Bug had spent the day setting up one of the smaller conference rooms. She made sure there were plenty of dog-safe snacks, comfy pillows, and one of those robots that took voice commands. She wanted to be sure there was an easy way to take notes for future meetings, and as none of her invited guests had hands, she thought this was the best approach.
The idea had come to her last loop, but it wasn’t until Ethel connected her realm to the void house that Bug really thought it was something she could do. It had been brewing in the back of her mind since she learned about Alfred and Gretel. It was time to form the council of dogs.
Bug had just pushed the last pillow where she wanted it when her two guests arrived. Alfred was a giant of a dog with a dark grey coat. Gretel was closer to Bug’s size with a white coat.
“Hello Alfred, Gretel, are you enjoying your visit to the void house?” Bug asked her guests.
“Yes, and it’s a pleasure to meet you as well, Miss Bug,” Alfred said.
“Please call me Bug, no formality between us dogs.” Bug wagged her tail.
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“Of course, Bug it is.” Gretel wagged her tail as well.
“Please take a seat. Can I offer any of you beef jerky? This is my favorite type.” Bug asked her fellow dogs.
“None for me, upsets my stomach.” Answered Albert as he sat down on one of the pillows.
“Oh yes, I’d love some.” Gretel curled up on the pillow next to Albert.
Bug pushed the bowl towards her and then began her practiced speech. She had never tried anything like this before and wanted to make sure she got it right.
“My fellow talking dogs, I’m sure you’re curious why I’ve invited you here to this meeting. Well, be curious no longer. I believe it is our duty to form the canine council in order to best protect the humans. I’m sure you love them as much as I do, but they are dumb creatures constantly wandering into danger without thinking, and it has been our sacred duty for all of our joint history to keep them safe. Times have changed, and so must we. I think we need to learn our own magical arts in order to keep them safe. To this end, I propose the three of us join Andy’s team on a visit to the library. I think we can trust Cal and Ethel with Frank and Albert for this loop. Fellow dogs, what do you say? Give me a bark if you agree!” Bug was happy to be answered with a round of affirmative barking.