where the wind blows [c]

[DingoMutt]

Vegas //

It was always a strange thing, to wake up and be utterly alone. He ran into other dogs on the regular, some sharing a few kind words, others snarling and threatening to fight, but ultimately everyone went their own way. So to curl up at night in a safe place, and sleep, and wake up and be alone and not home with his master, was such a strange thing. He'd been alone for close to a year now, but grief still clung to him like the scent of death. He had been there when she died, so he knew in his mind that she would not return, but still the whole world was just strange. He never imagined he would have to live like this, hunting for himself or scavenging kills of other dogs. He never imagined such a strange thing would become his daily life, and one day he'd die feeling this alone.

The shepherd walked easily down the train tracks, the scent of water leading him on. It was midday now, and the temperature hovered around sixty degrees. A few clouds lurked in the sky, but it was bright and blue and a beautiful day. He felt somewhere in his mind that it should be cold now, and he should resemble a bear with a thick coat, but here the weather was so mild his fur barely grew at all when the seasons changed. He still blew his coat in great pale plumes in spring, but for now the gravel was cool beneath his paws and it was shaping up to be a lovely afternoon.

He dropped his head and snuffed the ground, pleased to smell several dogs had passed through a few hours before. Maybe he'd run into them, maybe they'd finally be interested in meeting him beyond his name and see if he'd want to join their group. One would think a dog as big and strong as Vegas would be a hot commodity among the gangs that ran the area, but he was not. He snorted and picked up a trot, hopping over the rails to head towards a storage building. As he turned a corner he spotted the source of water, a large metal tub half-full with stale water. Perhaps some humans had placed it there as a watering source for their horses. When the gas had finally run out, people quickly returned to horses as their transportation of choice. It was their only choice, aging and still needing to travel to provide for themselves.

Vegas approached the tub and sniffed the water, curling his lip at the scent. It didn't get cold enough for the water to freeze, so it was full of algae. Glancing both directions, the shepherd grabbed at the spigot with his teeth, twisting just as his master had trained him to do. Why should she struggle with things when she had such a beast at her disposal? Water gushed from the spout and he drank greedily from the spray. His head and neck were soaked as he leaned over the tub, and by the time was done it was filled to the top and smelled a little nicer. At least the next dog to drink wouldn't get sick. He twisted the spout again, grimacing at the feeling of the metal between his teeth.

What to do now? His thirst quenched, he trotted over to the rails and crawled under a train car. It was dark and quiet, so he laid down and decided he'd just rest for a little while. Maybe when the sun began to set he'd travel again and hunt along the way. For now the sun was high, and there was no way he'd be able to catch anything.

caucasian shepherd x // 30 in // 180 lbs
loner // 623 words // Kageh
ahh my sweet boy

[Kageh]

Delilah //

It has been a at least 8 months to 12 months of being alone without her best friend, which was her owner. The black and white girl still thought that it was odd that he had passed. She is not as upset as she used to be. She had to move on or she wouldn't have been living on her own. She whimpered just remembering when she first met her human for the first time. Her ebony lips curled into a smile as she shook her head trying to not mourn again.

Delilah has been jumping from place to place since other must larger dogs has been driving her out of her home once she finally called it her own. Her head dipped down sniffing the ground. There were stale scents of other dogs and animals around as she was getting closer to the train depot. She was hoping to find some food. So far no luck. The weather was a tad chilly for this gal. She could tell that fall was creeping closer and closer. She snorted at the thought but she will have to find a place to live and fast if she wants to stay warm this winter.

Once she made it closer to the train that were permanently parked on the tracks, she picked up the pace to head down to the tracks to see if there were a place for her to rest, her paw pads were starting to ache from all of the traveling that she had been doing these past few days. Her head dropped again as she picked up a fresher dog scent. Who is this? She questioned herself. Her curiosity started to get the best of her as she wanted to know who was around.

