"Oh, so you're a girl. Well aren't you a pretty lass? Nice and clean."
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Several minutes and two more towels later, I finally stepped out of the bathroom with the dog in tow. She was still damp, but there was nothing I could do to get her any dryer except wait.
"Momo, you got the food ready?"
No answer. I stepped into the living room and found a bowl with some cat food set on the floor, with Momo hiding in the kitchen, a low growl in her throat. The freshened doodle rushed over to the food and gorged itself while I went over to Momo.
"Come on, say hello."
"No! I don't want to!" she said with a pout.
"Stop being such a brat! Come on, she's harmless."
I pulled Momo over to the dog, who had just finished her food and licked her bowl clean. Hopefully that was enough food for her.
"Just hold out your hand and let her smell it."
Momo nervously did as I told her and held out her hand. A happy ray of sunshine, the dog smelled her hand, finding Momo's scent to be very interesting, a smell she didn't understand.
She closed in, trying to figure it out, but Momo got spooked and jumped behind me, hissing at the intruder.
"I still have work tomorrow, so let's all go back to bed."
"You're going to let that thing in the bed with us?!"
"Relax, I'll sleep in the middle. You can be on one side and she'll be on the other."
Still growling, Momo returned to the bedroom and hid herself under the sheets, staying as close to the edge of the of the mattress as she could. Ugh, such a drama queen.
"Come on, pup," I said, turning off all the lights and following Momo.
The dog walked alongside me, happy as could be, and a single word from me got her up onto the bed. I took my place in the middle, a very affectionate dog on one side and very angry cat on the other.
"Say cheese!"
Not understanding what I was saying but happy I was talking to her, the doodle continued to smile and wag her tail as I took her picture.
"There. Now I'll just make some "found dog" posters before I leave work and I'll put them up tonight. Good thing we live in the suburbs, there are plenty of people around to see them."
"So when will she be gone?" Momo asked with evident impatience, keeping her distance.
"I don't know, could be a week, could be a month. We just have to hope that her owner happens to see a poster and calls. Otherwise, she'll live with us."
"Momo doesn't want her here! Make her go away!"
I stormed over and gave Momo a flick to the forehead.
"Enough of that! If I had found you out there last night, I would have taken you in. Until I know that she has a home, this dog isn't going anywhere. Deal with it and stop being such a brat."
I then retrieved my keys and phone and made my way to the door.
"Ok, I already let her outside to do her business. If she paws at the door, you can let her out. Just don't go out with her and let her in if she comes back. Please, try to get along with her. If you can play nice, I'll make a nice meaty dinner for you to tonight. Ok?
Momo pouted and looked away, fighting the urge to continue rubbing the spot on her forehead. "Ok," she mumbled.
I walked over and kissed her, a long embrace to warm her heart and cheer her up.
"Good, I'll see you tonight. I love you."...….