The cute, fluffy golden retriever puppy watched Don delete the message from the answering machine. He grinned, showing his sharp puppy teeth. This was no ordinary puppy.
"Why should he get to have all the fun?" thought the ancient demon who inhabited the innocent creature.
Taspirin slid off of the couch, and walked to the door. Well rested and with a full stomach, he was ready to cause a little havoc.
"Woooof!"
Don walked over, and put his hand on the doorknob. "Don't get us in trouble! We need to lay low for now." warned Don, before he opened the door.
"Woooof!"
As soon as the door was open, he was out like a flash. He scampered right in between Zach's legs, almost tripping him.
"Hey Don! Can you help with the groceries?" was the last thing he heard before zipping down the road.
Taspirin's keen senses led him out into the woods. While not the vast wilderness of the past, it was still pretty isolated. He wasn't out there to be alone though. He smelled people.
Soon he heard the snap of a branch, and stopped to listen. "Stan, are you sure this is a good idea? What if Fish And Game catches us? I don't want to lose my license."
"Think about it. What good is a hunting license if your freezer is empty, Brandt? Can you afford to go to the store, and buy meat?"
"You know I can't. I guess you're right. We need to find a deer, and soon."
Taspirin grinned. This was going to be fun! He followed along at a distance, waiting for the perfect chance. When he spotted a large, thick patch of brush, he circled around them into it. Then he made plenty of noise, before hiding in a hollow log.
"Stan. There's something ahead." whispered Brandt. He then used hand signals to suggest that Stan circle to the far side of the brush. Stan nodded, and went.
Brandt took a position behind a small hummock. He laid flat, rifle ready. Taspirin took note of his position, then followed Stan.
Once Stan reached his destination, Taspirin deliberately made noise, but was careful not to get within range. The demonic puppy led him right through some wild rose bushes, while never actually entering them himself.
He carefully set a winding course which confused the man. When it began to get dark, he led him towards Brandt. He allowed the hunter to get just a little closer, so he would approach stealthily. Stalking his prey, Stan was bent double.
As he approached the last place he had heard rustling, he heard a pop, and felt a sharp sting on his ear. Then a little puff of dirt kicked up in front of him.
"Brandt?" he called out, unsure if he was even close to where he had left his partner.
"Stan?!?! I thought you were a deer!" exclaimed Brandt. Suddenly realizing that he had almost shot his friend, he sat up.
"What were you trying to do, kill me?" roared Stan, forgetting the hunt completely.
Taspirin wagged his tail, satisfied that he had created friction. He would have preferred a fatal accident, but this would have to do for now. Anyway, it was time to get indoors, it would be cold soon.
With one last look, he slipped away, heading back to the little house, and his partner in chaos and misery.
Cover image made in Canva using their gallery
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