Username: Temper
Name: wip
Gender: wip
Name Meaning: wip
Parent 1: VanishParent 2: CloudyPrompt:The minute Vanish caught a whiff of the newborn puppy in his owner's hands, he knew she was different than all the other puppies that came before her.
Vanish was a seasoned puppy raiser. Krasivi Kennels was a breeding kennel after all, dedicated to bettering the Beaumont Collie breed, showing, training and competing with all dogs. And with all these accomplished dogs, came puppies.
Vanish , not taking his eyes off the brown and white puppy, called over to Kosmonaut, who was licking his paws nearby. "Who is she?"
"Penguin's puppy," he answered nonchalantly, between licks. "A singleton."
He stopped licking and quirked an ear at Vanish. "What's that expression on your face? All good?"
Vanish didn't answer. He could not take his eyes off of the newborn puppy. After some time, his owner took her away, probably back to her mother, but Vanish never saw her again. Nobody could tell him where she had been taken, but she wasn't at Krasivi farm anymore. He looked for days, weeks, but her soft milky scent was gone, and soon, she faded from his memory.
- 3 years later -
Vanish was laying on the hard wood of the deck, exhausted from the morning ventures. The ever brightening rays of the afternoon spring sun beamed into his body, warm and comforting. They had moved the cows into a new pasture this morning and it had taken 4 experienced collies to get the job done. The deck wasn't his preferred spot of rest, but he liked it here because it was secluded and peaceful.
"Vanish! Vaniiiiish!"
Vanish winced. So much for his peace and quiet.
He heard nails clicking on the deck and opened an eye to see Victor round the corner, wagging his broad, curly tail.
"Vanish! A new collie just arrived. Her name is Cloudy."
Vanish groaned and sat up. There was no going back now, his rest has been disturbed and may as well be over.
"Another new collie?" He protested. "We've had 4 new collies join us this year already. Panda, Vanilluxe, Summerboy... I forget who else. But there's been a lot. Oh, alright, don't give me that look, I'm coming."
The two padded off towards the front paddocks, where Vanish could already see his whole pack gathered. They were running, playing, laying, all happy and well cared for. Vanish relaxed, pleased with what he saw. He deeply loved and cared for his friends. In his pack, he was definitely the dominant dog. Beaumonts were not extremely hierarchal or aggressive, but being one of the most longstanding dogs in the Kennel, Vanish was well respected and earned his place at the top. His knowledge and expertise in all aspects were unmatched, so all dogs deferred to him. He mentored several puppies, and even more adult dogs, teaching them the way of life at Krasivi Kennels, providing them solid foundations for their lives and careers as show, sport, and working dogs. Vanish was the foundation on which the kennel was built. He was unwavering, dedicated to the cause, never missing a beat... not exactly a 'loner,' he had his friends, but never got too close to any collie or took a mate.
"Vanish!' His owner called. She was standing ahead of him, ball in hand and raised to throw it for the few collies that were poised, tongues lolling and eyes razor focused. As Vanish bounded yup to her she released the ball and the collies around her darted away. Just one remained.
She was breathtaking. The collie before him turned her lovely refined head to look at him. She had one shimmering blue eye, and the other was a soft sage green. Her fur was sleek and gleaming in the sunlight, rich colors of chocolate brown and rust swirling with white. She had a lovely dark nose which seemed to twitch, maybe trying to catch a scent of him. Her ears pricked forward and then she laid them flat on her head, wagging her tail in a low sweep.
"Vanish, right?"
Her words brought him back to earth. His breathing quickened. And he froze. What kind of feelings were these? He had never experienced this sensation before, and he felt pretty helpless. Trying to regain his composure, he stuttered,
"Y-yes. Hi. Welcome to Krasivi Kennels. I'll show you around." And then he looked down and added "If you'd like."
She wagged low again. "I would love that."
They sniffed each other, and she smelled so familiar that Vanish felt a literal pain in his brain trying to put the smell to the collie. Obviously they'd never met but.. why did he know that smell?
As the two collies made their way across the property, Vanish couldn't help but warm up even more to his gorgeous new companion. Never had he matched energy so much with a collie before. And he truly felt she was equally as enchanted in him. She laughed at all his jokes, stared inquisitively at him while he explained what various parts of the farm were, and asked thoughtful questions. Before he knew it, the low dusk light started settling in and the evening bugs and fireflies started to float around.
"Cloudy," he surprised himself by suddenly asking, "would you like to join me by the TV tonight?" She looked puzzled so he added, "It's a nightly tradition. I always sit with my owner while she watches a movie. Some of them are really good-"
"Count me in! I love movies!" she replied, wagging happily.
"What else do you like?"
"I like chasing gophers, playing agility, running with my friends, contemplating movie theories.." They both laughed at that one. "And," she added, voice growing softer, "I love puppies. I have gotten to help raise a few of them already, and I just love them. I hope to have a puppy of my own someday."
Vanish exhaled, and met her eyes. "You and me both. I've helped raise most of the dogs on this farm." They both turned simultaneously and gazed at the expanse of land, some dogs running and playing in the evening light.
She tuned back to him. "I'd love to talk to you some time about all your experiences. It's clear you have a lot."
"Anytime." Vanish smiled. "I'm sure you could teach me a thing or two too."
After not too long, the two laid close together inside, in the dark living room with the flickering shapes of the TV illuminating their faces. The movie Racing Stripes was playing, one of his favorites, but Vanish barely noticed. He was just focused on Cloudy. Vampir smirked at him from across the room, knowingly. Vanish never let anyone sit with him. It was always just him and his owner for TV time.
"I'm so glad you've been so amazingly kind," Cloudy said, nudging Vanish's shoulder with her muzzle. "I've had a great first day here. Well, second."
"Second?" Vanish stared, puzzled.
"I was born here actually! But my mother said I had complications and had to stay in the hospital for a few weeks. Then I was just raised at another home and now... now I'm back."
Vanish felt dizzy. All at once he knew. It hit him like a brick. Of course! It was her. It had always been her. He was destined to find her again. That soft, little red and white puppy, all those years ago...
Vanish closed his eyes, content.
When he opened them, a confused Cloudy met his gaze.
"Cloudy, we have so much to talk about."
They had all the time in the world. That day was the start of their forever.
