toy-sized baby bottle. “Is that the supplement?”

He looked at the bottle, “Oh, yes.” He held up the small bottle of white liquid. Sometimes you’d see little children feeding their dolls with small bottles like this. This was a real bottle complete with a tiny nipple. “I got some of Pusik’s milk, added the extra proteins, enzymes, along with vitamins that will cause growth. I mixed it with water enriched with electrolytes to prevent dehydration. I’ll make more. Depending on how well he’s nursed, he may not take it all.”

“How do you milk a dog?” Colin asked. “It’s not a cow or a goat.”

Anton smiled, “I have a pump and she has plenty.”

The bottle was half the size of Dan-D.

“His little tummy isn’t that big!” Colin stated incredibly.

Anton smiled, “Don’t worry, it will stretch.”

I grinned at Colin, “We know about that.” I patted him on the stomach.

Anton didn’t really understand, but held the bottle out, “So, who’s feeding Dan-D first?”

“You’ve had experience feeding a baby,” I grinned at Colin. “Right? You fed Gabriella, didn’t you?”

Colin nodded, “A long, long time ago. She was a Human baby, and she was older when I did.” He looked at Dan-D and then grimaced. “We didn’t have Similac, Gerber, or even Pampers back then! Debra made her food when Gabby was a baby.” He hefted his right breast or chest muscle at me and lifted Dan-D higher. “This is a dog!”

“A helpless and totally dependent little dog that needs you to survive,” Anton nodded and handed Colin the bottle. “He is a newborn. Just put him in the crook of your arm and offer him the nipple. He’ll know what to do.” He instructed as he moved Dan-D into place in Colin’s left arm and handed him the bottle in his right hand. All the while he was smiling very largely at what Colin was about to do; too large to simply be happy about what we were doing. “This supplement will ensure Dan-D gets what he needs to grow and thrive.”

Like a Human baby, Colin turned Dan-D on his back and gently spoke, soft nonsensical sounds and a gentle “come on” to Dan-D and put the nipple tip to Dan-D’s mouth, which at first Dan-D didn’t want, until a drop got in his mouth and that made Dan-D latch onto the nipple. I imagine the fact that the supplement smelled like Pusik’s milk and tasted like Pusik’s milk he knew what and how. Dan-D’s tiny legs and paws moved in an attempt to get closer, or at least not lose his place from his other siblings, which weren’t there, but he had gotten used to doing that.

“I don’t have to…” Colin shrugged, “burp him,” Colin asked. “Do I?”

Anton now laughed heartily, “No.” He held on to Colin to keep from falling over with laughter. “Enjoy this time,” Anton advised stroking Dan-D on his belly as he nursed from the bottle. “It is said to people with their own child that they grow up fast. He will grow up very fast. In a week, his eyes will be open, and he will venture those first steps.” He smiled at Colin and then me. “He’ll know you well by then, so will you.” He sighed with a warm look on his face. “This was a big reason I became a veterinarian.”

 

We did enjoy the time with Dan-D, Anton, and Pusik, but I needed to go back to the lab. I thought about our upcoming trip to Moscow. We had a new wrinkle. We needed to meet this Sergey Bortnikov, the former KGB operative and his granddaughter Alexandria who worked for Russian Intelligence. If we took a vehicle that made our trip a week or more. If we took a plane, that only cut it down a couple of days. When we went would be important. Yuri and Zoya had to finish the treatment and get the disks. Tonight, would be night three and watching the sun rise in the morning. There were a few days more. Arrangements needed to be made with Sergey to expect Yuri and Zoya. He would be surprised!

It may sound stupid to some people but being gone a week…even a week or two later would cause problems…for Dan-D!

So, take him with you, I hear. A week away from his canine family at this age would also cause problems. He needed the contact with them.

Then leave him and let Anton feed him, I hear, too. Dan-D was bonding with us. It may not be a big deal for those of you who don’t love dogs.

They are just animals. No! They’re not. We brought dogs into our homes, lives, and hearts thousands of years ago. They have had their breeding dictated and their whole lives manipulated by Humans. They protect and love us more than any other animal. Yes, cats are good and horses, but the dog will lay down its life for us without a thought. They are not just animals. They earned the title of man’s best friend. They are part of our family and all they want is our love. We need to be their best friend. Well, I love Dan-D. I love Pusik and Moguchy…not as much as Dan-D, but doesn’t that make sense? Compassion. It is also well known that lack of compassion and animal cruelty is a sign of deeper psychological issues that need addressing very early. Not one of the vampires we knew and had with us were needlessly cruel to animals, except rats. They were fair game. Yes, there were the exceptions as pets, but really, they are pests and they spread disease. I know! The fleas on rats caused the plague, but they are pests for a reason. Almost no one cuddles up with a rat! I think.