Dalmatian // 21 in // 47 lbs
loner // 294 words // DingoMutt

[DingoMutt]

Vegas //

Sleep did not come to the large dog. He was curled up under the train, his head resting on the rail. It was covered in an inch of dust, and he instantly regretted choosing it for a pillow. He grimaced at the feeling under his chin, but he was already there, the damage was already done. He sighed and curled his limbs tighter under his body. A flock of pigeons flew over the train yard, and he watched their shadows cross over the gravel. He wondered if pigeon would be tasty, and his eyes fell shut.

The rail was cool under his chin, under the grime that now clung to his hair and whiskers. He thought back to his owner, of a day she'd taken him for a walk to the park and let him off his leash for a little while. She usually wouldn't let him go; he was a gigantic dog, and usually intimidated any people or dogs they came across. But it was a quiet morning, and she'd let him frolic until he was tired. The walk back home seemed to take forever, and once he was sure his master was resting on the couch, he collapsed into his dog bed. It was fluffy and felt like heaven, and now curled up on the rocks underneath a decaying train, he felt his heart ache a bit for home. Everything ached for home.

It felt like he had just began to drift away when the sound of paws crunching through the gravel hit his ears. He lifted his head and glanced in the direction of the paw steps. The sun was high overhead, so he was easily hidden by the shade of the train car and the smell of oil and rust. His attention was grabbed by the black and white figure of a dalmatian, her head low as she sniffed while she was walking. Was she looking for someone, or something? Maybe she was on the search for food, or her pack, or the dog that had murdered her father. The possibilities were endless, he thought, smiling a bit at his imagination going wild. She looked dirty and weary of traveling, and she was approaching his train car.

"Hello there," he said, his voice soft. He'd been told by several dogs his gentle tone didn't suit his intimidating appearance. He untangled his legs and came out from under the train car, standing in the dalmatian's path. "Are you looking for something?" he asked. Perhaps it would have been kindest to introduce himself, or ask how she was doing, but all he could wonder was what she was looking for. Maybe, just maybe, she was looking for something or someone and she would want his help. He had to be optimistic that this would be his chance at really making a friend.

He licked his lips, grimacing when he tasted the dust he'd picked up from the railing. His lips curled and he dragged his tongue against his front teeth in the universal gesture of 'get this taste off my tongue.' He did this for several seconds, drool dripping from his flews. When he was finally done he shook out his thick coat, finally able to see the dalmatian again after fluttering into a panic. He gaped a bit before clipping his teeth back together, mortified at giving such an embarrassing performance in front of a stranger. Maybe she didn't see.

caucasian shepherd x // 30 in // 180 lbs
loner // 573 words // Kageh
plz Delilah ignore that spazz attack

[Kageh]

Delilah //


The gravel was kicking up behind her as she trotted across the train yard. She hated the small pebbles get wedged in between her paw pads irritating her as she walked. The black and white female just walked on since it would be annoying to keep stopping to get the little gravel pieces out between her toes every time she walked across. She looked up hearing the flaps of the pigeon's that flew above as she slowed down to see where they were going. Was it away from her? Most likely. 


The Dalmatian was lucky that she had some hunting skills under her belt. She always appreciated that her owner taught her these skills to make it out here in this big world with out him pretty well. This made this young girl's heart ache. Her eyes softened as she was thinking of the good memories where she wasn't alone. Will she find a friend? A pack? She sighed as she shook her head trying to not think of these depressing thoughts.

A soothing voice made her look over towards the large dog. Her sapphire eyes locked on him watching is every move. His size was indeed intimidating to her but she tried to not look scared. "Hello yourself." she said replying to him. He seemed to be alright for right now so she let her guard down just a little bit. When he asked that question, it made her think of what she was going out here in the first place and she replied with a small sigh, " I'm actually, looking for a place to stay long term....and some food" What was he going to think? She was a bit worried of what he was going to think that she didn't really have a home to call her own. She hoped that maybe he knew of a vacant place, but why would he? Does he live here? Is this his territory? Those are the questions that ran through this dalmatian's head as she was becoming more and more curious about this large male. He has definitely caught her attention.

