Doghouse Chronicles: “Everything Old Is New Again”

By Rebecca Giselle

Being Alpha is one of the toughest jobs in the world. Thats why Bad Bite Bonie is her own best friend, or at least thats what the entire pack has been lead to believe. Until, one day, a strange dog shows up claiming to have known her all his life. Now whos telling the truth, Alpha or Omega? Will the truth come out before time runs out for one of them? With a killer dog on the loose, only time will tell.

• Language: English
• Publisher: AuthorHouse
• Release date: Aug 21, 2006
• ISBN: 9781463451189

Rebecca Giselle

Ms. Giselle lives in a southern state who's name ends in a vowel. She likes cheese, things that move, and stuffed animals. She likes both pop and country music, and the lovely flickering images on TV. She would also like to inform you that the above image is real... for who better to write about dogs, than a cat?

Book preview

 ~*~ Chapter 1 ~*~

It was a quiet morning in the neighborhood. No one was about but a gigantic, red Shepherd mix named Choco, and a moving van full of humans.

In fact, that was the sole purpose of Choco’s outing this morning; To see if the humans had brought any one of the canine variety along.

Lately, he hadn’t had any luck in this department, because most humans only acquire dogs after they move into a new territory. And usually, they’re puppies, which made Choco’s job a lot harder than it should be. Not to say he was cruel, or mean to puppies in any way. No, in fact he rather liked them.

Their humans however, were another story.

Choco was easily the second-biggest dog in the neighborhood, only being beaten out by Percy, who was a Great Dane, and then only by a couple of inches.

Being this size, and looking rather fearsome was a blessing and a curse. A blessing, because no one really picked fights with him, or had any disagreements whatsoever with him. A curse, because, the humans feared him also.

Which was probably why he would usually be met with shouts and flying objects when he came near any canine under two years of age. That was a human’s way of getting territorial. To tell the truth, he couldn’t really blame them, he’d be scared too if he only had two legs to run on and no decent set of fangs.

But really, they had nothing to worry about, neither did any pups he came across. But for safety’s sake, he hoped that if these humans had brought along any dogs, that they were over the age of two.

Being the most giant dog in the neighborhood, one might think he was top Alpha. But that wouldn’t be true. Choco was most definitely in the Alpha’s pack, and he did have a purpose (which was why he was going on rounds today), but the big dog had never made it to top post. Mostly because he was too busy socializing to do so.

And this, was for the most part, his purpose. If a human brought in another dog from another territory, it was his job to go over and get acquainted, and then if the Alpha was interested enough, to set up a meeting between the two.

He loved the socializing part, but he never liked setting up meetings. A meeting with the Alpha was always stressful to say the least, because the Alpha was not what you would call social, but, that was part of the job description. He consoled himself with the fact that he had no say in how the Alpha treated the unfortunate ones.

Fortunately, for a dog it doesn’t take face-to-face contact to get acquainted with new neighbors. A dog can go purely by scent.

And there were two scents of interest at this particular house.

One, was a female, of nordic and herder descent, and the other was male, same descent, but maybe a slightly different breed. And right now, they were both locked in the garage.

Well that’s just fine and dandy now, isn’t it? he snorted. I’ll have to come back later. and really, it was for the best. Dog couldn’t really get acquainted with humans around, at least in Choco’s experience. Humans were very territorial, very jealous creatures.

He shrugged and kept on walking to the Alpha’s territory.

The Alpha’s territory was just a few hundred yards away, through some trees, and up a small hill. Approaching the territory itself would have been pleasant had it not been for the dog who ruled it. She seemed to have a knack for making everything unpleasant.

Yes, that’s right.

She.

The Alpha was a female, which was a rarity in these parts. Her name was Bonie, which is pronounced just like the human name (Bonnie), but only spelled with one N. Why? Because she and her little human had long come to an agreement that one N was all that was necessary, and no one was particularly keen on arguing with her. Not because she was right, but simply because she had a rather short fuse.

This trait had earned her the nickname, Bad Bite Bonie.

With such a threatening reputation and nickname, one would think that the Alpha would be a very large, hulking, breed. Such as a mastiff, or at the very least a German Shepherd. But no, with this Alpha, appearances were very decieving… for this Alpha was a Shetland Sheepdog. Which, for those of you unfamiliar with the breed, is a very tiny version of Lassie.

What she lacked in strength, she made up for with cunning. It was rumored that with just a look, she could see into a dog’s mind, and that’s how she knew the weakest spots to pick, the spots that most hurt her victims, the spots that would bring them down and make them surrender the fastest. And for the most part, that theory seemed to work.

