by John Tovey
‘So, what are you worried about then? You’ll be fine. Besides, it’s only a year before you’ll be back in training and I bet it passes like that,’ she said with a click of her claws.
‘Do you really think so?’
‘I know so, Dez. And don’t forget, I’ll be here waiting for you when you get back because I’m going to be a brilliant guide dog, just like you.’
‘Yeah,’ I said, brightening up a little. ‘So this isn’t really goodbye then, is it?’
Star shook her head. ‘No, not at all! Listen, I’d wish you luck, but you won’t need it because you’re going to be brilliant.’
‘Thanks, Star, and I promise I’ll text you when I get there.’
‘You better, Dezzy boy, otherwise I’ll come looking for you!’ she cried, pretending to growl.
‘Night, night, then.’ I yawned.
I lifted up my paw and we inched up to the side of our pens, enough that our paw pads were touching.
‘I’m gonna miss you,’ I said, the words choking in my throat.
‘Me too. But Dez…’ she murmured.
‘What?’
‘Thank you for being my best friend.’
I grinned as a nice, warm, fuzzy feeling melted inside my stomach.
‘No, thank you, Star! You’re right, you know. This isn’t goodbye, it’s just so long for now.’
The following morning, my sisters and brothers lined up, as one by one, we all took it in turns to say farewell to Mum. I tried to be brave but I’d already started to sob before I reached the front of the line. Mum hugged me so tight that I thought she’d never let go – and I didn’t want her to. After I’d dried my tears, it was time to say goodbye to each other.
‘Take care, mate,’ said Vesper, picking up his suitcase, fist bumping my paw as he passed.
‘You too, Vesp! And I’ll see you soon, when we come back for guide-dog training,’ I called.
Vesper smiled and nodded back at me.
‘You betcha!’
‘Take it easy, Vinnie,’ I said, stepping forward to try and hug him.
‘I don’t feel very well,’ Vinnie complained, backing away from me warily. He held a tissue to his nose and gave it an enormous snotty blow.
‘You’ll be fine,’ I said, trying to reassure him.
‘But I feel sick already, and I haven’t even got in the car yet!’ He panicked and turned towards Mum. ‘Did you pack my travel sickness tablets?’
‘Yes, Vinnie!’ Mum snapped, a little impatient. ‘Now, hurry up. Go and join Vesper because you don’t want to be late, do you?’
Vinnie nodded as I went back in for a big hug.
‘No, no, don’t get too close! I don’t want to catch any of your bugs. By the way, you are up to date with your inoculations, aren’t you?’
‘Yes, Vinnie,’ I grinned, grabbing hold of his shoulders before he could object.
‘Ooh, not too hard! Please don’t hug me too hard because it hurts. I think I’ve bruised a rib or something.’
I tried not to laugh because he never changed. Vinnie was a moaner, but I knew I’d miss him. Moments later, another figure appeared – it was Vicky.
‘Oh, Dez, what am I going to do without you?’ she said, beginning to sob. ‘I’ll miss you so much!’
‘Hey, don’t worry about me, just take care of yourself, that’s what you told me! Remember?’
Vicky stepped forward and hugged me so hard, I thought she’d break my ribs.
‘Ooh, not too tight!’ I gasped.
Vicky wiped her tears and began to giggle.
‘Don’t,’ she sniggered, ‘you sound just like Vinnie!’
‘I know, but that’s quite a strong hug you’ve got there.’
We both stood for a moment, neither of us knowing what to say. Out of all my family, besides Mum, I knew I’d miss Vicky the most. Finally, after what seemed ages, my voice broke the silence.
‘Thanks, Vicky.’
She looked puzzled. ‘What for?’
‘Thanks for everything. You know, helping me pass the test and everything.’
But Vicky waved her paw in the air as though it were nothing.
‘Don’t be daft, you passed it yourself, Dez. You just needed to believe in yourself, that’s all.’
I looked at the ground, because we both knew it was untrue. Without Vicky, there was no way I would have got through it.
‘I’m so lucky to have a big sister like you.’
‘Nonsense!’ she said, giving me a playful push. ‘Now promise me you’ll text and let me know you got there okay? You’ve got my mobile number, haven’t you?’