Colin was right. I did love the underdog. A person where the odds were stacked against them? I would do all I could to make sure they made it. Dan-D was born with some odds to overcome, and I wanted to make sure he had all the help he needed. Colin and I may have to split up that week. Gad. That was unthinkable! Of course, I didn’t know how long it would be before we left, so… I was just planning for all the possibilities.

 

I got the chicken dishes from the café and took them to the lab. The sun was still up. It was late afternoon. The difference I noticed now was the sleeping forms of Yuri and Zoya. They were sleeping. I hate to say it, but vampires would lie like the dead. The resting, horizontal position, not the deception lie. Yuri and Zoya were moving now. Their eyelids showed they were in rapid eye movement mode. They were dreaming! Vampires didn’t normally dream. There were some that claimed to have memories at night, but those were rare.

“How’d it go?” George whispered to me. “I heard we had some new arrivals.”

“We did,” I whispered back. “Pusik had eleven puppies. All cute and very lively. They will add new dynamics to our group.”

“Stan told me you adopted one,” George whispered.

I nodded. “We picked one and named him Dan-D.”

George frowned, “Dandy?”

“No,” I said knowing he used the wrong form even if I didn’t see what word he used. “Dan-D. Dan hyphen d after a leprechaun that Dr. Anton Masaitis told us about. Dan-D is the smallest of the litter.”

George nodded grinning, “Oh, the runt of the litter.”

I raised a finger at George, “He may be, but he’s going to grow. Anton has whipped up a supplement to help Dan-D do that.”

“And don’t call him that,” Colin whispered as he came in the room. “We don’t want Dan-D to develop a complex.”

“No,” Zoya laughed and stretched. Sitting up she smiled at us. “We don’t want to do that.”

I grinned at her, “I’d say good morning, but it isn’t morning. I’ll say good evening.”

Zoya chuckled, “I feel rested!” She marveled. “I can’t even remember waking up anything but hungry for blood.”

“Keep it down,” Yuri said rolling to another more comfortable position. “I was having the most pleasant dream.” You had to laugh. It was so nice to find their humanity was coming back. “So, I don’t guess you want seconds on the chicken you had last night.” I shrugged, “I’ll take this back and tell them you aren’t interested.”

Yuri sat up and grimaced, “That was just mean.”

“Yes,” I grinned. “I know it was. I did it on purpose.” I admitted. I opened the trays covers and waved the steam in their direction. “Do I return it? This seasoned a little, but tomorrow he’s making chicken borscht.”

“You’re an evil man, Devon.” Yuri growled and swayed his head. “I never ate borscht when I was a man. It was a poor man’s food. I saw it rise in popularity in Russia. It will be nice to have some finally.”

“I loved borscht,” Zoya said, paused and then added, “I think. I can’t remember the taste that well.”

“Your brain will remember,” George smiled. “We’re sort of throwing gasoline on a flame that’s died a while back. It’s still there, but so low it seems to be out. We’ve reacquainted some old pathways you haven’t been able to use and poof,” George said with an animated gesture with his hands of an explosion, “you remember! The chicken you had last night was so good, you’ll never forget it.”

“Rub it in,” I groused. “My brain didn’t need much reminding.”

“That’s good thing!” Colin said hugging me in that one armed “bro hug” so he wouldn’t knock over the tray.

“Yeah?” I grumbled. “You make it sound wonderful.”

“We’re jealous of you!” George said. “Your life wasn’t interrupted very much.”

“You still can sense smells better and taste better,” Colin said. “Right?”

“Sure,” I nodded. “I guess. Now, it’s just a part of me.” I shrugged and looked at Yuri and Zoya. “Just wait until you get a vampire chef! They cook better than anyone.” I placed the plates on the rolling table and moved it in place for them.

Yuri took the first bite of the chicken dish I brought and shook his head. “It still is very good.” He smiled at me. “I overheard you named your new puppy Dan-D.”

“We did,” Colin answered. “Anton mentioned it to us. The story of the leprechaun named Dan-D.”

Yuri nodded, “Then you got it from me!” He smiled brighter, “I gave him the book with the stories of Dan-D in it. The book was written in the 1960s.”

