Blanket Dog & The Two Loners

Prologue - The Blanket

“But MooOoOoooO…!” A young, tan wild dog grumbled. The much older mother chuckled at her young one’s behaviour, as she licked the top of her head. 

“Come on, you need a bath. Dad doesn’t want you going out on your first outing looking like that!” The mother continued to lick her pup in the small den.

Outside was gorgeous, the sun was shining it’s bright and warm rays down on the vividly green grass. The tall trees provided just enough cool shade to keep it warm, but not too hot. A perfect climate for a tiny pack of wild dogs. These wild dogs were special, as they had the ability to walk on their hind legs. They acted mainly like humans, and used to live like them as well. However, when ‘he’ came, everything was changed. And not for the greater good.

Before the pup was born, they were forced from their comfy homes, chased into primal states where they had to fend for themselves the ways their ancestors did so many decades ago. After escaping, the two adults managed to find refuge in a tiny, vacant den. Not so long after, the female found out she was going to have a pup, and thankfully for them, they haven’t been found since. The two parents hope they can keep their child safe for as long as they can. Growing up in a time like this isn’t very fun, no it isn’t. These wild dogs aren’t a normal species of wild dog in this anthropomorphized world. They’ve not only got the ability to live forever, but they’ve got a chance to be born with a pair of large wings. Not all of them do, but mother and father have wings. Statistically, Pup should too, but she just doesn’t. Mom and Dad don’t know why, but that won’t stop them from loving their Pup.

Another way these dogs are special, is the fact that they live a very long time. Mother dog is about 204 years old, while father dog is 325 years old. Pup, though? Just 9, born recently. Speaking of the father dog, a large and gruff looking figure shines through the front of the den.

“Daughter, your mother has something for you.” A small smile found its way onto the serious dog’s face as he approached the two near the end of the den. This really got the attention of pup. 

“You do?? You do??!” Pup bounced a few times, before giggling uncontrollably. Mom rolled her eyes, before turning around and jumping up to one of the dirt shelves they made from the walls, and grabbed a box wrapped up in a big pink bow. Slowly turning around, mother walked over and placed the box on the table pup was sitting at. 

“I think you’re gonna like it…” She whispered, making pup bounce a few more times, tail wagging so fast, you might think she’d take off. When her parents gave her the go, the pup excitedly took off the bow and threw the top part of the box off. Sparkles showed in the tiny pup's eyes, as her tiny paws lifted up a bright pastel green blanket, with a large off-white star in the center, that stretched out to each side. In one of the corners near the bottom, there was a dark green leaf sewn on. It was beautiful, and very soft. So well made. 

“We found some spare items, and gave them to a far trader, who gave us this blanket in turn. We knew you’d love it.” The Mother held Dad’s paw, leaning into him as Pup put the blanket around them and over their shoulders. One side over the other, to make a blanket like cape. It was a bit too big for her now, but she’d grow into it. 

“Now, I think it’s time for your promised outing.” Father’s words made Pup bounce and wag her tail again. She’s been looking forward to this since year 7, days upon days of watching dad go out and mom stay behind to look after her. Today, she’d finally get to go out with her family for her first outing! Pup jumped off the chair and ran to the edge of the den, tail wagging under the blanket like crazy. 

“Come on, you slow pokes! Our adventure starts here!”

Little did the oblivious pup know that behind her back, her parents shared a very worried look with each other. They’ve been dreading today, the day they take Pup out of the safety of the den, and into the harsh, dark world.