At this I nodded. I was just about to reply when Violet zoomed into view.
‘What mobile number? I haven’t got your number,’ she said, both paws resting on her hips. She turned to Vicky, waiting for an answer.
‘That,’ said Vicky, poking Violet hard in the chest, ‘is because I. Don’t. Want. You. To. Have. It.’ She said each word with a prod of her paws.
‘Why, are you frightened I’ll do better than you, or summat?’ Violet sneered.
I stood in the middle, not knowing quite what to do. Of course I hated seeing my sisters argue, but once they’d started I knew there was no stopping them.
‘And I found Dez’s teddy hidden in your bed! Why did you steal it?’ Vicky argued back.
‘Because teddies are for babies and he isn’t a baby anymore.’ Violet sniffed, looking back at me. ‘He’s supposed to be a guide dog, but that’s a joke because he’s nothing but a big, fat embarrassment.’
‘Violet!’
Mum’s voice came out really loud and it startled us all. It also stopped the argument stone-dead. She turned to Violet and ordered her to pick up her bag and leave.
‘I sincerely hope that they teach you some manners at your new home, young lady!’ she scolded.
Violet pulled a face, picked up her bag and stormed off towards the door.
‘Laterzzzzz, losers!’ she said, holding up a paw without turning around.
I watched as she marched out of the puppy centre, angrily slinging a bright pink, sparkly handbag across one shoulder.
‘Come on then, you two,’ said Mum, looking down at Vicky and me. ‘You better hurry up, because your families will be waiting for you. Now, get yourselves off! I know you’ll both do me proud,’ she blubbed. Mum was trying her best to hold back her tears but I knew she was upset. She turned, walked away, and slumped down heavily in her bed. It broke my heart to see her there staring sadly into thin air – all of her children gone.
‘Bye, Mum, I love you!’ I called, as we headed for the door.
As we’d reached it, I turned towards Vicky for the last time.
‘Right, well, I suppose this is it, then?’ I said, wishing the sad feeling would go away.
‘Take care, my special bruv. Love you loads!’ cried Vicky, emotion choking her voice.
Thankfully, my puppy walkers arrived to collect me first, which meant I didn’t have to be the last one standing there, waving everyone off.
‘Hello, Dez,’ a lovely kind woman said, kneeling down to pat me on the top of my head. I recognised her immediately – it was Niki, my new puppy-walker mum.
‘She looks brilliant,’ Vicky whispered, giving me the thumbs-up behind Niki’s back.
‘She is!’ I grinned, before climbing into the back of Niki’s car. ‘See you all in a year!’ I yelled, as I waved madly from the back window.
Everyone waved back, apart from Violet, who stood there scowling.
The car fired into life and slowly wound its way along the tarmac drive, away from the puppy centre and towards my new home and new life. When we were finally out of view, I sat down on the back seat, undid the latch on my suitcase and took out my teddy and blankie.
Mum had been right, I was glad I had them both with me!
CHAPTER 4
SCARY SUPERMARKETS
I arrived at my new home in March. It was cold, so Niki wrapped me up in my favourite
blanket and carried me into the house. She put me down on the floor, but there was so much to see that I ran from room to room. There were a few things I recognised from the guide-dog puppy centre, including the washing machine and TV.
I wonder if they watch CBeebies?
Although I was nervous because it was all new to me, Niki gave me plenty of cuddles, which made me feel loads better. As an added bonus she’d also bought me lots of new toys to play with.
‘Now, Dez,’ she explained, ‘the children will be home soon, so you’ll get lots more cuddles.’
She was right. As soon as Molly, Harry and Sam burst in through the door, I was smothered with love.
‘Oh, he’s gorgeous, isn’t he?’ Molly gasped, kissing the top of my head. Molly was the youngest, aged ten years old. Then there was Harry, twelve, and fourteen-year-old Sam.
I wondered if anyone would say anything about my stupid big ears, but no one did, because my puppy walkers loved me for who I was.
Jon came home from work and soon we were just like a regular family, but I was so exhausted from the long journey and all the extra attention that I curled up in my new big bed and fell fast asleep. The following morning, I woke up and texted Vicky. The pads of my paws typed each letter quickly.