“I liked those stories, too.” Zoya smiled as she ate having to remember to eat in lady-like fashion. She was a princess. “They were written for young people to teach them values and life lessons. My favorite was about Stuart who dreamed of one day going to Paris.” She leaned forward and said in mock confidence, “He lived on an isolated farm in Iowa. His family didn’t have a lot of money.” She shrugged and went on. “He was plowing and stumbled on an iron pot of gold. His first thought was he could use the gold to go to Paris and see the sights. It was Dan-D’s pot of gold. Stuart hid the pot, so when Dan-D came back looking for his gold, he couldn’t find it.” She smiled at the memory of the story. “Stuart said he'd give Dan-D the gold back if Dan-D granted a wish. Dan-D even told Stuart he wasn’t a genie, but Stuart insisted. Dan-D said he would. Stuart wished to visit Paris with the money needed to see the sights. Dan-D, being a leprechaun and a trickster sent Stuart to Paris with a few hundred dollars.”

“Stuart got his wish,” George asked to clarify.

“Yes,” Zoya chuckled and held her cautionary finger up. “He was sent to Paris. Paris, Texas!”

“Paris, Texas!?” Colin balked. “Near the Oklahoma boarder!?”

“Stuart wasn’t specific enough with his wish!” Zoya grinned. “He had enough money to see the sights in Paris, Texas. It was a dusty undeveloped town at the time. Along the way he learned to be generous, giving some of the money to someone in trouble there. He learned to be kind and think of others before Dan-D the leprechaun returned him home.”

“He never sees Paris, France?” I asked.

“After he was returned,” Zoya continued. “Having learned to be appreciative and humbled from his trip to Paris, Texas. He learned his family had scrimped and saved to buy him a ticket to Paris, France as a surprise. He wasn’t given a lot of money to spend there, but he was grateful for the gift. Dan-D even gifted him with some gold to make it better. Stuart enjoyed his trip a lot more.”

I smiled even bigger, “Life lessons learned! I love it!”

“You’re welcome,” Yuri said to me. “For the name.”

“You can meet him just after sunrise,” Colin said. “After seeing the sunrise!”

As with every vampire we’d gotten on the serum, the idea of being out after sun rose was met with surprise and a bit of anxiety. The sunrise meant death. Every vampire knew that with absolute certainty. The fact that they were eating and sleeping now was proof that the serum was working. Safety about being out in the sun was a little harder to accept, but also exciting.

“I can’t wait!” Yuri stated finally.

Again, checking their vitals before we proceeded was done. They both had strong and powerful heartbeats. Strong pulses and clearer eyes with more moisture.

We injected the serum again and the pain came back, but both were willing to allow this. The nightmare was ending. The pain this time was only about six hours long. There was a difference now. They had hope. And again, they went to sleep afterwards.

 

This time we went to the café and there were others here waiting. Everyone from our group and Alexie sat at some tables they pulled together.

“You all look very familiar,” Colin said as we sat in some chairs with them, “remind me who you are.” He grinned.

“Your attempt at humor falls short, Colin.” Dave Burrows quipped with an exaggerated British accent. Then he returned to is normal voice, “Working with MI5, I’ve been to some great places, but I wouldn’t have chosen Siberia for a holiday!”

“You’re not on a vacation!” Stan said. “You were sent with us by the British Government, right?”

“Yeess,” Dave admitted reluctantly.

“Asbest is lovely!” Mom defended. “The people are charming…”

“And endlessly fascinated by our translators!” Willie piped in. “We’ve been talking with the many people increasing Buddy’s knowledge of Russian and other languages…”

“…and various dialects.” Mom added with a smile. “I’m having a wonderful time!”

Chuck sat forward, “Mark was telling us about a new Canine Vampire Seeking Squad!”

“Yes!” Mark said excitedly. “Anton tells us Devon has a magical way with the dogs.” He looked at everyone, “All the dogs. They obey his commands and even the most aggressive dogs love him instantly!”

I was a bit embarrassed, “Weeell…”

“No!” Mark stated. “This ability to convince and comfort people also works on dogs! They trust him.”

Vlad nodded, “I don’t see why not. He can convince anyone he can be trusted, and they tell him things they wouldn’t until they know him longer.”

“You can probably do it, too!” I said quickly. “Have you ever tried it with dogs, or horses…”

“I never thought to,” Vlad defended helplessly.

“The whole point is so that anyone, vampire or human can track vampires,” Colin explained. “That means volunteers to help train the dogs.”

“And for the dogs to train the humans,” Mark added. “I’m doing it with Hiccup!”

“Hiccup,” Shelly repeated to make sure. “You named a puppy Hiccup.”

Mark waved at Colin and me, “They named theirs Dan-D!”