She watched him with a small smile across her muzzle as she chuckled a bit noticing that he looked a bit embarrassed in hoping that she did not see. She then opened her mouth to ask, "Do you know of a place where I can stay for the night at least?" hoping to change the subject for he wouldn't feel so embarrassed. 


Dalmatian // 21 in // 47 lbs

loner //  413 words // DingoMutt

[DingoMutt]

Vegas //

"Hello yourself." she said. Her voice was kind, and she didn't seem too intimidated by him. For this he was grateful. He smiled the kindest smile he could, ears perking as she explained what she was looking for. She sought a home and dinner. What he wouldn't give for those things! If only it was that easy. It seemed like everything had to be fought for these days, as strays and ferals alike didn't even have the luxury of human scraps and garbage anymore. Dogs had to provide for themselves, and with the wilderness steadily creeping back into the cities, it wasn't an easy thing to compete with raccoons and even bears at times. She was at least gracious enough not to mention his panic at the terrible taste on his chin, aside from a chuckle. He could forgive that, he surely looked ridiculous.

"Ah... a few of the train cars are open. You could sleep in one of you just want a roof over your head." he said, glancing around. He'd passed a few that were wide open and empty. The train yard was a fairly public place, but the dogs in the area tried to keep it peaceful. She wouldn't have to worry too much for her safety here. He had a feeling the dog in front of him was fairly naive and inexperienced in the ways of the world. He wasn't an expert by any means, but one had to have a certain measure of skill to support his bulk.

"Or there are all sorts of storage buildings if you're alright with the oil and train smell," he said. He wanted to return to the watering trough and disappear in it. The nasty taste still clung to his tongue, but he was doing everything in his power to push past it. It was a real test of mental fortitude, to keep himself together in front of this stranger. "I'm afraid I can't really help you on the dinner front, but this area gets pretty busy at night. Lots of rabbits." he added. They were difficult for him to catch unless he could get really close, but he'd never seen so many rabbits in his life. Perhaps the cover from the trains made them feel safer from birds of prey overhead? He couldn't claim to understand rabbits or rats or any little creature he was lucky enough to catch.

"I'm Vegas, by the way. What's your name?" he said. He had to introduce himself at some point. His small tail twitched a few times, pleased to be having a decent conversation with the stranger so far. Even if she didn't want anything to do with him, he at least felt a little good he'd given her advice on where to stay for the night. He had planned on resting until sunset and then moving on, but maybe if this dog would be staying here for the night, he'd stick around. A black ear twitched as a bird flew overhead, and he glanced upwards. The sun was halfway through its march towards the horizon, and he had to guess it was just three or so in the afternoon. Even if this climate never really felt like winter, at least the days were much shorter now.

caucasian shepherd x // 30 in // 180 lbs
loner // 546 words // Kageh
plz Delilah ignore that spazz attack

[Kageh]

Delilah //




"Ah... a few of the train cars are open. You could sleep in one of you just want a roof over your head." where the words that she wanted to hear. She was so excited that there were some train cars that were open. Maybe she can get some bedding of some short and make it a nice and cozy home. "Oh really?" her voice was filled with excitement as her tail started to wag so fast that her little butt was wiggling. 


She laughed a bit weakly as he explained how the smell can be bothersome. She nodded and replied, "At this point I wouldn't mind the smell. I'd just like to call a place home." her eyes softened as she started to think about her past with her best friend when they used to go hunting all the time no matter the weather, but after a long trip, they would always return to a nice cozy, warm place that she could call home. Now that is gone. She still had a small grin on her muzzle.

Her ears perked a bit with her head tilting slightly to the left. "Rabbits? That sounds delicious." She probably wouldn't have a hard time getting them, but then again, her human always shot whatever they hunted first as she went to retrieve them. She would give it her best shot though she doesn't seem to give up if she really wants something.

"Its really nice to meet you Vegas. My name is Delilah" she finally introduced herself to him as well. The black and white female noticed that he looked up and she followed suit. She smiled watching that bird fly above them.


