Who Let The Dogs Out?

It was early October of 2001 in Steve's household. It was a nice sunny day in autumn. And yet another morning before school started.

All of Steve's brothers, including himself, we're getting ready for school. And then Steve's dad suddenly announced something after reading the Detroit Free Press and clearing his throat. "Everybody, I've got a very important announcement to make. I and your mom decided to get a household pet.", said Steve's dad. "That's great news.", said Kevin who is the oldest brother. "What pet is it?", said Steve.

"It's a Shih Tzu.", said Steve's dad. "A what? What kind of pet is that?", said Steve. "It's a dog breed sweetie. We're getting a dog.", said Steve's mom.

"Awesome! I've always wanted a dog more than anything.", said Kevin. "Me too!", said Steve. "When are we getting our very own dog?", said Steve.

"It should be arriving in 1-3 business days.", said Steve's dad. "Cool! Do you mind explaining what a business day is?", said Kevin. "Any day that isn't the weekend.", said Steve's mom.

"We took one online from an animal shelter. When we get him, he will be just 12 weeks of age. And you guys will earn an extra allowance for helping us out with the dog.", said Steve's dad. "How does that sound to you guys?", said Steve's mom. "Sounds like a plan.", said Kevin. "Same here.", said Steve.

This news broke with only the two oldest brothers in the kitchen with their parents. "I can't wait to tell the other two that we are finally getting a pet.", said Steve. "I should also tell my friends at school, and practically everyone I know.", said Steve. Then Kevin glanced at his watch.

"We gotta hurry up and get ready for school.", said Kevin. "Well, we're glad that you two are excited about our first pet. I already have both of your lunches packed, and we hope you two have a great day at school.", said Steve's mom. "Thanks, mom. We will.", said Steve.

And the two oldest brothers went to the same school bus that took them to the same school. Steve couldn't wait to tell just about everybody he knew. And that included me.

As they both drove off to school along with me, the leaves started to turn from green to autumn colors. Later on that day, we were on the bus. Steve chose to sit next to me this time since we didn't have assigned seats.

"You won't believe the news I'm about to bring to you?", said Steve. "You're thinking about becoming a reporter for CNN 25 years from now?", I said. "My family is finally getting a pet.", said Steve. "That's awesome. What pet is it?", I said. "It's a Shih Tzu.", Steve said.

"A what? Repeat that.", I said. "It's some random breed of dog. That means we're getting a dog. I wanted you to be the first one to know outside of the family.", said Steve. "Well, that's great news. Dogs are my favorite animal.", I said. "I hope one day my mom decides to get a new household pet for us.", I said. "Maybe one day.", I said.

"What does a Shih Tzu look like though?", said Steve. "You're gonna have to do your research on the web. Do you have a computer?", I said. "Yes, I do.", said Steve.

And Steve decided to do his research right after school. The bus ride continued.

Man's best friend was finally coming to Steve's household.

***

Right after school, Steve and Kevin came back home. The two younger brothers already made it back from Kindergarten and daycare. "Hey guys, we have some exciting news to share with you.", said Kevin. "We're finally getting a household pet.", said Steve. "It's a Shih Tzu.", said Kevin.

"And a Shih Tzu is a breed of dog. That means we're getting a dog that's a Shih Tzu.", said Steve. "Our parents first broke the news to us. And now we're delivering the news to you.", said Kevin. "What do you think guys?", said Steve.

"To be honest, I don't care.", said Cody. "I don't either.", said, Matthew. "Why not guys?", said Kevin.

"It's just gonna be an animal roaming around the household everyday eating, drinking, peeing, pooping, looking for things to chew on, etc. That's why we don't care.", said Cody. "Wow. We were excited when we first heard the news.", said Steve. "Well, I'm not excited, but I'm not disappointed. We'll treat it like family whenever it comes. "When is it coming by the way?", said Cody. "It's coming in one to three business days.", said Kevin. "Business day? What's a business day?", said Cody.

"Any day that's not the weekend.", said Steve. "Oh. I think I get it.", said Cody. "I already told just about everybody I knew at school today.", said Steve. "I think he's already told the whole school.", said Kevin. "No, I haven't, but whatever.", said Steve.

***

It was the day Steve's family was finally getting the dog. All the brothers just came home from school and daycare. All the boys were sitting in the room. And then their parents suddenly came in with the dog who was locked in his cage waiting to come out.

"Is that the dog?", said Kevin. "Yes, it is.", said Steve's dad. "And you said it was a boy or a girl? I forgot the gender.", said Steve. "It's a boy.", said Steve's mom.

