Читать книгу Puppy Called Dez - John Tovey - Страница 10

Star was right, because only a few days later the examiner let me try again. The second time, I slowed down because Vicky had told me to.

‘But, Violet—’ I argued.

‘Don’t believe a word she says,’ Vicky warned. ‘She’s out to try and ruin things for you. Just do as I say, be yourself and you’ll be fine.’

And I was. At one point when I was heading into the tunnel I tripped up, but as I stumbled, I remembered what Vicky had said, stopped and took a deep breath. Then I set off again, only this time a little slower. Thankfully, the rest of the exam went fine and I passed. I even remembered to answer to my posh boy’s name – Valdez. I didn’t care what the examiner called me, so long as I didn’t put a paw wrong.

When I’d finished, I got a well-earned pat on the head. As I turned my face, I noticed something written on a piece of paper in the woman’s hand. It was the list of puppies to be re-tested and there, right underneath my name, was another – Violet. I wanted to ask her about it, but Violet refused to speak to me because Vicky had told her off over the nasty tricks she’d played.

‘I didn’t mean to get her into trouble, Vicky,’ I sighed. ‘I’m sure she was just trying to help.’

‘No, Dez,’ Vicky insisted. ‘Violet knew exactly what she was doing. There’s only one dog Violet is interested in and that’s herself. Besides,’ she added, pulling something out from behind her back. ‘Look what I found hidden in her bed.’

‘Mr Roo Roo, erm, I mean Rupert!’ I gasped.

It was my special teddy. I’d had him since I was born but I thought I’d lost him. I ran over, grabbed him from Vicky’s paws and gave him an extra-big cuddle.

‘But what was Mr Roo… I mean, Rupert, what was he doing in Violet’s bed?’

Vicky sighed. ‘That’s what I’ve been trying to tell you. Violet realised just how much you loved Rupert so she hid him from you. That’s what she’s like, Dez, can’t you see? She’s horrible!’

‘But I don’t understand. Why would she do that to me?’

‘Look, Violet wanted you to fail, but you haven’t, have you? That’s because you’re special, just like Mum said. You watch, one day you’ll outshine us all.’

‘Do you really think so?’ I asked, Rupert dangling by one arm from my mouth.

‘Yes, I do. Now, stop worrying about Violet because she’s not worth it. Instead, think about what you need to pack because we’ll be leaving in a few days.’

My stomach somersaulted with nerves. I’d completely forgotten – it was almost time to leave my puppy family and go to my new home with my new family. They’d be my puppy walkers for the next year. That night, once the others had fallen asleep, I pulled out Rupert and cuddled him. I thought no one had seen me, only I was wrong.

‘You found Mr Roo Roo?’ Mum whispered, looking down at me. ‘I thought you’d lost him. Where was he?’

But I didn’t want to get Violet into trouble, so I told a fib.

‘Vicky found him,’ I explained. Then I changed the subject because I didn’t want her to ask me any more difficult questions. ‘Do you think they’ll be nice, my puppy-walking family?’

‘Of course.’ Mum smiled. ‘They’ll be lovely! The people at Guide Dogs pick out families who love animals.’

She stooped down to give me a kiss. Her long, gravelly tongue felt warm and comforting against the soft, puppy fur on top of my head.

‘Now go to sleep,’ she said, nuzzling the side of her nose against my face.

I shut my eyes, but try as I might, I couldn’t sleep because I just couldn’t imagine life without my puppy family. The following day, I was still anxious as I packed my suitcase for the trip.

‘Do you think my new mum will love me as much as you do?’

‘Yes, because puppy walkers love all dogs, especially cute little ones like you.’

‘Even pups with big ears?’ I smirked, giving them a shake.

Mum laughed. ‘Especially pups with big ears! They love them the most.’

‘But I’ll miss it here. I’ll miss you, and Star – I’ll miss you all.’ My voice tailed off as an awful thought popped into my head. ‘What if I don’t like it? What if I don’t fit in there?’

‘Dez, have you packed Mr Roo Roo?’ Mum asked, interrupting me.

‘Shush!’ I whispered, putting a paw to my mouth. I looked over my shoulder to check no one had heard.

‘Oh, Dez!’ sighed Mum. ‘It’s okay to have a favourite teddy. All children have them, it’s nothing to be ashamed of.’

‘I know, I’ll take him. Just don’t tell the others, please!’ I begged.

I could just imagine what Violet would say if she knew.

‘Okay, and what about your favourite blankie?’

I felt the blood drain from my face.

‘What?’

‘Your special blankie, your own special snuggles.’

‘Mum!’ I sighed, rolling my eyes because she was talking to me like I was still a baby, ‘I’m a big dog now, I’ll be fine without it.’

‘Okay, but you better take it, in case of emergencies – in case you feel a little homesick.’

But I shook my head. ‘No, I’ll be fine. Besides, I’ve got to be brave and strong if I want to become a guide dog. I bet guide dogs don’t have teddies and blankets.’

