It's a Dog, Dog, Dog, Crum World

By Daniel R. Pard

ELT The Super Dog’s latest adventure continues as Walter Crum, who was last observed in a helicopter flying over Spring Valley after a foiled bank robbery, has been in seclusion. He and his cohort Sid formulate a devious plan to seek revenge upon the town of Spring Valley, and get richer at the same time, but what does he have in mind? His secret weapon….a crazed scientist named Cylus Devereaux.
Life in Spring Valley has been peaceful since the night of the Quadrasonian invasion, but Elt and the Valleydale pets fear that something terrible is about to happen. Their premonitions come true, for humans start disappearing, and stray dogs start appearing. The mystery is solved when the first transformation from human to canine is observed. These new hybrid canines have a leader, and he vows to make sure that his followers will never go hungry. What makes matters worse for Elt is that his human, Ralph Eltison, changes into a Labrador!
The super dog contacts Coladeus, who is engaged in a mission far away. The Trianthian recruits Sparky and other heroes, along with the Golden Retriever’s human, Amy Pendergrass, to assist Elt and his friends. Elt, along with Sparky, the neighborhood pets, and Amy, must locate his former human, discover who is behind the canine transformations, confront the new species of hybrid canines, and transform these hybrids back to humans.

• Language: English
• Publisher: AuthorHouse
• Release date: Dec 9, 2020
• ISBN: 9781665509077

Daniel R. Pard

ABOUT THE AUTHOR Dan was born and raised in Newport News, VA. He attended Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University. He has devoted nearly thirty years to the motion picture exhibition industry, and currently has been employed with Lowe’s Home Improvement for ten years. Dan now resides in Frederick, MD. He has three sons, two dogs, and four cats. Dan has enjoyed writing all of his life. He has also written numerous screenplays, one which was pitched to a major movie studio. When the author was ten, he wrote a story dedicated to his childhood dog “Trixie.” Years later, that story inspired him to create “The Adventures of ELT The Super Dog in 2013. “It’s A Dog, Dog, Dog, Crum World” is the fourth novel in “The Adventures of ELT The Super Dog” series. To learn more about the author, please visit www.danielpard.com.

Book preview

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1

"T HE SCENE OUTSIDE SPRING VALLEY’S City Hall is complete pandemonium!" shouted Marv Reverson, heralded reporter for the Daily News Channel 8, the region’s leading television news provider. Numerous other news agencies were present at the scene of the chaos that had ensued.

This wasn’t the first time that Spring Valley had attracted attention from the national news. Scores of the same reporters had been present not too long ago, covering the departure and spectacular arrival of Professor Eric Van Hausen’s time machine.

It’s an unbelievable sight folks, continued Reverson. I can’t really explain it….for everywhere I look…. Reverson shook his head feverishly.

The television camera operator swerved her apparatus from First Street onto Main Street and back. Yelps, shrieks, and bellows could be heard in the distance, but the overall picture was not only befuddling, it was like Reverson had quoted, unbelievable.

The journalist continued. They’re running everywhere, scattering about! Back and forth, and with reckless abandonment. The camera closed in on the reporter. And the sounds they’re ….I just don’t know what to make of it.

Within seconds, a citizen scurried past the television reporter, his coat buttoned fully, for although it was nearly spring, the winter’s grip hadn’t let go of Spring Valley just yet.

Excuse me sir, motioned Reverson. Can you shed any light on today’s events in Downtown Spring Valley?

The man stopped and turned around. Reverson’s mouth dropped in both disbelief and shock. The transformation had begun. First it was the man’s face, then his hands. The man’s shoes succumbed to the pressure of his protruding extremities, and buckled, ripping at the seams. He kicked the remains of his footwear away.

Lastly, it was his clothes, including the coat. Within a minute or two, he began to walk on four legs. His hands were no longer hands…they had transformed into front paws! The citizen’s clothes had been ripped to shreds; his body totally covered with brown, wavy fur.

The event that had just occurred was no hoax. There were no special effects involved to trick the television viewers. The man, now canine, yelped at Marv Reverson and darted towards the nearest alley.

The camera once again zoomed in on the reporter. Folks, together we have just witnessed an amazing yet horrifying transformation. Nowhere to my knowledge has such a mind-blowing event been recorded on national television! A man, a mere normal law-abiding citizen of Spring Valley, has just turned into, without any warning….a beast….a ferocious canine!

The journalist recognized a familiar face nearby. It was Mayor Helms, Spring Valley’s friendly, diligent town official. The mayor too had just watched the spectacle before him. Mayor Helms!

The mayor froze…his demeanor strayed and unraveling. It was no time for an interview, but he was the mayor. This was his town. It was his duty. How could this be happening to his town? What was the cause of this catastrophe?