We had to explain the name again. It was nice to visit with family and friends.

“How are your two new patients coming, Doctor?” Alexie asked George.

“Almost human,” George answered. “You’ll see this evening.”

It was then someone else came over quickly to the table, but I did not recognize him. He was in his early thirties with dark hair. About my height and not ugly. He wore a uniform that said police. The badge and gun confirmed he was. He bent and was whispering something to Alexie. Alexie’s eyes widened and he turned to say something back. We weren’t close enough for our translators to pick anything up.

“What’s going on?” Colin asked loud enough for Alexie to hear.

“There is a group of three men in Asbest,” Alexie reported and received a look from this new man. “This is Sergeant Avgust Davydov.” Avgust bowed slightly to us, and he said something more to Alexie.

I did turn the translator I wore so I could pick up, “They are here, so I assume Tzar Yuri trusts them.” This was said in Russian by Avgust.

“He does,” Alexie nodded but was now speaking English. “So, do I. Speak freely with them.”

“It has been a while,” Avgust chuckled as he spoke to us in accented English.

Chuck smiled at Avgust, “You’re a cop. You know what else we’re doing in Asbest.” The speaker on Chuck’s translator said, The politseysky. Vy znaete, chto my delaham vie Asbeste.

Avgust’s brown eyes widened. He reached over to touch the translator, “I heard.” He shook his head and said in Russian, but we heard in English. “That’s fascinating, but I’ll look later. They are from Russian Intelligence…”

“There are only three?” Chuck asked.

“They could be what Dave and I were at Thornwood,” Debra Saxon, Dave Burrows’ MI5 partner offered. “Advanced reconnaissance of the situation before any action is taken.”

Mark nodded, “I agree. Sending two would have been one of stealth. You two posed as tourists. Sending three is to tell us they know something’s going on, we’re Russian Intelligence. Fear me. They are advanced scouts.”

Alexie nodded with a chuckle, “That’s absolutely right.”

“Do they know about down here?” I asked.

“No,” Alexie answered.

“Do they know about the abandoned mines?” Colin asked more.

Alexie shrugged a nod, “Most all of Russia knows about the mines, about the active and therefore the inactive.”

“How does an above ground policeman know about this complex?” Shelly asked. “He knew his way down here."

Alexie nodded again, “I live above ground in Asbest. There are many who know there is some hidden complex down here, but not what we have here. They know to keep it quiet. Avgust is among few that know more and is related to someone that works down here.”

“That makes sense,” Chuck said. “Personnel down here would have connections with people above as in family and friends.”

“We knew what was down here,” Stan inserted. “I told you where the entrances to the mines and even mapped the corridors down here using satellite imaging.”

Mark nodded, “But we knew the natures of some of the people down here after they…” he waved at George, “invited…George down here.”

“That’s true,” Stan nodded.

“Are there others you don’t see here?” Dave asked. “Other tourists you don’t know besides us?”

Avgust shrugged, “I don’t know.”

“Hello!” Stan waved at everyone and looked at me. “Just like you, they always forget about Buddy.”

“A small oversight, I’m sure.” I chuckled.

“Asbest and the surrounding areas have it all on cameras,” Stan explained. “More so than many big cities and they have excellent night vision capabilities.”

Alexie smiled, “We have to patrol the areas for vampires. Night vision is necessary.”

“Sure, you do.” Stan nodded. “All I need is where they are. I can lock on their positions and Buddy can even listen in to who they talk to and when.”

Alexie looked surprised, “Isn’t that illegal in the United States?”

Stan’s eyes didn’t even blink, “I was with the FBI. The CIA, NSA, and all those other agencies have programs that keep track of words used, by whom, and to whom all the time. Online, on the phone, texts, hashtags…is it against the law?” He shrugged. “Some would say it was but needed for national defense.”

“It needs to be done,” Chuck added. “People see vampires as against the law, not as victims. Our attempt to stop and treat these victims, many would say is illegal against nature.”

“It needs to be done to protect Yuri, Zoya, you, and all those working down here,” I explained. “We need to do it.”

Stan nodded, “I’ll get Buddy and Priyatel on it right away.”

Lucian raised his hand, “Excuse me.”

I had to smile at what he was doing. He knew he’d be mistrusted a while because of his…erroneous choices in the past and was being overly polite and courteous. “Yes?” I asked Lucian.

“This is a typical KGB maneuver,” Lucian said. “My time with Iilya and up here…I learned to read what the men with the KGB would do. Perhaps if I could see what these men are doing, I could tell you what to expect.”