‘I bet they do.’ Mum smirked. ‘Here,’ she said, passing me the knitted blanket. ‘Just pop it in there,’ she added, her paw pointing towards a gap at the side of the case. ‘It won’t take up too much space.’

‘Okay,’ I whispered. ‘But promise me you won’t tell the others.’

‘I won’t,’ Mum whispered, holding up a paw, ‘guide dog promise.’

My suitcase was quite full, but it had everything I needed, including a photo of Mum and Dad. My father was already a fully qualified guide dog, but he lived and worked away with his owner so I’d never met him. But Mum had sent him photos of us all.

‘You will tell Dad that I passed my test, won’t you?’

Mum nodded.

‘And you’ll text me, promise?’

‘I promise. Now, are you sure you’ve packed everything?’ she said, checking my case over one last time. ‘Here,’ she whispered. I watched as she dug her paw beneath her back legs and rooted around for something underneath her blanket. Moments later, she’d pulled out a packet of dog treats. ‘Here’s a little something for you, but don’t tell the others, and don’t eat them all at once because they’ll make you sick.’

As I took the packet from her paw, I nuzzled into her side. I gave her a cuddle, although inside I felt scared and teary. Now my case was packed, it meant I was even closer to leaving home. I was frightened because I didn’t know when I’d see my lovely mum again.

How would I cope?

‘I love you, Dez,’ she said, wrapping her front paws around my shoulders.

I nuzzled into her and smelt her lovely thick, warm fur. It stuck out and tickled my nose and I felt the urge to sneeze, but I didn’t want Mum to let go, not ever, because I felt safe.

‘You’re my special boy,’ she whispered. ‘Just be yourself, Dez, and everyone will love you.’

I sighed happily, wrapped in Mum’s embrace, but then she pulled away and gripped the top of my front legs with her paws.

‘And whatever you do, promise me you’ll stop worrying?’

‘Okay, I’ll try.’

Mum licked the side of my head.

‘Now try and get some sleep because it’s a big day tomorrow.’

Before I went to bed, I popped my head out of the front of the puppy pen and called Star’s name.

‘I guess this is goodbye then,’ I mumbled sadly.

Her head bobbed out to face me.

‘Why, do you leave tomorrow?’

‘Yep.’

‘And how do you feel about it?’

I shrugged my shoulders. ‘Dunno, I’m a bit scared, I suppose,’ I said, gazing glumly at the ground.

‘But your puppy walkers, you’ve met them already, haven’t you?’

I nodded my head. Niki, her husband Jon and their three children had already been in to say ‘hello’.

‘Yes, they seem really, really nice.’

‘So, what are you worried about then? You’ll be fine. Besides, it’s only a year before you’ll be back in training and I bet it passes like that,’ she said with a click of her claws.

‘Do you really think so?’

‘I know so, Dez. And don’t forget, I’ll be here waiting for you when you get back because I’m going to be a brilliant guide dog, just like you.’

‘Yeah,’ I said, brightening up a little. ‘So this isn’t really goodbye then, is it?’

Star shook her head. ‘No, not at all! Listen, I’d wish you luck, but you won’t need it because you’re going to be brilliant.’

‘Thanks, Star, and I promise I’ll text you when I get there.’

‘You better, Dezzy boy, otherwise I’ll come looking for you!’ she cried, pretending to growl.

‘Night, night, then.’ I yawned.

I lifted up my paw and we inched up to the side of our pens, enough that our paw pads were touching.

‘I’m gonna miss you,’ I said, the words choking in my throat.

‘Me too. But Dez…’ she murmured.

‘What?’

‘Thank you for being my best friend.’

I grinned as a nice, warm, fuzzy feeling melted inside my stomach.

‘No, thank you, Star! You’re right, you know. This isn’t goodbye, it’s just so long for now.’

The following morning, my sisters and brothers lined up, as one by one, we all took it in turns to say farewell to Mum. I tried to be brave but I’d already started to sob before I reached the front of the line. Mum hugged me so tight that I thought she’d never let go – and I didn’t want her to. After I’d dried my tears, it was time to say goodbye to each other.

‘Take care, mate,’ said Vesper, picking up his suitcase, fist bumping my paw as he passed.

‘You too, Vesp! And I’ll see you soon, when we come back for guide-dog training,’ I called.

Vesper smiled and nodded back at me.

‘You betcha!’

‘Take it easy, Vinnie,’ I said, stepping forward to try and hug him.

‘I don’t feel very well,’ Vinnie complained, backing away from me warily. He held a tissue to his nose and gave it an enormous snotty blow.

‘You’ll be fine,’ I said, trying to reassure him.

‘But I feel sick already, and I haven’t even got in the car yet!’ He panicked and turned towards Mum. ‘Did you pack my travel sickness tablets?’