Hi, V, Love it here. Itz brill. I get tonz of food, cuddles, & kisses. I’ve got my own bed. Itz great! Hope u like yours 2. Txt me soon. Miss u! Dez xxx
I buried my mobile under my blanket, but moments later it buzzed with Vicky’s reply.
Hi little bruv, great 2 hear from u. It’s great here 2. I’m getting loads of cuddles & the food’s really good. Can’t wait to c u again soon! Love your big sis xxx
I was so happy to hear from Vicky that, as soon as I’d read her message I sent another message, this time to Star.
Hi Star, guess who? Itz Dezzy boy. I’m in my new ome. Oops… I mean home with an h! Howz puppy school? Do u miss me? I miss u! Love your best pal xxx
Once I’d pressed send, I texted Mum.
Hello Mum, itz Dez. I’m in my new home and my new puppy walker mum is lovely, just like you! Don’t worry, she looks after me really well and gives me lots of nice things to eat. I’ve eaten my bag of treats already. Sorry, but they were lovely. U were right about Mr Roo Roo and blankie, I’m glad I have them. Miss u loads but I’ll see you soon when I come back to be a guide dog, just like Dad. Dez xxx
Just as I’d finished, Star replied. The phone buzzed in my paw as I opened up the message.
Hi Dez! I’m so glad to hear from u. I miss u like mad! It’s boring here without u. What’s it like to be a big, grown-up, eh? Is it good? I leave here in a few days and I can’t wait! See u when we both go to big school. Star xx P.s: Did u hear about Violent? I mean Violet?
I didn’t know what she was talking about, so I texted her straight back.
No, what about Violet? Whatz happened?
My mobile buzzed.
She’s not going to be a guide dog after all. She failed…
‘What!’ I gasped, my eyes wide with shock.
…It’s true, Dez, the text continued. Everyone’s talking about it. I’m not sure what happened but she never passed her puppy SATS after all. Anyway, if you hear anything, let me know, and remember, it’s not goodbye, just so long for now, love your best friend forever, S xxx
Although I’d just texted Mum, I sent her another asking about Violet, and I didn’t have long to wait for a reply.
Hello, my lovely boy. I hope they’re looking after you and that you’re eating properly (but not too much!)… lol! Yes, it’s true about Violet. She knew she’d already failed when you left, but she didn’t want anyone to know. That’s why she was mean to you and your sister. But all is not lost, because Violet’s going to become a buddy dog. She’ll be a friend to those who’ll need it most. She texted me last night, and I think she realises how mean she was. Honestly, Dez, I think she’s changed. If you want, I can text you her mobile number. Look after yourself & call me if you need anything. Love you to the moon and back, Mum xxx
I asked Mum for Violet’s number but I wasn’t sure what I should say, so I decided to think about it for a bit. The next week was a blur of activity. With the children busy at school, my new mum took me out shopping to the supermarket. Unlike other dogs, guide dog pups wear a distinctive blue jacket with the words ‘Guide Dog in Training’ written on the side – it made me feel very important. I realised it was like wearing my very own special VIP doggy pass. Everywhere we went, people would stop Niki to ask about me.
‘I’m his puppy walker,’ she explained. ‘I look after him for the first year.’
Soon, I’d started to love all the attention, especially when Niki carried me in her arms.
‘Oh, isn’t he cute?’ the children would say, begging to have a stroke.
It’s funny, because I’d never thought as myself as cute, but people, especially children, seemed to think that I was. One day, a few weeks after I’d arrived at my new home, Niki decided to take me to the supermarket again, only this time, she didn’t carry me.
‘You’re getting a bit heavy now, Dez,’ she decided, putting me on the floor. ‘Besides, you need to learn how to walk around a supermarket.’
I puffed out my chest and held my head high. Even though I was only as tall as the first shelf on one of the supermarket aisles, I felt very important in my blue jacket and with my special guide-dog lead. I was determined to make Niki proud and try my very best. The floor felt cold and slippy beneath my paws, and as soon as I began to walk, my four legs started sliding in different directions.