Booooonie… called Choco warily, testing the waters. If there’s one thing he didn’t want to do, it was get her at a bad time. He had done that before and it had ended very painfully. Slowly, he crept toward her doghouse, hoping that she was around. She had to be, it’s not like she ever made social calls.

What do you want? a disinterested, female voice asked from behind the doghouse.

New humans are moving in. said Choco, I thought you might want to know.

A fox-like tail made a single whipping motion, its owner still hadn’t shown her face. Good, I’ll make it a point to tell Patty and she can tell my humans, and they can bring out the welcome wagon. They’re nice enough. Finally, the Alpha saw fit to show her face, and from the expression, it was none-too-pleased.

DHCImage01.JPG

Are you nuts? Who cares if new humans are moving in? What do you want me to do, perform circus tricks for ‘em? I can’t do anything about it!

Choco sighed, New humans mean new dogs. I scented ‘em!

Well why didn’t you just tell me? Where are they?

They moved in across the street from Tooti La Moore. Choco replied.

Bonie groaned. Tooti La Moore was one of the premiere elite dogs in the neighborhood. Meaning, she was a toy variety, spoiled to death by her humans, and never let anyone forget that. So whenever her name was mentioned, a wave of nausea ran through Bonie.

Poor things. she shook her head briefly in sympathy. So what do you know?

Well, to tell the truth I don’t have much to go on. A scent’s not much, Bonie.

Just tell me the basics. she huffed.

Well, I think they’re siblings.

Actual siblings?

Well, they… kind’ve have the same scent. But one’s a boy, and one’s a girl.

Okay then, what else?

Well, I’m not sure of the breed… the exact breed, that is.

Choco, I’ve told you a million times, if you can’t do this, I can always hire Belle the Bloodhound. She’s good with her nose. sneered the Alpha.

I’m perfectly fine with my nose! bristled Choco, And give me a minute, okay? I’m not a miracle worker!

Whatever. shrugged Bonie.

You know, it wouldn’t kill you to be a bit more enthusiastic about this. he griped.

What’s the big deal? As long as they don’t get in my way, I’m fine with these guys.

Get in your way? You don’t even know them and you already act like they’re a nuisance! he cried.

I like to treat everybody equal. shrugged Bonie. Now what are they? she demanded.

Fine. he muttered. From what I could tell, one is one of those breeds with the manes…

Manes?! Bonie asked, Since when are we talking Wild Kingdom?

No, NO, not the freaky cats! corrected Choco, No… it’s a dog. They’re really fluffy, they have manes and their tails are all curly.

Chow?

No. Pulls sleds, looks kind’ve like the guy in ‘Call of the Wild’.

Malamute? she prompted Husky?

Somethin’ like that, yeah. replied Choco.

Two of those? Huh. Their humans must need a lot of exercise.

I don’t know about that, I’ve never seen their humans. shrugged Choco. But they weren’t… all nordic. They had something else in ‘em too. Smelled a little like you, in fact.

So… a nordic and a herder? That… should be really interesting. she answered, implying the opposite.

Bonie, do me a favor.

Why?

Because I do a lot of hard work trying to make other dogs think you’re not so bad. Please, just this once, give the poor things a chance before you make them hate you. Please? he asked, lately he had looked really bad, because it seemed that Bonie was intent on having to make as few allies as possible.

Choco, she began in a saccharine tone, One of these days, pigs will fly, and you will become Alpha. And when you do, you’ll know that not everybody has to like you. So until that day happens, I would slap a muzzle on it. she finished with a snarl.

Bonie, it’s just this one time. I’ve never asked you for anything and I’ll swear on a stack of rawhide that I will never ask you for anything again. Choco groaned. Obviously, this was not going to be easy.

Do you promise? she asked, smirking.

Yes. he ground out.

Can I get it in writing? she purred.

What? I can’t write!

Oh, sorry then. she answered, the smirk growing ever wider.

BONIE!

The Alpha rolled her eyes, Tell you what, you get lost, quit bothering me, and I’ll try. I won’t make any promises.

Why not? he whined.

Because everybody you interview somehow ends up ticking me off. Either they’re too friendly, too scared, or just downright boring! All of a sudden, Bonie had an idea. Wait a minute…

What? he asked, sensing a reprieve.

Alright, I think we can make this deal work for both of us. she said.

How?

Simple. You know what ticks me off.

That’s the truth. he grumbled.

Alright then, since you’re the expert, you get to teach them, the fine art of not doing that.

