Name: Don't Go it Alone, "Alibi"
Gender: male
Name Meaning: --
Prompt: Alibi has always thought himself a pretty easy-going fella. While it was clear his caretakers tried to keep a decent schedule, it wasn't exact. Meals were late, early; bowls placed in a different order, different spots; yard time before food, after; training groups varied and treats were completely random! But that was okay, everything came eventually and he could find things to keep busy whenever they misplaced their clock.
His favorite plush, a giant longhorn steer, definitely made things easier. This plush wasn't for chewing, cuddling only and he made sure all the others knew it. Before running outside with his litter-mates when the gate was opened, Alibi always made sure to stuff his plush back into the corner created by the wall and a large bin their kibble was kept in.
By the time he was around 12 weeks old most of his litter-mates had been re-homed and the next litter was being introduced. One puppy in particular was quite the adventuroua instigator, getting on everyone's nerves with his rambunctious energy and knack for finding trouble. dragging the others along for the fun... and the punishment.
The pup was bullied or ignored, or both, by everyone and Alibi was no exception. After a week or so though, something changed. The silent treatment from the others drove the puppy into a shell and he became quite skittish. Annoying or not, Alibi simply wouldn't stand for that. This pup wasn't bad, he just had too much energy to focus on any one thing for long.
After a long, exciting day in the snow of a previous storm, everyone came in cold and exhausted. The pup slunk off to huddle by himself, shivering.
Alibi pulled out his prized steer plush and dragged it over but the pup ignored him. Unwilling to take 'no' for an answer, he crowded the pup against the soft fur and sat squarely in the easy path out. Finally, the pup gave up and flopped down, back to the plush. Alibi curled around him with a happy tail-wag.
The two were inseparable after that.
Well. Sort of.
They always wound up in similar positions by the end of the day. But it took a week or so for Alibi to gain the puppy's trust.
Alibi always looked out for the pup, joining in his adventures and trying to soften any scoldings by making himself look more guilty; the common actions earning them both their names. Which was a feat in itself due to the other pup's mostly-white coat. Alibi also became a sort of emotional support friend for the sensitive younger puppy.
When Alibi was adopted, everything changed. They only took him, despite the fuss both puppies put up when separated.
He still hopes that it was only because of the age difference and they will eventually go back and adopt his brother as well...
Alibi could handle the new territory, new people, new dogs, new routine. All of it. But Alibi really missed that little white puppy and his antics.
This entry is the other half of my entry for my baby Magic