The dog was a small Shih Tzu puppy since it was only twelve weeks old. Its color was mainly white. And then Steve's parents finally released it to roam around. And as you can imagine, it roamed around to wherever it wanted to go. Then it scratched itself as the dog was itching.

"The dog is all white.", said Steve. "And we're about to bring in its crate in a little while.", said Steve's dad. "That crate will be its new room from now on.", said Steve's mom. "Well, we hope you kids like him.", said Steve's dad. Moments later, their parents got its crate.

Then they got its pet food, dog bathing products, chew toys, and all the other required pet products for the Shih Tzu. Afterward, it took Steve's parents a while to set everything up for the new pet. While they were doing that, Steve and Kevin were doing homework. And Cody was watching TV while Matthew was playing with his toys. Steve couldn't wait to tell just about everybody that he knew, again, that his family finally got their new dog.

"I should probably tell just about everyone I know at school that my family finally got our new dog.", said Steve. Steve and Kevin were still doing their homework. The next day, it was time for school. Kevin and Steve got on the bus straight to school. Steve's parents drove the younger two to Kindergarten (at the same school as Steve's), and daycare.

Steve proceeded to tell just about everybody he knew at school that the dog finally came. Other than that, it was just another normal day at school. The name of the school we attended was Robert Burns Elementary School. After school, all the boys came back home from school and daycare. Steve and Kevin came up to their parents.

"Mom, Dad, can we play Frisby with the new dog?", said Steve. "Of course. You guys can play in the backyard.", said Steve. "Is that ok with you honey?", Steve's mom asked her husband. "Of course it is.", said Steve's dad. "Great, where is the little fella?", said Kevin.

"He should be roaming around here somewhere.", said Steve's dad. Then the dog suddenly walked up to Steve, Kevin, and their parents. It had a happy smile on its face with its tongue hanging out.

"There he is.", said Steve's dad. "Now you kids have fun out there.", said Steve's mom. "We will.", said Steve.

Then Steve and Kevin went outside, and the dog followed them. Kevin had the Frisby in his hand. They all went outside in the Autumn weather. It was partly cloudy, and the temperature was 52°F. The Autumn leaves were all on the grass, and there were still plenty of Autumn leaves on the trees that were falling off.

Kevin and Steve walked outside with the dog, and Kevin threw the Frisby first. The dog chased after it and picked it up with its mouth after it landed on the floor. Steve got the Frisby out of its mouth, and he threw the Frisby. The dog chased after it again and picked it up with its mouth once it hit the ground. Kevin threw it next, and the dog attempted to catch it in the air but failed.

Steve threw it next, and the dog failed to catch it in the air again. This happened repeatedly until the dog succeeded in catching it in the air. "Good job buddy!", said Kevin. "Hey Kevin, we still haven't learned the name of the dog.", said Steve. "Yeah, you're right.", said Kevin.

"I'm going to ask either mom or dad what is its name.", said Steve. "Then we can play some more Frisby afterward?", said Kevin. "You bet.", said Steve.

Steve went back into the house. Steve's dad was at the table reading the newspaper, and his mom was washing the dishes. Steve came up to both of them and said, "Quick question. What is the name of our dog?". "His name is Dexter.", said Steve's dad.

"That's a pretty cool name for a dog. He has the same name as Dexter on Dexter's Laboratory.", said Steve. "What is Dexter's Laboratory?", said Steve's dad. "It's one of those kids shows on Nickelodeon the kids usually watch.", said Steve's mom.

"It's on Cartoon Network.", said Steve. "Anyways, thanks for letting me know the name of the dog. I and Kevin are gonna play a little more Frisby then play some Madden.", said Steve. "Ok, sweetie. Have fun out there.", said Steve's mom.

***

It was Saturday, and Steve hung out with me to play video games at Steve's place. The first game we were gonna play was Madden. The PlayStation 2 started up, and Steve put in the game. We were playing Madden.

And then the Shih Tzu walked up to the both of us in Steve's room. Dexter ganged up on me and started licking me. It threw me off my Madden game.

Steve immediately paused the Madden game and tried to get the dog off of me. Steve finally got the dog off of me. "That's enough Dexter.", said Steve.

Then Steve threw something outside of his room for Dexter to chew on. Steve followed it and was occupied with the object in the hallway. "I guess that brought back the memory of me telling you we got a new dog.", said Steve. "Tell me about it.", I said. "That's his way of being friendly to strangers who come to our house. One of our cousins came by yesterday, and he jumped on him to lick him on the couch. It was pretty funny.", said Steve.

"What other strangers have he licked?", I said. "Quite a few.", said Steve. "He's gone now. He's distracted by that bone I just threw in the hallway.", said Steve. "Great. Let's finish this Madden game.", I said. "You bet.", said Steve.