‘Yes, Vinnie!’ Mum snapped, a little impatient. ‘Now, hurry up. Go and join Vesper because you don’t want to be late, do you?’

Vinnie nodded as I went back in for a big hug.

‘No, no, don’t get too close! I don’t want to catch any of your bugs. By the way, you are up to date with your inoculations, aren’t you?’

‘Yes, Vinnie,’ I grinned, grabbing hold of his shoulders before he could object.

‘Ooh, not too hard! Please don’t hug me too hard because it hurts. I think I’ve bruised a rib or something.’

I tried not to laugh because he never changed. Vinnie was a moaner, but I knew I’d miss him. Moments later, another figure appeared – it was Vicky.

‘Oh, Dez, what am I going to do without you?’ she said, beginning to sob. ‘I’ll miss you so much!’

‘Hey, don’t worry about me, just take care of yourself, that’s what you told me! Remember?’

Vicky stepped forward and hugged me so hard, I thought she’d break my ribs.

‘Ooh, not too tight!’ I gasped.

Vicky wiped her tears and began to giggle.

‘Don’t,’ she sniggered, ‘you sound just like Vinnie!’

‘I know, but that’s quite a strong hug you’ve got there.’

We both stood for a moment, neither of us knowing what to say. Out of all my family, besides Mum, I knew I’d miss Vicky the most. Finally, after what seemed ages, my voice broke the silence.

‘Thanks, Vicky.’

She looked puzzled. ‘What for?’

‘Thanks for everything. You know, helping me pass the test and everything.’

But Vicky waved her paw in the air as though it were nothing.

‘Don’t be daft, you passed it yourself, Dez. You just needed to believe in yourself, that’s all.’

I looked at the ground, because we both knew it was untrue. Without Vicky, there was no way I would have got through it.

‘I’m so lucky to have a big sister like you.’

‘Nonsense!’ she said, giving me a playful push. ‘Now promise me you’ll text and let me know you got there okay? You’ve got my mobile number, haven’t you?’

At this I nodded. I was just about to reply when Violet zoomed into view.

‘What mobile number? I haven’t got your number,’ she said, both paws resting on her hips. She turned to Vicky, waiting for an answer.

‘That,’ said Vicky, poking Violet hard in the chest, ‘is because I. Don’t. Want. You. To. Have. It.’ She said each word with a prod of her paws.

‘Why, are you frightened I’ll do better than you, or summat?’ Violet sneered.

I stood in the middle, not knowing quite what to do. Of course I hated seeing my sisters argue, but once they’d started I knew there was no stopping them.

‘And I found Dez’s teddy hidden in your bed! Why did you steal it?’ Vicky argued back.

‘Because teddies are for babies and he isn’t a baby anymore.’ Violet sniffed, looking back at me. ‘He’s supposed to be a guide dog, but that’s a joke because he’s nothing but a big, fat embarrassment.’

‘Violet!’

Mum’s voice came out really loud and it startled us all. It also stopped the argument stone-dead. She turned to Violet and ordered her to pick up her bag and leave.

‘I sincerely hope that they teach you some manners at your new home, young lady!’ she scolded.

Violet pulled a face, picked up her bag and stormed off towards the door.

‘Laterzzzzz, losers!’ she said, holding up a paw without turning around.

I watched as she marched out of the puppy centre, angrily slinging a bright pink, sparkly handbag across one shoulder.

‘Come on then, you two,’ said Mum, looking down at Vicky and me. ‘You better hurry up, because your families will be waiting for you. Now, get yourselves off! I know you’ll both do me proud,’ she blubbed. Mum was trying her best to hold back her tears but I knew she was upset. She turned, walked away, and slumped down heavily in her bed. It broke my heart to see her there staring sadly into thin air – all of her children gone.

‘Bye, Mum, I love you!’ I called, as we headed for the door.

As we’d reached it, I turned towards Vicky for the last time.

‘Right, well, I suppose this is it, then?’ I said, wishing the sad feeling would go away.

‘Take care, my special bruv. Love you loads!’ cried Vicky, emotion choking her voice.

Thankfully, my puppy walkers arrived to collect me first, which meant I didn’t have to be the last one standing there, waving everyone off.

‘Hello, Dez,’ a lovely kind woman said, kneeling down to pat me on the top of my head. I recognised her immediately – it was Niki, my new puppy-walker mum.

‘She looks brilliant,’ Vicky whispered, giving me the thumbs-up behind Niki’s back.

‘She is!’ I grinned, before climbing into the back of Niki’s car. ‘See you all in a year!’ I yelled, as I waved madly from the back window.

Everyone waved back, apart from Violet, who stood there scowling.

The car fired into life and slowly wound its way along the tarmac drive, away from the puppy centre and towards my new home and new life. When we were finally out of view, I sat down on the back seat, undid the latch on my suitcase and took out my teddy and blankie.

Mum had been right, I was glad I had them both with me!