The Curse of the Eberbachs

The Major woke up with a splitting headache. A lot of noise around him. Many dogs talking and shouting wildly, all at the same time:

The last sentiment was one the Major shared – if only the dog who uttered it would follow his own advice. Before he had fully realised what he was doing, he had mixed his dark baritone bark into the pandemonium:

The "Shut up!" barker in the next kennel, a huge German Shepherd, was so surprised he actually stopped barking for a second. Then, however, he made up for these seconds of silence with doubled force:

"Harrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr – who're you anyway to give me orders?!" The German Shepherd bared his impressive teeth, running up and down in his kennel. He was working himself into a frenzy, first marking his own territory, then stupidly lifting his leg very close to the fence.

Before he realised what he was doing, the Major had jumped against the separating grill, grabbing his adversary's balls, which the other one had stupidly waved in his face while lifting his leg. With a shrill puppy yelp, the German Shepherd tore himself free. He was lucky. The Major's powerful jaws had merely nipped, not bitten.

"You won't get me! You won't get me! The Humans won't let you!" the German Shepherd barked back, but he kept well away from the fence separating his kennel from the Doberman's.

"Humans! Humans! Humans coming!" a little short-haired terrier cried, and a few other dogs took up the cry.

A young woman came in, probably one of the people working at the shelter. Behind her followed - Dorian.

Klaus knew that it had been very stupid to run away, even if only for a while. He had thought it would be better to tackle his problems alone, as usual. To get more clarity about his predicament and what to do about it. Foolishly, as he saw it now, he had assumed being able to deal with humans in his dog shape. A lot of good had it done him to lose his caution. Damn it to hell! Being a dog was bad enough, learning that he could not do much without a human at his side was even worse, but realising at the same time that he actually felt something for that accursed fop ...

Still drowsy from the sedation, stiff-legged and cautious, he came to the front fence, taking in the humans' scent.

"This is the only Doberman we've got here at the moment," the young woman said. "He was brought in a few hours ago. Is he yours?"

No! I will not take anything from your hand in front of a stranger, you pervert! Creeping on my belly now? Putting on the show of a doggie which is happy to have found its master again? No! He is just playing one of his stupid games. I need to get out of here, but I won't play his faithful doggie!

The big dog turned its head away, then walked over to the bowl of water and began to drink.

"He still seems a bit bewildered from being sedated and caught ..." the young woman said. Klaus heard doubt in her voice.

"No," answered the Earl, and his voice sounded disappointed, almost pained to the Doberman's ears, although his tone was light. "This dog can't possibly be my dog. My dog would be happy to see me. My dog would jump like a happy puppy and try to lick my face, he would be so glad to see me!"

"No, this is definitely not my dog. Sorry for troubling you. A fine fellow, though. I hope he'll soon find his master. Thank you for your time."

Even though clad only in jeans and a sweater, the Earl's departure was regal, with a dramatic backsweep of golden curls.

Shit! He's actually leaving without me. But no – I won't put on that doggie show, dammit!

The big Doberman lay down on the ground, head on his forepaws, and sighed deeply. The young woman gave him an astonished look.

"Why, aren't you a strange fellow?" she said gently. "What's the matter with you?"