Tales of a Traveling Pup

"What in blue blazes?!", shouts a startled mare.

Scuff awakens to find that the train is now stopped and the box car now opened. Two ponies in western attire are staring down at him awkwardly, as he silently sits in terror.

"Where did you come from, little fella?", asks a curious stallion.

Too scared to think of anything to say, Scuff buries his short muzzle into his paws. He knew for certain that he would be sent back to the his homeland to be punished. After all he had been through to escape, he had failed. Now he would have to face the wrath of the Big Dogs for leaving the Fatherland.

"What should we do, Braeburn?", asks the mare.

The stallion raises an eyebrow to the stowaway. "Well, we can't just leave him on the train. Poor thing looks starved half to death."

This behavior seems bizarre to the little pup. Never did he expect such hospitality to come to him after being caught. Maybe this really was the land of opportunity his Papa was always talking about. He swiftly grabs his belongings and slowly makes his way to the door of the car. His legs feel weak from severe dehydration. He regretted not bringing more to drink when he hopped the train the night before.

"Shoot, just look at him! Critter's skinny as a rail.", Braeburn exclaims. "Let's get him to the tavern."

Awestruck, Scuff finds himself being led away from the train. He looks at the sign hanging to his left.

Welcome to Appleoosa!

He can hardly believe it. He had actually escaped the Empire's unforgiving clutches. Despite all of the horrors which had fallen upon him during the past few days, he had finally made it to safety. He only wished that his sisters had come with him.

"Try and keep up, little fella.", chuckles the chipper stallion. "We got food and drink for ya just down the street here."

Scuff beams a joyous grin. It was the first time he had smiled in weeks. Although his parents were certainly gone forever, he no longer had to be alone. He felt a warmth that had evaded him for so long. Things finally seemed to be looking up for the lonely traveler. Now a free dog, Scuff feels a strength that he had never felt before. Without his parents or the government to stop him, he could go anywhere or do anything. Never before did he imagine that such power could be attained by one dog alone.

"Here we are.", chimes Braeburn. "Now let's get that belly of yours topped off."

There was something about this stallion that reminded Scuff of his Uncle Diesel. His mind is engulfed with memories of the visits him and his family would make in Woofsk. He wondered if his uncle knew about what had happened to him and his sisters. Perhaps he would end up coming for them all. What would he think when he found out that his only nephew had disappeared in the night. These thoughts left a strong feeling of guilt in the pup's heart. At least he would have a nice, warm meal to drown out the pain with.

"Here y'are, little fella.", Braeburn says, as he slides a warm bowl of carrot stew in front of the starving mutt.

On any normal occasion, the idea of eating something like this would have nearly choked him. Today, however, he would make an exception. Without delay, Scuff tilts the wooden bowl up to his jowls and drags every last chunk of the soup down his throat. The immediate sensation of relief was so powerful, he nearly keeled over in pleasure.

"Golly! You sure were hungry.", shouts the stallion. "How about I grab you another round of that stuff?"

As Braeburn trots over to the counter to order more stew, Scuff turns to catch some icy glances being aimed at him. He is confused by the seemingly malicious staring. He hadn't done anything wrong in this new land. The gazes brought uncomfortable feelings to the puppy's broken heart. Just before the friendly stallion returns with the bowls of soup, Scuff takes a quick swig of his Papa's private reserve. Without exposing it to anyone, he swiftly shoves the flask back into the pocket of his raggedy vest.

"Here ya go, partner.", Braeburn utters.

Before you can say 'bad dog', the pup snatches the bowl up into his paws and drains it into his mouth. Again, Scuff finds himself overwhelmed by the ecstasy of the food. After finishing, he promptly wipes his mouth with the handkerchief in his top pocket.

"Thank you.", Scuff mutters. "Thank you so much."

Braeburn smiles. "Think nothin' of it, partner."

The two newly-united companions exit the bar, leaving the customers inside to gossip freely about the immigrant dog they had just witnessed.