“That would be great!” I nodded which made Lucian smile grandly. “That would really help!”

“What if…” Colin pondered out loud, “in stead of going to Sergey, we brought Sergey here?”

Alexie’s head wavered again as he looked uncomfortable, “We can get him here and have in the past, but it takes a night or two to bring him here.”

“Yes,” Colin nodded. “By car or truck. By plane we can fly there one day, pick him up and flight back in a few hours. He won’t be out in the day.”

Alexie looked surprised again.

“We have a private jet,” I told Alexie. “It’ll be quick and easy. Sergey was a KGB Agent and will better know what they’re up to than we will. Alexandria would, too as she is with Russian Intelligence.”

“If it can wait a few more days,” George added. “Yuri and Zoya will be completing their treatment and get the disks. They can go, see Sergey and bring him back.”

“While these men with Russian Intelligence watches us,” Stan grinned. “We can watch them. Without anyone physically tailing them.”

“I don’t believe they know what’s below here,” Colin narrowed an eye as he thought again out loud. “I’m sure Sergey’s granddaughter Alexandria would have mentioned it before. They know something is going on, but don’t know what.”

“Can’t we see what they think?” Mark asked and turned to Stan. “Buddy is great peeking in where he’s not really supposed to. Can’t he look to see what they know?”

“Whoa, there,” I said quickly. “The Cold War ended. I’ve said it enough, but Russia and the United States are not exactly allies. Hell, we aren’t even friendly sometimes.”

Colin shook his head, “No, but we,” he circled his finger to everyone at the table, “are not the United States. We are a collection of four nations from various times and we are allies with Yuri! We are!” He sighed. “Our new friends here in Russia…Siberia…is facing a potential threat. As allies and friends of these people in Siberia, I think we need to find out what the Russian Intelligence Office wants to do and stop it, if we can.”

“Okay,” George held a hand up to stop the conversation. “How they got us here…they did because they didn’t know us and wanted my help by making them what we are. I get it and I’ve forgiven that. Aren’t we moving too far ahead before we even know what they know or suspect?” He looked at Stan. “Can you see what they have on their computers? Monitor their phone calls? And not be detected?”

Stan nodded, “Sure.” He shrugged, “They have to use cellphone towers. Even if they’re using satellite phones…we have access to their satellites thanks to Priyatel. Now that Priyatel and Buddy are acting as one computer…” he looked at everyone quickly, “They’re still independent computers, but they can operate as one computer...”

“Russian Intelligence may use their own satellites,” Mom interrupted.

Stan nodded, “They could.” Stan waved over his head, “There are hundreds, if not thousands of satellites up there. It’s a miracle they don’t run into each other. They all do the same thing. We send up signals to be read. Buddy and Priyatel can search for and locate the signals and trace back to their source and get in that way. Even if it’s encrypted, which it always is, Buddy and I can break it. Even if it’s a closed system, meaning all connections are by wire or cable with no signals going in or out from their system, they have to be able to access their computers remotely. When the do, we get in.” Stan shook his head. “There are almost no computer systems that operate with a totally closed system anymore.”

“Wait, wait,” I turned to Colin. “They are threatening us!” I shook my head at Colin. “Say it! We are going to spy on a potential enemy. We may break laws. We are defending our people. Espionage. We discussed this before about our getting together as a nation.” I did a sweeping motion to those at the table. “Our Vampire Nation. We are from several countries and not everybody is a vampire, but we work together to further an agenda. Our agenda. Alexie isn’t a vampire, Stan, Mark, Chuck and others here aren’t vampires.” I looked at Alexie. “Why are you here working with Yuri?”

Alexie was unprepared for the question, “I told you. He saved my family.”

“So, you stay with him because of gratitude?” I asked.

“Well, no not entirely,” Alexie replied. “I realized he was a good leader and is fair. He was better than what we have in Moscow or Saint Petersburg."

I nodded and looked at Shelly, "Why are you here? Just to hunt and kill vampires?”

“No!!” Shelly said back a little offended. “At first, I was, but you, Colin, and the others showed me how it can be. You, Colin bend over backwards so you won’t step on anyone’s rights, even that Marisa, that First Vampire bitch?” She shook her head and pressed on her chest with her hand. “I don’t want to be a vampire. I told you before. I don’t want to live on and without my family and friends.”

Chuck didn’t wait for me to ask him, “I felt I was doing something for the first time. I was really accomplishing something.” He grinned. “I was not as by the book as Shelly, but we were stopping a real threat to innocent people. You are fair beyond many I’ve seen.”