Then after Dexter got tired of the bone, he proceeded to continue licking me. "Mom!", Steve yelled. Steve's mom came to Steve's room and said "What is it, sweetie?", said Steve's mom. "Can you get the dog away from us? We're trying to play some Madden here.", said Steve. Then Steve's mom observed the dog still licking on me.

"Wow! Steve, get the dog off of him.", said Steve's mom. "Will do.", said Steve. Then Steve proceeded to try and get the dog off of me again. After he got the dog off of me, Steve's mom took the dog out of our room and far away from us. "That's the first time a dog has ever jumped on me and licked me. And it has happened twice today.", I said.

"That's kind of the same thing we had to do with other people who came here that Dexter didn't know.", Steve said. "The only person I know in my family that currently has a pet is one of my uncles on my mother's side.", I said. "I visit him regularly, and his dog never acts like that towards me.", I said. "He sounds like a pretty chill dog. Or is it a she?", said Steve. "It's also a he.", I said.

"He's about four years old.", I said. "This one is about 12 weeks going on 13.", said Steve. "And one of my aunts on my mom's side used to have a cat, but it ran away. This was about a year ago.", I said. "Is your uncle's dog also a Shih Tzu?", said Steve. "It is.", I said.

"Shih Tzus are starting to become my favorite dog breed. They seem friendly and are not one of the more dangerous dogs that can bite you to the point of having to call an ambulance. And they are fun to be around.", said Steve. "I agree.", I said. Then I and Steve proceeded to finish playing Madden.

"Let's continue playing some Madden.", said Steve. "Alright.", I said.

***

The next day, I came over to Steve's house after he invited me to play Frisby with Dexter. I knocked on his door, and Steve immediately opened the door. "Hey, Jamal. Kevin already got the Frisby, so we're ready whenever you are.", said Steve. "I'm ready right now.", I said. "Sweet. Let's go.", said Steve.

All three of us proceeded to go outside along with the dog. Once we went outside, Steve had the Frisby. "Ok, you can be the first one to throw the Frisby.", said Steve.

I got the Frisby and threw it. It leaped up and caught it in the air. "Nice catch.", I said. Then I repeatedly threw the Frisby, and the dog continually caught it in the air. "I think you and Dexter are developing a friendly relationship.", said Steve.

"I think so too.", I said. "Yeah, and he's getting better at this Frisby thing. I and Steve have been playing Frisby with him regularly.", said Kevin. "He should be a wide receiver for the Detroit Lions, and give us a few Super Bowls.", I said. "Only in Madden can the Lions win a Super Bowl.", said Steve. "And Detroit winning a Super Bowl with the help of a dog? Sounds pretty ridiculous to me.", said Kevin.

"What about baseball?", I said. "He would make a good catcher, but I doubt it will give Detroit a World Series victory.", said Steve. "I doubt Detroit will get a win with a dog as our catcher.", said Kevin. "Why don't we all run. The dog will automatically chase us.", said Kevin. "I've read online that dogs have an instinct to respond to movement.", said Kevin.

"That's a great idea, Kevin.", I said. "Who will be the first to run?", said Steve. "We'll play 'Rock, Paper, Scissors' to find out.", said Kevin. Then we played the game to decide who gets to run first. I drew scissors, Kevin drew a rock, and Steve drew the paper.

Steve got to go first. "Ok Steve, you get to go first.", I said. Steve got into a certain position. "Ok, ready, set, go!", said Kevin. Steve ran, and Dexter immediately ran to him with a big smile on its face.

He continued to run until he purposely fell, and the dog licked all over him. After the dog got off of Steve and stopped licking him, Steve got up. "Let's play 'Rock, Paper, Scissors' between us to see who goes second and last.", Kevin told me. "Alright.", I said. I drew paper, and Kevin drew scissors.

Kevin drew the right to go second, and I was going to go last. Kevin got in a certain position, and he ran. The dog immediately ran after Kevin. Kevin fell on the ground intentionally. Dexter licked all over Kevin.

Then Dexter ceased the licking. Then Kevin got up off the ground. I got to go last. I got into a certain position and ran like there's no tomorrow. The dog immediately ran after me.

The only difference with me is that I didn't choose to intentionally fall. After I stopped running, the dog stopped with a big smile on its face. "I would've fallen.", said Steve.

"Yeah, but I got enough of that yesterday.", I said. It was almost time for the leaves to be raked up that day. We continued to enjoy our Sunday afternoon together with the new dog until it was time for me to go home for dinner.