Dalmatian // 21 in // 47 lbs



loner // 281 words // DingoMutt

[DingoMutt]

Vegas //

The nostalgia in the dalmatian's voice and eyes when she spoke of home was something the shepherd was familiar with. He felt a flutter of something in his chest, a combination of longing for his own home and pity for the dalmatian. It was easy to forget at times that he wasn't the only one living this life, he wasn't the only dog that had been left behind by their master. He frowned a bit at that thought, that the world was full of broken hearts like his. For all he knew, some had it worse, but her voice dragged him from those thoughts. She introduced herself, and he smiled a warm smile.

"Delilah," he said, testing the name. "It's a pleasure to meet you as well." he added. It truly was a joy to meet her. While most dogs he met were decent and friendly, there wasn't much substance to the world around him. He passed by others that regarded him with fear, teeth bared to keep him away, and others were indifferent, wagging their tails to indicate peace but continuing on without a breath spared. His short tail was wagging slowly, held low without dominance, not that one could tell with such a short appendage anyway.

"Would you perhaps... like to hang together for a little while? It'll be easier to hunt with two." he said, his gaze drifting to his paws. He knew this was awfully forward, but it wasn't often he met a dog that wasn't terrified of him. He kept eyes downcast, not wanting to pressure her, but she had every right and every reason to decline him. He was a complete stranger that barely knew her name, and a big male at that. He wasn't the sort to take advantage of a girl, but she didn't know that.

caucasian shepherd x // 30 in // 180 lbs
loner // 304 words // Kageh
short, sweet, and to the point!

[Kageh]

Delilah //

Her all white, thin tail was wagging when she heard him speak her name. Some odd reason hearing her name from other someone other herself made her feel better about herself. She felt like she was somewhat important. "I'm glad that I ran into you." she openly admitted. She had this feeling that she could trust him.



The white and black spotted female had her ebony lips curled into a smile. She can often find herself smiling a lot. It truly was a joy to meet this tall, handsome, fella. Other dogs that she ran into tended to driver her away from whatever she had, food, shelter, items, it doesn't matter. What she had they wanted. She would just be to scared to confront them about anything and would just them run all over her. She is a lover not a fighter for sure. She noticed that his posture wasn't a threat and felt really comfortable with him already. She tended to enjoy others company when they aren't being jackasses.



Her ears perked up slightly, even though you can't really see that, when he mentioned them hanging out together. She panted happily so excited that her tail was wiggling so fast that her butt couldn't keep still. "Of course! I'd love to hang out with you! As long as we can eat." she laughed near the end thinking that was funny but it probably wasn't really all that funny.

Dalmatian x // 21 in // 47 lbs 

loner // 239 words // DingoMutt

[DingoMutt]

Vegas //

It was a bit of a shock to hear the dalmatian confess she was glad to have met him. This made his heart feel warm, and he smiled at her with great fondness in him. He was already falling hard for her, his desire to find someone to be with and protect taking over. He knew he'd be in for it when he finally found a group to run with, as the devotion he carried within him was intense, but he wasn't prepared for this. He approached her slowly, sniffing gently at her ears to greet her and familiarize himself with her scent. He moved carefully, slowly, so if she wasn't ready she'd have plenty of time to back up or flee.

Her tail was wagging so hard her entire body trembled, and he couldn't hold back a chuckle. As a pup he'd been just like that, a wiggle worm but without a tail long enough to express his joy. Somewhere along the line of becoming his master's service type animal, he'd lost that tremble of happiness. But he was glad to see it in the dalmatian, and it made her look young, and it made him feel young even though he was not yet old. Just being around her suddenly brought a lightness to his heart.

"Wonderful," he said. He wasn't sure exactly how they'd manage to hunt together, but perhaps she could find prey and drive it to him. "Maybe when it gets dark, we can chase some rabbits and corner them so they're easier to grab. There's lots of buildings and corners around here." he said. He wasn't the quickest dog in the world, but he'd managed to survive this long with a few creative tricks when it came to capturing prey.

caucasian shepherd x // 30 in // 180 lbs
loner // 295 words // Kageh
nice and short!