“That you were gay,” Mark added. “You helped Stan and I to see it didn’t matter. You excepted us.”

“You helped me see what was in front of me,” Stan took Mark’s hand. “We were FBI but would have been split up if we’d remained with them. You set an example for every governing body. I’m excited to be working with you. We feel we belong.”

I smiled, “Because you do! All of you are accepted and thought to be family. You could have transferred to other departments or gotten other jobs.” I looked at Colin. “We are a nation. A new part of our nation is being threatened. We will do whatever we can to protect them.”

Colin sat back and gave a satisfied smile and sigh, “We have the means. Get started Stan. We need to know what they know and what they’re looking for. We’ll talk with Yuri and see what needs to be done.”

 

Again, we ate and then retired to our quarters. Resetting your biological clock took consistency. You’d think being a vampire it would be easy to just work at night and sleep during the day. We were underground. There was no sun to follow. A vampire knew where the sun was even if they couldn't see the sun. In many ways I felt we were going backwards in evolution. We came out of the caves as a species, learned to grow and harvest crops, built homes and cities above ground, and now we were moving back to caves. We reshaped these caves into some elaborate dwellings. Down here you could forget you were in a cave. There were no windows but looking at the ceilings and walls there were vents that were always sending fresh air into the rooms. Here in Siberia, it was cold a lot of the time. I would find out there were tunnels under Asbest. If you had to go to work, school, or even to the store to get bread or milk, there was a series of tunnels and a train cart that took you. They were not deep tunnels and only connected down here if you knew where to go. Those Russian Agents did not know where to go or where to look.

Colin and I did our usual routines for the day. I slept a little and again, we showered and changed. This time I only went to the café to be sure a meal would be ready for Yuri and Zoya. At the lab, well before sunrise I saw that Yuri and Zoya were again stirring as they were waking up.

George and I checked pulses and asked questions. They looked Human. There were only a few more days of treatment. The serum was holding steady in their bodies and was forcing the venom to give up. We couldn’t stop now, or the venom would win again. George even took a blood sample to see what the serum level was in their blood. He had even gotten a computer screen and hooked his microscope to it. We even talked with Dr. Canaday back in New York. Dr. Kevin Baxter was working with George now. We all had replacement disks, but depending on how long we stayed, we would need more. Kev worked with the raw serum to prepare the new disks that would be needed. George was the one that knew his requirements for equipment he knew how create more equipment using what they had in Asbest.

I smiled as I saw a tear fall from Zoya as she looked at her reflection. “You have feelings as a vampire.” I said to her. “Now, you can express them.”

Zoya nodded as she wiped the tear away, “I shouldn’t wipe them away.” She laughed lightly. “I’d forgotten what I looked like.” She rubbed her fingers together and the moisture there. “I’d forgotten what my tears feel like.” She marveled. “This is wonderful. I feel like me again.”

I nodded, “You are.”

Colin stepped up behind us. “We’re taking you to see something you won’t forget.” He waved for them to follow. “Follow us.”

This was a mining community, and we took the little train to where the cars, trucks, and kennel was. We met Anton and Alexie.

Alexie was speechless upon seeing them. Anton spoke first as his mouth just hung open until he said, “I…I’ve never seen you like this!”

“You look…normal! I mean a normal person not a vampire person normal.” Alexie quickly added. He looked at George. “You said they have a couple of more days?”

“They have a few more days,” George nodded. “The amount of time needed to get to the correct level is getting shorter. Last night was just over five hours. It will be less tonight.”

“Wait for us!” My mother said as she and Willie rushed up to us.

“Mom!” I said surprised. “What are you and Dad doing here?”

“A vampire seeing the sunrise for the first time in a long time deserves to have people to share it with,” Willie grinned. “I remember mine. It’s great if we can share it with others.”

“Mark was so excited about these new dogs,” Mom added. “I want to see them. Let’s face it, I do little where it comes to the vampire hunting. I don’t have the talents you have or Colin’s…”

“That’s not true!” I said alarmed. “You often deal with vampires in transition. Vampires receive the serum, and you help getting them back in the world. You did wonders in Romania and so much in England. You helped Edwin with his art, you eased Jeremy Proctor into a new home…” I looked at our new Russian friends, “Jeremy had Downs Syndrome.” I waved at my own face. “He had the venom, but the facial features were there, and he was…” I bobbed my head as Yuri and Anton knew and translated it to Russian for those that didn’t understand, “mentally challenged. He is a vampire we didn’t give the serum to, because he didn’t need the pain or understand why.” I pointed at them as I said, “Now, he had a way with animals. All animals. Dogs, sheep, cows…I never saw one shy away from him. He loved them all and they loved him.” I turned back to my mother. “You helped with Lilly…”

“Yes, yes,” Mom nodded. “A passive role at best. If I can train with one of these dogs…”

“Hey!” Willie objected. “There’s nothing wrong with a passive role. Violent roles are not always the way! You don’t get hurt in passive roles!”