I believe we have the town’s mayor here, continued Reverson. Mayor Helms, can I have a minute of your time please?

The mayor was panicked indeed. Frantically, the usually confident and spirited mayor scanned the scene before him. There were dogs everywhere! Distinguishing the real canines from the newly transformed ones were impossible to the human eye! He blinked his eyes, hoping that when his eyes opened, this nightmare would be over and his citizens were all humans walking through town. The mayor staggered across the street to engage in the interview.

Mayor Helms….how….what is going on in your town?

Now the mayor was well-versed in the power of positive thinking, especially when it pertained to his town of Spring Valley. He could spin the tallest of tales, the mightiest of yarns, anything that would turn a dire situation into a mere misunderstanding that could easily be corrected. A gracious smile and a firm handshake would seal the deal. Everything was right again.

A situation like the unfortunate occurrences caused by Crum’s cronies in the past was one thing, and it was a terrible series of events. Mayor Helms remained calm and in complete control. The current situation, however, was much more complicated. All he could do though was attempt to stay calm and positive, but the result was more like nervous and unsure.

We’re doing everything we possibly can to address these isolated incidents, answered Helms nervously.

The mayor was indeed clueless. The town’s law enforcement, quarterbacked by Sheriff Thomas and Deputy Taylor, couldn’t solve the riddle either. How could humans just turn into canines?

Spring Valley’s most notable and intelligent minds, Professors Eric Van Hausen and Stanley Greenlee, were consulted to hopefully construct a theory on how and why these occurrences were taking place. Although their area of expertise wasn’t in biology or physiology, the professors delved deeply into their own well of resources to discover any recent information pertaining to the science of transformations from humans to animals. Renowned scientists from all over the world were consulted to assist the professors at the Space Observatory. Ongoing experiments had been conducted, but progress on solving this mysterious epidemic was slow and often unresponsive.

The most baffling part of the phenomenon was that why was it only happening in Spring Valley? Why not everywhere? Was there some connection between the events of the time machine and some rare human disorder involving canines? The mayor held no answers for the reporter or his audience.

Excuse me, whispered the mayor softly as he broke away from the reporter. Sir….Maam….whoever you are, stop that at once, he cried. Mayor Helms attempted to shoo away an Irish Setter, who was lunging and barking at a frightened citizen on the sidewalk.

Folks, as you can clearly see, concluded Reverson, it is absolute mayhem here in Spring Valley.

What had happened to this beloved town? The first reported case was Mr. Brady, the owner of the downtown barber shop. One day he was cutting and shaving his regulars; the next day he showed up barking at the front door. The rather large pooch, a Newfoundland to be exact, carried the barber’s keys and nametag on a lanyard around his neck. When the real Brady didn’t show up for days but the dog did, Brady’s staff concluded that somehow this dog knew where Mr. Brady was.

Searches for the barbershop owner were performed. Although it was inconceivable to believe that Mr. Brady had been transformed into a Newfoundland, folks finally figured out that this giant, lovable canine and Mr. Brady may have been one in the same.

Whatever the cause, these transformations didn’t seem to be contagious. Not every family member was affected, unlike the possibility that all family members catch a flu or cold. In fact, there was no rhyme or reason to these occurrences. At first, reported cases were isolated; the hospitals efforts to halt the symptoms were futile.

As weeks passed, the number of cases tripled. Soon the headlines were plastered onto the front page of The Herald Newspaper. News agencies, the same ones who covered the time machine departure, were once again settled in Spring Valley. The town that was once was heralded as Time Town was now dubbed Dog Town and Canineville USA. Even media personnel were scared, for several members conducted their reports and then high-tailed it out of Spring Valley. No story was worth the risk of being turned into a dog.

Luckily for the residents of the Valleydale subdivision, there had been no reported cases of humans turning into canines. There were, however, a sprinkling of instances throughout other sections of the Valleydale subdivision. But that too would eventually change.

In the Eltison household, both Ralph and Mr. Eltison followed the events closely from the newspaper, internet, and television. Each day father and son would watch the news and communicate daily with Ralph’s grandparents.

Ralph was hesitant in his decision to contact the Trianthians via the stone underneath Elt’s collar. Mogulus was indeed a brilliant scientist, but would he be able to determine the cause of these utterly baffling occurrences? The boy knew that with one press of the button on the stone, assistance would be on the way.

Jenny Rodgers, along with her mom Wendy, kept close tabs also on the events in Spring Valley, especially in their own neighborhood. Since whatever caused the transformations wasn’t deemed contagious, Jenny was allowed to host Ralph and Elt or visit her friend at his house. As more cases became prevalent though, reactions from parents changed, and the kids weren’t allowed to play with each other.