But, isn’t that the whole point of you meeting them?

Have you ever heard the saying about leading a cat to a bathtub? she asked.

Choco shook his head, Um, no…

You can lead a cat to a bathtub, but you can’t make it take a bath. I’m applying the same principle.

So… I do all this work, and tell them how not to tick you off, and then if that doesn’t work–

Then they’re stupid. Plain and simple. she replied matter-of-factly.

Good to know I’m blame-free. he sighed.

You just keep telling yourself that. said Bonie, smiling her infamous smile. A truly creepy smile in which her fangs were bared in a most pleasant way, but her eyes were glittering, black icebergs.

Choco resisted the urge to shiver.

Alright, so when do you want to meet these guys.

You interview them. If they’re worth it, then you can come see me later with the details, and then get back to them.

Bonie, that’s a lot of work—

And we all have to make sacrifices. she interjected. Now if that’s all… she continued, almost threateningly.

Yes, that’s all. he sighed, Good day, oh great and wonderous Alpha.

Same to you, oh bumbling and inadequate one! Bonie called from behind him.

Choco snorted angrily, and trotted out of the Alpha’s territory and down the street. What nerve she had! Another dog wouldn’t put up with her constant nastiness, but around here you either had to put up with constant nastiness, or rescind your pack membership. And most dogs, no matter how bad it got, didn’t want to willingly rescind their pack membership. That was just unheard of.

He passed by the new dogs’ house, he threw the garage a sympathetic look and simply sighed. Good luck… to both of you. he muttered, before walking away.

~*~*~*~

The next day was a cloudy, dreary day. The sky was white, not grey, not blue, but simply white. There was no rain, for Mother Nature had at least two more hours of toying with everyone before there was a torrential downpour.

Or at least that’s what it smelled like.

Then again, after such a scent-filled night, Spitzy wondered if his sniffer was indeed on the blink. Of course, Spitzy wasn’t what his humans called him, his humans called him something totally different, but it didn’t fit him, so he didn’t go by it. He had long come to the conclusion that his humans weren’t bred for intelligence, that would explain why they chose to face his doghouse towards the street, where most of the smells came from.

Dumb humans. muttered Spitzy, trudging over to his foodbowl after a morning stretch.

What’s wrong with you? asked the other dog yawning. Her name was Queenie (in case you’re wondering, that is the name the humans had given her.), she was his older sister.

What’s wrong with me? What’s wrong with me?! I spent the night having to face the back of my doghouse because my humans can’t understand a simple request!

Queenie groaned, Here we go again. Spitzy, listen to me. They walk on two legs, they speak to us using only one syllable. They’re humans! They have their faults!

Yeah well, if they had to put up with chinese perfume torture from the dog across the street, they’d be cranky too. Strange scents make you have weird dreams, you know. he muttered.

Queenie shook her head, They don’t even know what it is to have a scent. Don’t you get that?

Oh fine, take their side! You can’t possibly tell me that they weren’t bothered by that cat trying to sing outside their window! he protested.

I think one of the bigger ones ended up throwing a shoe at it… finally. Queenie replied absently.

Not until it was halfway through the second verse! Geeze, if I’d wanted a floorshow I would’ve paid for it!

Stop your griping, they’re new here too. she chided. But she couldn’t complain too much, at least he was talking. Which was a lot more than he had done in the past couple of years, she had been worried for awhile. The trip had done him good, however, and even though she hated to admit it, she much preferred her brother whining and complaining, rather than staring off into space like a canine zombie.

Still, she couldn’t help but wonder, Hey… you’re okay, right? she asked.

Oh sure, I’m perfectly fine. The sandman didn’t drop-kick me through a pile of kitty litter at all! What’s it look like? he finished sarcastically.

Oh fine, be that way. she muttered. I’m going inside. You can’t come, you’re banned.

Why?

Until you learn to stop jumping on the couch.

Like I’d even want to be on their stupid couch. he muttered bitterly. He didn’t quite understand what the fuss was all about, ever since they’d gotten that new couch they hadn’t allowed him on it. He had been rather hurt at first, but had since started wondering why they had gotten a new couch anyway. The old one had been much more comfortable.

Besides, he liked it better outside anyway.

Sniffing the air, he discovered there was a siamese cat on the other side of the bushes. Wonder if I should go over and introduce myself? he thought, sniffing once more. I don’t know… cats are weird about who they talk to. But at least his territory is downwind of that dog across the street. he pondered, shuddering at memory of being bombarded by some horrible doggy perfume concoction all night long. And I’d probably have better luck there than trying to talk to the guy behind me.

