Grown Up Pup

CW: Dog in emotional distress.

Roman Belsher

I know I’m not small and cute anymore, but I’m still a puppy at heart! I’m a puppy, just like before! Your puppy! Right?

(canines can be taught numerous tricks. they can “fetch,” a process in which the canine retrieves a thrown object. they can “play dead” by lying on the ground on command. they can “beg” by sitting on their hind legs while waving their front paws up and down.)

I know, you don’t quite know what to do with a grown dog. It’s okay, I’ll do things to show you I’m still just the same puppy as before! (the canine uses its time at home to search for prey. it gazes out the window, waiting for its next catch.)

I’ll be okay I’m a big puppy Big puppy doesn’t need no one pleasecomeback pleasecomeback pleasecomeback I can do it Big puppy is strong i love you and i shouldnt

(the canine, in an effort to conserve energy, curls itself on the ground.)

(the adult canine runs quickly and grabs a stuffed rabbit. it runs back to its starting position and lets go of the toy, letting it tumble on the floor. in a playful predatory moment, the canine crouches, then releases a highpitched bark.) I don’t need you!

Big puppy is fine on its own. Big puppy is fine on its own.

How did you like that? Was it like before? In my heart I’m still just a puppy… loveme loveme loveme loveme I’m still just a puppy loveme! Please don’t leave me… I’m still just a puppy Pay attention to me? …loveme? when did you leave? i dont even know