Life at the Rodgers’ house was very busy, for there was a new family to take care of. Bernadette, along with her daughter Shelby and son Pepper, kept Jenny and Wendy moving. There were extra mouths to feed; which meant there was more cleaning, feeding, bathing, and general upkeep of the house.

Elt and Cooper kept Ralph and his dad on the go, too. Ralph taught the pup new tricks, sometimes daily. Tidying up after Cooper was a daily chore for the boy, two or three times daily. The times that Elt would be able to spend time with his new family were precious indeed, and Ralph realized that his dog really enjoyed their company, whether it was at his house or at Bernadette’s. Elt adored his time with Bernadette, Shelby, and Pepper.

Walks had ceased temporarily due to the canine outbreak. Truthfully, there was no real reason for the abrupt stoppage of the daily kid and pet exercise, other than that of general concern on the parts of the parents. The dogs were already dogs. What could they turn into? But what about the children? What if the transformations were caused by something in the air? Less time outside might be just the remedy of sustaining Ralph and Jenny as kids and not canines.

The Greenlee children, Bryan and Caroline, along with their new addition Lucy, remained mostly inside with their mom, Trixie, and Seymour. Stanley Greenlee, who was one of the leading minds investigating the crisis, agreed with his wife’s decision to keep the children inside as well during the ordeal, until more could be known about the transformations.

Among the masses of canines scurrying and barking in the streets of downtown Spring Valley moments after the Reverson report, Elt, Bernadette, Prince, and Rex, each separated by about ten yards, scanned the area – sniffers in full-throttle mode. There was no real cause for concern about being spotted, for the scene was absolute mayhem and there were dogs running around everywhere. The only fear was that of being discovered missing at home. But there was something else. Elt was searching for something or someone. Who or what was he looking for?

The four dogs converged just in front of the train station. Rex was breathing heavily. He hadn’t run that far and that long for quite some time.

How many are really? asked Bernadette.

Prince paused and sniffed. Dogs were galloping about, barking and chasing each other. Even with my extraordinary sense of smell, it’s quite difficult for me to tell them apart.

Maybe we’re the only ones who are…. commented Rex.

Elt moved ahead of the others. Do you see him?

I can’t tell sweetheart, replied Bernadette. They’re all moving so fast.

Let’s keep searching, persisted Elt.

With the super dog in the forefront, the canines marched back where they originated from on Main Street, dodging runners left and right. When they reached an alley behind the Spring Valley National Bank, Elt stopped. He motioned for Bernadette.

It is time, warned Elt.

Bernadette moved closer to him. I understand.

Time for what? inquired Rex.

Neither dog responded to Rex’s inquiry. Elt lowered his head. With her mouth, the Cocker Spaniel reached for Elt’s collar and reversed it, revealing the stone that was adhered to the back.

My human usually does this, said Elt.

But we need to now, countered Bernadette. She nudged the button on the stone. It is done.

Elt shook himself, regained his composure, and then nodded. Let’s go, he’ll be calling soon.

The four dogs would search a little longer before heading back to the Valleydale subdivision, with Elt easily leading the way, only traveling about at a quarter of his normal speed.

Somehow, some way, the transformations from humans to dogs had to be stopped. First, the cause had to be discovered. Then the solution, the antidote, would have to be administered to all of the affected humans. Lastly, Elt and his band would have to determine who was behind the dastardly deed.

All efforts had been exhausted. Elt realized that the humans held no answers. There was a need for expert assistance, from one of the most intelligent minds in the universe….. Spring Valley desperately needed help from a scientist named Mogulus.

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2

T HE MOGUL’S HELICOPTER WHIZZED PAST a crowd that had gathered on First Street in front of the Spring Valley National Bank.

Inside the copter, Crum realized that there was nothing he could do. His men, including his most valuable asset Frake, had been detained by the Spring Valley Police Department.

Turn around, let’s go said Crum to the pilot in disgust.

But we can’t leave our guys, pleaded Sid, Crum’s only remaining henchman.

There will be a better time to get them out, but not right now, returned the old man.

From down below, Mrs. Simon, the bank manager, recognized one of the three men that were seated in the helicopter. That’s Mr. Crum! she shouted. He was in this caper too? The bank manager referred to the failed bank robbery attempt.

Crum grabbed a microphone from the pilot. I’m not through with you citizens of Spring Valley! I shall return!

With those words, the helicopter rushed off and away from downtown Spring Valley.

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The old man opened his tired eyes. He didn’t know how long they had been closed. He wasn’t even sure if he ever fell asleep. It was still daylight outside, but he felt he had been sitting in that same seat for quite some time. He watched his sleeping henchman; the brute’s snore was in a perfect rhythmic sequence to the drone of the helicopter’s propellers.