Spitzy blinked.

There was a dog standing behind him.

There was a dog, who wasn’t Queenie, standing behind him.

Quickly, he whirled around to face the newcomer, and came face-to-face with the other dog’s… chest.

Slowly, he looked up, the new dog towered over him. In Spitzy’s experience, sneak attacks by very large dogs were usually followed by a good thrashing. H-Hi… he whimpered, backing away. If there was one thing he didn’t need, it was to get eaten alive first thing in a new territory.

~*~*~*~

I am not doing Bonie a favor. thought Choco to himself. I am simply doing what any social animal would do. We’re curious creatures. I’d do this even if I weren’t working for Bonie. in truth, he had been a little sore ever since Bonie had dressed him down the way she had the other day. The more he thought about it, the more he resented it. What was her problem? It wasn’t like he came over just to chat, he was doing his job!

He followed the new and unfamiliar scents that had reached him the day before. The dog’s scents were stronger this time, because they weren’t locked in the garage. The one that was closest however, was the male. As Choco crossed the quiet street and trotted down the sidewalk, he spotted him.

Sniffing out new territory, I see. thought Choco. Curiosity’s a good thing, show’s interest… hmmm…

When assessing a potential new pack member, Choco always tested their reflexes. He had long practiced the art of sneak attacks, it took a well-trained ear to hear Choco walking, and even then, they weren’t always accurate.

Obviously not a fighter. he assessed. He didn’t hear me walk up on him. He took a good look at the dog in question. He smelled like a herder, but there was something else in there too. At any rate, he smelled more herder than nordic. He was just an inch or two taller than Bonie, but had a lither build, more like that of a… Border Collie! thought Choco proudly.

A long time ago, Choco had heard that Border Collies were the most smartest dogs on earth, but he had yet to see any evidence of that. The only Border Collie he’d known was odd-eyed little girl pup named Dot, and she had never kept still long enough for him to figure out if she was smart or not.

This dog was most like a Border Collie in his coloring, white muzzle, chest, legs, and belly, while the rest of his body was dark… except for his tail. It was rather splotched with both colors generously, and curled over his back, like a spitz. I knew he wasn’t all herder.

It was about that time the smaller dog seemed to noticed there was somebody behind him. About time. thought Choco derisively.

H-Hi… whimpered the little dog, backing away.

DHCImage02.JPG

Hey kid! Choco barked happily.

Th-This isn’t your territory, is it? Because if it is, I can… go over there! volunteered the smaller dog, gesturing to his doghouse. I just got here, I didn’t know, I swear! Please don’t eat me!!!

Choco gave the little dog a curious look, then laughed. Kid, I’m not gonna eat you! Did the humans tell you that? Don’t believe a word of it. I’m not a bad guy, honestly.

So you’re not gonna eat me?

No, no. Nope, in fact I’m here to welcome you to the neighborhood.

Say… ‘welcome’ isn’t code word for ‘getting beaten into the ground’, is it? he asked, still unsure of whether to trust the big dog or not.

Naw, not here at least! Where did you come from, kid? Choco asked, a little concerned.

The smaller dog just shrugged, That’s the way it was back in my old territory.

Sounds rough. Choco commented, What’s your name?

Spitzy. replied the smaller dog.

Odd. Is that your real name, kid?

It’s not what the humans call me. I don’t go by that.

Huh. First dog I’ve met that didn’t. Though, It’s not like I can talk about odd names. My name’s Choco.

Where’d you get that name? chuckled Spitzy.

Well, my humans kind’ve blurted it out one day while they were telling me to get off the couch.

Your humans have issues with the couch too?

Yeah, they always have. They’re weird. Choco shrugged.

So… what brings you here? Spitzy asked shakily.

All Alphas like to meet new pack members. replied Choco.

Oh… y-you’re the Alpha? the smaller dog asked, paling considerably.

Who, ME?! Choco laughed. Nah kid, I’m not Alpha. Well, not top Alpha at least, never was that ambitious.

There’s more than one Alpha?

This ain’t the wild, kid, we don’t all live on the same territory, so we spread out a bit, form other packs. It makes things a lot easier.

Doesn’t that cause a lot of fights?

Nah, we don’t have pack wars. Besides, it gets too much human attention, and when it comes to packs… you really don’t want human attention.

Why not?

Have you ever tried explaining territorial law to a human? It’s like explaining the art of tail-wagging to a cat.

Spitzy thought this over for a moment. Point taken. So… what about this ‘top Alpha’?