‘Whoa!’ I cried, as my paws scrambled against the slippy surface. Soon, I’d landed flat on my bum. I felt like a right banana!
‘Oh Dez, are you okay?’ asked Niki, scooping me back up. She planted me back on all fours, but my legs felt a little unsteady.
THUD! I landed hard against the floor with a clatter.
Eventually I worked out if I put my paws down hard and flat then they wouldn’t slide out to the sides.
‘That’s better, well done!’ Niki encouraged.
I was just getting the hang of it when I heard a terrible noise. It began as a low rumble but soon all I could hear was a loud, terrifying screech as metal scraped against the supermarket floor. I looked up and saw what I thought was a large iron horse heading straight towards me.
‘Niki! Niki!’ I whimpered as it grew closer.
It looked vicious, with sharp metal bars and wheels instead of legs: a monster was chasing me! I was so frightened that I ran behind Niki, where my legs rattled like jellybeans in a glass jar. Suddenly, I felt something warm and damp. I looked down and my heart sank when I realised that I’d wet myself and now I was standing in the middle of a big yellow puddle on the supermarket floor.
‘Oh, Dez!’ Niki sighed. She picked me up and wiped me down with baby wipes. Even though I was safe in her arms, I could still see the monster heading over to us. I panicked and looked from Niki to the monster and back again.
‘Dez, whatever’s the matter?’ she asked, as I squirmed in her arms.
I couldn’t take my eyes off the metal beast as it edged closer. Niki followed my gaze and realised why I was so frightened.
‘Oh, Dez!’ she giggled. ‘Is that what it is? Don’t be scared, it’s only a shopping trolley. People use them to put food in!’
After she’d cleaned up my, er, little accident, Niki took me outside to look at the trolleys and meet the man who collected them from the car park.
‘Look,’ she said, pushing one with her hand. It made me flinch but then she explained. ‘It won’t hurt you, it’s just like a big shopping basket on wheels.’
The more I watched, the more I realised she was right. I felt a little bit silly, but to a pup my size, the trolley looked like a house on wheels.
Still, we continued to travel in the car to the supermarket so I could get used to the noise. The woman’s voice shouting over the shop’s loudspeakers startled me a bit to begin with, as did all
the crashing and banging as humans threw tins and bottles into baskets and trolleys, but after a while I got used to it, until soon I was able to walk around confidently and help Niki with her weekly shop.
I really wanted to meet other dogs and go running in the park, but she explained I had to wait until I’d had all my jabs. It seemed to take ages, but eventually I was ready for my first trip to the park with Niki, her friend Lisa and her dog, Stan. Stan was a collie-cross and a rescue dog, which meant his original owners had decided they didn’t want him. Thankfully, he was rescued by a lovely family and although his life was great again, he’d had a very different start from me.
‘I don’t want to talk about it, son,’ he explained. ‘All I would say is that it wasn’t very nice, but then I met my new family. They took me in and gave me a loving home, and since then, life’s never been better!’ He sighed, his eyes misting over with happiness.
I felt lucky that I’d not had to go through the same thing as Stan. It made me realise just how lucky I was: not only did I have a lovely mum and puppy-walking family to look after me, I also had a great future as a guide dog, helping someone else to lead a better life. It made me all the more determined to pass my exams.
Stan was older than me, around four years old, so what he’d not seen or done wasn’t worth knowing about.
‘What’s it like down the park, Stan?’ I asked, my voice full of excitement. ‘Are there swings and slides? Are there children, grass, and…’
Stan put his paw up to stop me mid-sentence.
‘All in good time! You’ll soon see for yourself, but parks are magical places where dogs like you and me are able to run free and feel the wind in our… erm… ears,’ he said, looking over at me. ‘Blimey, haven’t you got big ears for a pup?’
‘Yeah, I know. You don’t think the other dogs will laugh at me, do you?’
‘What? Nonsense! We get all sorts down the park – fat dogs, thin dogs, long-haired, short-haired, and then there’s ones with fleas, and ones without. We have new breeds of dogs whose names I can’t even pronounce. You know, posh, stuck-up dogs. There’s even a few who wear clothes, just like humans.’