He stared out the window and witnessed the view in front of him. The sun was beginning to set beyond the range of mountains. The old man didn’t know exactly where he was, but he knew where the copter was heading. He had never traveled to this place before, for it was only obtained in case of an emergency or if something had gone terribly wrong and he needed a place to escape to.

What had gone terribly wrong? The plan was going perfectly, now that the super dog had been captured. But then the canine had been miraculously rescued and his cronies were now behind bars.

There was one thing for certain – Walter Eugene Crum didn’t like to lose. In a matter of hours, his mighty empire had been throttled, and he realized he could easily lose it all. The old man wasn’t ready to give up that easily. Vengeance was on the horizon, and it wasn’t going to be pretty.

The whirlybird hovered over its target. Nestled on a hilltop, but hidden deeply within a thickly wooded area, lye a spot just barren enough for a semi-safe landing. In mere seconds, the flying machine landed, Crum and Sid departed, and then the chopper flew away.

The cabin was small, nothing even close to the likes of his monumental mansion in Bordertown. Prepared for an arrival, Crum’s new home was stocked with plenty of food, water, blankets, and medical supplies. The cabin was equipped with electricity, running water, internet capability, and satellite television.

Crum was a penny-pincher indeed, but he was wise when he did spend money. When it came to making sure he had a place to hide in an emergency situation, the mogul had his bases covered.

Turn on the news, Crum directed to Sid. I want to see what happened.

Sid found the remote and turned on the television. I’ll tell ya boss, it’s that dog with the super strength. Somehow those other mutts freed him, or he got free himself.

Dogs, grumbled Crum as he eased himself into a recliner situated in front of the television. I despise those pesky creatures.

Sid thumbed through the channels on the remote control. Nothing boss.

We’ll have to get hold of a copy of the newspaper, scoured Crum.

The days were quiet and the nights long tucked far away from civilization. It was imperative that the two felons stay hidden for an extended period of time to avoid prosecution. There were times that both men longed to return home, for they grew tired of all the isolation. Although there were rumored sightings of the old man, they were never true, for he and Sid remained secluded from society.

The more days isolated from humanization, the more Crum withdrew from Sid, sitting in the corner of the main room mumbling to himself. Sid had thought the old man had literally lost it, but then out of nowhere Crum would return and initiate a conversation, usually pertaining about dogs.

Once a week the helicopter would return, for there were no roads leading to Crum’s safehouse. Crum would leave the pilot a list of supplies. A week later, the goods were delivered on the pilot’s next trip.

As the days turned into weeks, and the weeks into months, the old man grew restless. He ventured into the woods not only to encounter nature, but mainly to scheme and collect his thoughts. How was he going to seek revenge on the citizens of Spring Valley? Crum fasted for days….no food, only small amounts of water, deep in thought.

I’m cooking franks and beans! shouted Sid as he noticed his boss outside milling about. Crum wore no suit for the first time in over forty years. He was garbed in outdoor clothing – blue jeans, a flannel shirt, a vest, hat, and boots. Nah, shrugged the old man.

Okay Boss, bellowed Sid as he stuck his head back inside the cabin. He then proceeded to consume the entire serving of hotdogs and beans.

When Crum did re-enter the cabin, he was always filled with questions, for he had assigned Sid to research topics and information for him. Crum was a ledger and penny counter when it came to running the numbers of his empire, but for information and other underhanded matters, Frake was the man he depended on. With his right hand man away in jail, Sid would have to step up to the plate for him.

What’s our financial situation, Sid? squalled Crum as he walked into the cabin for a drink of water.

Boss, it seems we’re under a bit of scrutiny, informed the henchman. The Feds have a lot of our money tied up right now. Sid referred to the fact that federal officials had seized a sizeable chunk of Crum’s assets due to his connection with the bank robberies. Crum was clever however, for much of his estate, including his own residence, was listed under different names and holdings, so for the time being, Crum’s home, under a different owner’s name, was safe from seizure. Crum also hid a great deal of his equities, including large sums of cash, so there was never a real danger of going broke. But Crum was Crum. If he was missing a penny, the miser would be quite upset.

But not all of our money, snickered the old man.

Sid smirked. Sitting at the kitchen table, the crony reached over and pushed a button on the side of a blanket chest. The top of the chest opened slowly, revealing piles of wrapped one hundred dollar bills. We still have a stash at your house that no one will ever find.

Excellent, reveled Crum as he strolled back outside. He then began to mutter to himself again.

A couple of days later, like clockwork, the old man, who had been sitting in a rocking chair under a covered porch, re-entered the cabin. Any sign of our boys?

Sid scrolled through the images on his laptop. "Mr. Crum, it’s going to be a challenging endeavor. You see, Frake and Bull,