Well for one thing, don’t refer to her as that.

Her?

Yeah, her. Kind’ve odd for around here, but, that’s just the way things went. explained Choco.

As long as she’s good, who cares? Spitzy shrugged.

You owe me one, Bonie. I got you an open-minded one. thought Choco proudly.

So… this… Alpha… wants to meet me? said Spitzy slowly.

You could say that. And the other dog if they want to come along.

I’ll go ask her! said Spitzy brightly, loping off to the back yard.

Choco grinned, I knew one of ‘em had to be female! he thought to himself.

A moment later, he heard a yelp and Spitzy came barreling around the side of the house, his tail lowered, looking behind him nervously.

What was that all about? asked Choco.

Never interrupt Queenie when she’s found food under the couch. he shuddered.

That’s her name, Queenie? asked Choco, suddenly interested.

Yeah. She’s my older sister.

Hm, interesting. muttered Choco. So, is she coming with you?

Spitzy shrugged, From what I could understand, I think she said no.

Awwww, too bad. Choco replied. Oh well. So what day do you want to meet her?

Don’t you mean, what day does she want to meet me? asked Spitzy.

Well, yeah. But we do like to be convenient. explained the larger dog. So what day’ll it be? I’ll check with her.

How about… Spitzy couldn’t seem to remember all the different names the humans had for different days. Two days from now?

Choco grinned, Sure thing, kid! I’ll go over and check with her right now. the bigger dog started to get up and leave.

Wait! called Spitzy, Just so I know who I’m dealing with… what’s this Alpha’s name?

Oh you mean I didn’t tell you? asked Choco.

No. the smaller dog shook his head

Bonie. Bad Bite Bonie.

The smaller dog looked like he’d seen a ghost.

I know kid, began Choco, Her reputation precedes her. But don’t worry, you’ll be okay. and with that, the bigger dog trotted away.

Spitzy sat down in a heap, panting like he’d just ran a mile. He sat there for a few minutes before shaking his head, I’m going crazy. he muttered, walking over to his doghouse. He was due for a long nap. Yes, that was it. A nap. And when he woke up, he would feel much better.

And, as always, there would be no Bonie at all.

~*~*~*~

Choco trotted up to the Alpha’s territory. He was feeling pretty proud of himself, he was pretty sure that the Alpha could have no objections to this pack member.

He wasn’t annoying (as far as Choco could tell), egotistical (since when did that hurt anybody?), or boring. A little fearful, but some dogs were just that way.

Hey, Bonie! he barked.

Twice in two days… The Alpha muttered, poking her head out of her doghouse. What did I DO?!

Choco rolled his eyes, Bonie, I’m doing my job. You can’t complain.

Excuse me, Alpha here. she replied. I can do pretty much whatever I want. Now what is it?

Choco resisted the urge to snarl, she was infuriating. I thought you might be interested to know about your new pack members.

Do I have a choice? she asked, stifling a yawn.

Bonie… Choco began warningly.

Alright, alright. What about them?

Well, he began, I only got to meet the guy. But he seems alright. I was wrong about the breed though, he’s Spitz and Border Collie.

Unconsciously, one ear perked upward. Really?

Yeah! said Choco, And he seems alright so far. But he seems a little jumpy. Man, poor kid, he thought I was gonna eat him! Can you imagine that?

Bonie snorted with laughter. Maybe he’s been talking to the cat community.

HEY! Choco bristled, I was cleared of that.

Bonie smirked, I know, I’d clear someone too if they groveled like a three week old pup.

BONIE!

She smiled, Go on.

Choco growled, You know, one of these days, I’m just going to walk away.

And until that day happens, or you get tired of hearing yourself talk, you can keep telling me about this other guy. Now what else? Anything vital?

He has a sister. said Choco, grinning a bit.

Bonie rolled her eyes, I meant vital as in not vital to you.

Excuse me, Ms. Bad Bite, but this is vital to you too. Her name is Queenie, but I didn’t get to meet her. She was too busy inside with something she’d found under the couch, she didn’t want to meet you.

That’s good, the less dogs I have to greet, the better. she replied.

Choco rolled his eyes, I love your enthusiasm, Bonie. I really do. he muttered.

Anything else about the other guy?

Not much, other than he seemed pretty afraid of you. snorted Choco.

Bonie grinned, My reputation precedes me again.

Come to think of it… there was something else weird about him! said the bigger dog.

Oh? What?

Yeah, he had a funny name.

Like what? asked Bonie.

"Spotty, Spikey, Spago…