writing-doodle - day 5 - word count 435

So, it isn't as long as I'd like, but it is something.  And I do have 25 more days to go.  Right? Or is that write?

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"When I die, I want to come back as your dog," said the curvaceous blond.  She eyed my cart, complete with wee small dog riding in the basket, and sighed.  "You must love her a lot."


That Hazel was wearing a neon pink collar complete with rhinestone embellishments was probably a hint that I wasn't in charge of the dress code.  It hadn't been my intention to buy the monstrosity, but when the cart sailed past it, she snatched the collar from the display and proceeded to eat sections of the nylon webbing.  You eat it, you buy it.  At least onlookers would know she was a girl.

Instead of telling the hottie I was ambivalent to taking on the responsibility for another life, I figured I'd ask her opinion.  "Do you have any recommendations to dog food? I don't think I have the right one." I had quizzed the pimple faced dweeb in the dry food aisle for twenty minutes before I tuned him out.  I had six small bags of a wide variety of food for the dog to try.  I hated eating the same thing every day, so Hazel probably wouldn't be too excited by it either. "She's new."

Those words should never have escaped my lips.  Time and effort that might have gone to getting her number or even just her name was now diverted to the squirming life form in the cart.  Shit.

"Can I pet her?" As she asked the words, she petted Hazel on her chest and rubbed her torso. "She is so sweet.  How old?"

Forty-five for all I know. "According to the vet, she's between six and eight months old."

"So you've missed baby teeth.  Lucky you. Baby teeth are like little razors."  

"What she has is sharp enough."  I attempted to scratch the back of her head, but Hazel was much more fascinated with my fingers and thought they'd make a great mid afternoon snack. It took everything I had not to flinch and swear when she bit down hard on my palm.  "I should probably find an obedience class for her."

She winked at me and said, "I actually do some dog training." She slipped a dayglow orange business card from her back pocket and said, "It's all about patience and discipline."

"She probably needs some discipline."

"I'm talking about you.  You need to be concise, precise, consistent, and firm."

Interesting.

"And I can teach you all of that.  Just give me a call. I'm always available to help new masters learn the ropes."

"Sure, but what's your name? I'm Gabe." I said.

"Heidi.