My body is old. I am slowing down. I have been with my companion a long time. I walk and protect him. But I worry for him. Our female companion is gone. She was so good. I could tell she was going. Death was growing strong on her. I tried to warn them. They did not listen. Then she was gone. Now my companion has changed. He tends to me but not like before. He is not happy. Now he does not move much. I care about him. I must help him before I’m gone. How?
***
I see my companion has our tether. I am excited and tell him, “Yes, yes, yes.” He says something, “Calm down.” I do not understand that. We head out.
The grass, trees, and water place. My favorite. We go along the water. I see and smell everything. Then my companion gets excited. I sense his change. I see why. A female on the path. She sees my companion. She gets closer. I smell her excitement. She is what my companion needs. I know. He ignored females too long. I must help him.
I pull on our tether. I block the female. She is scared of me. My companion says something, “I’m sorry. But Sammy is very friendly. He normally never does that. I think he must like you.” I do not understand that. I move my tail around. I hide my teeth.
“No worries, he’s so cute.” She said something. She lowers her hand. I smell it. Her scent signal is strong. Then she rubs my head. I like her. My companion’s signal is strong. Don’t they smell it?
My companion pulls me away. I say, “Stop, stop, stop, stop.” He says, “Sammy no bark.” I know that means stop talking. I whine as we go.
***
Only a day has passed. I see my companion has our tether. He is a little excited. I’m so happy. I dance some. He says something, “Calm down so I can get this on you.” But I do not understand that.
The grass, trees, and water place. Again. My companion is looking around. I see the female again. He sees her. I smell my companion. It is a strong signal. Excited and aroused. The female is on the path. I soon smell her strong signal. I want to stop her. But they stop and start talking. I do not understand their noise. I move my tail around. I hide my teeth. We are happy. I sit and watch them. Their signals are strong. They must smell the signals.
***
It has been many days. I now have both companions. The male is happy again. He likes to do things.
I sense signals. They leave me. The door shuts. I whine some and wait. They come out. I can smell both on both. Good. I jump on the soft thing with the female. She rubs my head and back. I taste her face with my tongue. She smells and tastes contented and happy.
I am happy. My companions will be fine, when I am gone.