// I don't bite..

[» Exodus]

"Sa-al," Ryan moaned as the retriever nudges his thigh again. He glanced down at her with a grin to show he was pretending, then caught himself. Sally was a dog. However, it was not the first time he had treated her like a friend. His long fingers ruffled the silky fur on her head and entwined their way around her floppy ears. She conintinued to gaze up at him with her big bright eyes.She's still just like a puppy, Ryan mused as he turned back to the shelves. He was trying to find some food for Sal.She may be keen to get away but she won't be eating tonight, he thought. Having said that, he still had a load of things to do. Well, he'd need to go find an apartment first. Even though he had enough money to last him, from his old job back home, he would need to get a job here soon.

So many things to do! He sighed and pulled a packet of a relatively cheap bag of feed off the shelf. Then, with a sigh of relief, he dropped them into the basket beside him. He suddenly felt a tug at his wrist, and almost feel over as Salali wandered off to one side, dragging her lead with her. He pulled her back, laughing. Then, glancing over his shoulder, he hoped nobody had been watching. Just in case, he muttered a hasty,"Sit!" and gave her another stroke. Then, he turned to pick up his basket, looking around. The Feed Mill was seriously quiet today.