Pandemonium - The Brush Off

Gently whistling a tune through his reed flute, Russ perched comfortably on a stump and watched the plants sway like dancers. A veterinarian with what felt like an eternity of practice under his belt, Dr Russ Tik was also an avid gardener, and he had created a sort of woodland paradise in his yard. It was here that he came when he needed refreshment after a long day, and it was here that he came with his music to mourn his lost love, the beautiful Syrinx.

Alas, it was also here that his new puppy liked to dig. Russ noticed another hole in the dirt, and setting the pipes down, he bent to scoop the earth back in place. Perhaps seeing the movement, the dog bounded over to join in, then, headbutting him in its enthusiasm.

"Cerby!" Russ rubbed at his forehead, frowning at the animal. "Down!" He wrinkled his nose in disgust as the dog licked his face thrice in response. "Ugh," he muttered, rising. "Cerby, that's disgusting. Your breath is worse than all the pits of hell."

The dog ignored him, bounding playfully alongside as he strode toward his simple cabin. It followed, in fact, right up until the moment he entered The Bathroom. At that point, it skidded along the floor, feet scrabbling for purchase as it sought to halt and change direction mid-bound. As Russ re-emerged holding a thin stick of plastic and a tube, the dog let out a series of whimpers.

"Cerby," Russ soothed. "It'll only take a few minutes."

The dog glared, menacing growls emerging from deep in its chest. "C'mon boy," Russ encouraged, taking slow steps towards the animal. His eyes flicked towards the back door, and he wished he'd thought to shut it earlier, locking the dog inside. As if it sensed his thoughts, Cerby's eyes had followed his owner's line of sight, and the dog turned and bolted. Russ gave chase, even though he knew it was futile.

Eventually, tiring, Russ halted and attempted another approach. Dipping his hands into his pockets, Russ pulled one out and waved a few pieces of dried meat at the dog. It hesitated again, then crept slowly forward. Russ's right hand remained firmly in his deep pocket, but the dog paid it no attention. Its eyes fixed on the meat, Cerby was taken by surprise when Russ's other hand reappeared and fastened a lead to its collar.

"Gotcha! Now, let's brush those teeth, Cerby."

He'd only managed to brush the first set of teeth when Cerberus bit through the lead and bolted a second time. Dr Russ sighed and fingered the other two leads in his pocket. It was going to be a long evening.