“So, I can’t even help track one of these lost souls down!? Gabriella does it with her nose and other senses.” Mom said to Willie. “With one of these dogs, I can, too!” She smiled at me touching my arm. “I was told there were some not claimed yet. Besides,” she grinned. “I need to meet this new grandpuppy of mine. Dan-D sounds like fun. I know he’ll be a handful when he grows up.” She laughed lightly.

I laughed back, “I know he will. He’s soooo cute!”

George was smiling at this, but pointed up, “As wonderful as that sounds, the sunrise? Remember? We don’t want to miss it.”

“Lead the way,” Colin said to Anton and Alexie.

We were led up a chiseled-out passageway and climbed some stone steps. We emerged outside on a mountain peak east of Asbest. Asbest lay to the west, and we could see the town’s lights below. It was charming. As with most any town or village, they constructed it near a river and Asbest spread out on either side of the river in a valley formed by that river eons ago. We had an unobstructed view of the mountainous peaks that surrounded Asbest. We would see the sunrise clearly.

“You will feel a tingle after the sun comes up,” George warned. “We all have felt it. When I insert the disk, you won’t. The sun’s rays won’t hurt you.”

Yuri nodded and turned as Zoya took his hand. Whether it was fear, anticipation, love, seeking support or giving support…all of the above. Yuri smiled at her but looked at the eastern horizon as light burned just below. Fear was definitely one of those feelings. Vampires knew in their very essence that sunlight was deadly. You burned in seconds, and you died in mere minutes. You almost did a Wicked Witch of the West imitation, “I’m melting, I’m melting!” You literally melted! You remember. After seeing Brett Marshall melt right before our eyes, I knew it was quite painful. I almost felt sorry for the guy. Of course, I didn’t! I said, almost.

Watching the sun rise wasn’t as enjoyable as watching Yuri’s and Zoya’s faces. The light got brighter just as the was about to burst onto the horizon. Yuri’s and Zoya’s hands tightened with each other.

“The passage is right there,” George pointed at the tunnel opening. “We can leave in seconds, if you need to.”

Colin chuckled, “But you won’t!” He added.

That blazing, yellow-golden light did burst the horizon. I’d seen many, but even I was moved at the magic of it. Both Yuri and Zoya lifted unoccupied hands to look at their hands as the tingling had started. They looked back at the growing light. The rounded light got brighter as the Earth moved to allow sunlight into this part of the world. It slowly got bigger and bigger. The tingling would grow, too, but was not hurting. This time I saw in both set of eyes, the moisture that would spill on both faces. Patience was a think vampires learned over the endless nights of their lives. Before, I would have wanted the sunrise to go a bit faster. “Get up there already.” Now, it was so…warm and pleasant. I wanted to last and last.

“Krasivo!’ Yuri said reverently.

I didn’t wear a translator, but I knew the tone and awe he held. It’s beautiful is what he said. “I agree,” I said quietly. “I wish I could know that by looking through your eyes.”

As with the others I witnessed the sunrise with, they stayed out until the tingling got to be bothersome. The sun was now well above the horizon when we re-entered the passage.

Zoya was wiping her face of those precious tears and she chuckled, “I will again have to remember to carry a handkerchief.”

Mom smiled and pulled her small, travel-sized, plastic wrapped tissues, “Today, we carry Kleenex.” She offered the untouched light pink tissue to Zoya

Zoya chuckled and pulled one out, “Thank you.”

Yuri didn’t bother taking one. Guys don’t normally care about that stuff and just used his hands. We guys didn’t cry long or too often.

 

We entered the kennel area and dogs will be dogs. New people had arrived, and they knew the scent Mom and Willie had and they were trained to detect and follow. Dozens of barks, both excited and aggressive. Except one. The little beagle we knew. Misha was happy to see us and the new people. There were others that were excited, but not necessarily happy.

“Watch this,” Anton said happily. “Go ahead, Devon. Do your thing.”

“My thing?” I said back to Anton. “How western of you.”

“Yes,” Anton said loud enough to be heard over the now louder barking dogs. He waved me on. “Go on! Show them!”

I sighed and lifted my hands, thought about what I wanted to command and said, “Quiet.” All of the dogs stopped barking, with that one straggler that had to have that last bark. “Sit.” I commanded quietly and all of them sat down. “Calm.” Even if there was nothing you saw about being calm, there was a more relaxed feel in the air.

“See!?” Anton waved at the dogs. “They didn’t even know him until yesterday! They love and obey him.” He waved at the German Shepherd. “Even Moguchy!”

“That’s Dan-D’s and the puppies daddy,” I explained. “His name means Mighty One in Russian.”

“He’s very aggressive,” Anton said. “Even with me! His handler worked with him since birth and Moguchy loves only him!” He pointed at me, “And him!”

“Really?” Mom said and stepped toward the dog, who growled as she did. She stopped.

“No,” I said to Moguchy who now started to waggle his tail and whine to get to me. “She is my mother.” I told the dog who neither spoke Human or English, but he spoke Devon. I reached through the bars receiving lick after lick! Kneeling, my face was thoroughly washed with Moguchy’s happy licks. “You’re a good boy.”

“Amazing!” Willie commented in equal awe.

“You’re a sweetheart,” I told Moguchy who showed me endless love.

“We’ll introduce Dan-D,” Colin grinned.

Entering the room where Pusik raised her head and growled at the strangers. Mark was there and turned to smile at us.

“No,” I said to Pusik. “We’re all friends here and should be trusted. No growling at my mom and dad.” I said and she laid her head back down.

“It took me two hours of quiet talk and soft music before she trusted me,” Mark grinned. “He did in the first second!”

I looked at the again squirming mass of black fur, “How are Hiccup, Scout, Dan-D, and their siblings today?”

“They’re fine!” Mark told us. “They’re very busy. Busy growing.” He picked up the smallest and handed me the whimpering little ball of black fur.

I took Dan-D in my hands a made little sounds to help Dan-D be calm. He would be sightless a few more days, but he could smell and hear me. I rubbed my chin over his little head, “It’s alright. You’re fine and very much loved. Daddy-Colin is here, too. You know us.”

“Oh, he is adorable!” Mom said, reaching out. “It's okay for me to touch him?”

“Please,” I encouraged Mom. I said to Dan-D, “That voice and this scent is my mama! The other scent and voice is my Dad.”

Who knew what a dog understood? Mom touched and stroked Dan-D’s head and fur as did Willie. Everyone liked being loved! Dan-D still made the soft sounds but was very relaxed.

She looked at the other puppies and laughed, “That one reminds me of that cartoon character on that show you watched as a child. The Smurfs. The Smurf’s name was Hefty. He loved to exercise, and he lifted weights. That’s what he seems to be doing.” On his back he did look like he lifted something with his front legs and paws up and down.

“Other than Hiccup and Dan-D, he’s available!” Mark offered picking the puppy up and handed it to Mom. “Nine more puppies need love and homes.”

“He is so sweet!” Mom stated lovingly and rubbing her chin over the puppy.

“Is he the one?” Colin asked. He waved at the puppies, “Ours was easy. He’s the smallest one of the eleven. They all look alike to me.”

“They do not!” Mark defended. “They are all Rottweiler, German Shepherd mixed puppies, but they have their own physical qualities.”

“That only you can see right now,” Colin qualified.

“Mixing the breeds make for a healthier dog,” Anton said. “There are less chances of inbreeding. I have tags I can put on them now, but all our dogs have those microchips inserted. Anyone with a scanner can read their name, your name, address, contact information…”

“And we’ll make distinctive collars with a distinctive metal tag,” I kissed Dan-D quickly. “I thought he should have a four leafed clover with his name on it and address, but he’ll never get lost because he’ll never be alone.” I waved at the puppy Mom was holding. “He can have a barbell shaped tag with Hefty written on it.” I looked at Mark. “I don’t know what shape for Hiccup. I keep thinking of that character in the movie How to Train Your Dragon. Maybe something Viking or about dragons?” I waved at him and looked at Mark. “It’s yours and Stan’s dog! You think of something!” I smiled. “Does he still get the hiccups?” Mark nodded.

“Dan-D is actually a short for of the leprechaun’s name,” Anton smiled and bounced. “It’s really Dandledeoggelthorp…” he paused, frowned, and waved his hand, “something.” He brightened. “Even his fellow leprechauns couldn’t pronounce it most of the time! They thought he was a dandy, so they named him Dan-D!”

“I loved the story Zoya shared about him,” I hugged Dan-D gently. “He is a dandy Dan-D!”