***

Robert Burns Elementary School, the school I attended at the time, was holding their annual dog bowl and puppy bowl. These two annual events occurred every year in October. The name of the two events was "The Annual Robert Burns Elementary Puppy Bowl", and "The Annual Robert Burns Elementary Dog Bowl".

It took place during normal school hours, and the puppy bowl always took place before the dog bowl. The dogs and puppies who were eligible to compete were only those entered in the competition by the students themselves. Students wanting to enter the dog or puppy they lived with had to get their parent or legal guardian to sign a permission slip to get them officially entered. Steve suddenly recalled these two events and decided to ask either his mom or dad to sign a permission slip. He wanted to put the new puppy, known as Dexter, into the puppy competition.

It was Monday evening, and both competitions were to be held on the same day as it did every year. The day of both competitions was scheduled for Friday. All permission slips were to be received by the end of the school day on Thursday or when the maximum amount of entries was received.

The prize for 1st place was a gold medal, and the right to be named "Robert Burns Elementary Puppy Bowl Champion". The prize for 2nd place was a silver medal, and the right to be named "Robert Burns Elementary Puppy Bowl Runner-Up". And the final prize, which was 3rd place, was a bronze medal along with the right to not be named anything at all.

Any other spots below that received no prize and were free to get their puppy entered next year as long as the dog was under 3 years of age. The same rules applied to the dog bowl with the only exception that dogs must be at least 3 years of age. As I said before, it was Monday night.

Steve knew the deadline for all dog entries was Thursday afternoon. And he also knew that it may be only a matter of time before the maximum number of entries were to be reached. Steve's dad was watching Monday Night Football on ABC.

Steve came up to him with the permission slip already in his hand along with an ink pen. "Ahem, Dad?", said Steve. "What is it, son?", said Steve's dad.

"Can you sign this permission slip, so Dexter can get entered into the annual puppy bowl?", said Steve. "What in the world is a puppy bowl?", said Steve's dad. "It's this annual competition held at my school every year along with the dog bowl for older dogs.", said Steve. "Dogs and puppies showcase their different doggy skillsets against other dogs, and the three top prizes are a gold, silver, and bronze medal.", said Steve. "I may not have enough time to enter in Dexter, so what do you say, dad?", said Steve.

"Alright, son. I'll sign it for you.", said Steve's dad. "Thanks a lot.", said Steve. "But this is gonna be quick though. The game is about to start, so I don't have enough time to read the fine print. Will, I will be able to trust you with handling that part?", said Steve's dad. "I'll read every word here. And if something isn't right, I'll tear it up and throw it in the trash. Like you always tell us to do every time we hand you something you got to sign.", said Steve. "That's my boy.", said Steve's dad.

Steve's dad always told his boys to do this every time they handed him something he had to sign like a permission slip for example. He signed it, and Steve had to turn in the permission slip before it was too late. Steve proceeded to go to his room, his dad proceeded to watch Monday Night Football, and life continued. Steve planned on turning in the permission slip first thing tomorrow morning when he arrived at school.

***

It was Tuesday morning, and Steve was excited just to turn in the permission slip. We entered the school after leaving the school bus, and we were about to attend our first class of the day. Steve was heading in a different direction than usual.

"Steve, where are you going buddy? The class is that way.", I said. "I'm just going to turn in this permission slip at the school's main office.", said Steve. "Permission slip for what?", said Kevin. "For the annual puppy competition this Friday. I already got dad to sign it. I'm going to enter in Dexter.", said Steve.

"Oh. Well, that's great! I've never thought about entering our dog into the competition.", said Kevin. "You better hurry though. The maximum number of entries might be filled any minute now.", said Kevin. "Yeah, I'm about to do that right now. Can you tell Mrs. Williams that I was late for class because I had to do this?", said Steve.

"Of course. I'll do it for you, Steve.", I said. "Hey, thanks, man. I appreciate it.", said Steve. "No problem. That's what friends are for.", I said.

***

Later on, Steve walked to the main office at school to turn in his permission slip. He entered the office. When he went in, he immediately saw the school principal.

"Excuse me. I was wondering how do I turn in my permission slip to enter in my puppy for the annual puppy competition this Friday.", said Steve. "Of course. I'll direct to where you can turn in your permission slip. Just follow me.", said the principal. "Thank you Mr. Principal.", said Steve.

Then the school principal led Steve to where to put the permission, and enter in Dexter. Moments later after the school principal helped out Steve, he directed Steve out of the main office. "Ok sir, hope you have a wonderful day.", said the school principal. "Ok, sir. I will.", said Steve.

***

It was finally Friday, and the long wait was over. It was the day of the two annual school competitions. It seemed like every kid on our regularly assigned school bus had their dog with them in cages. Some kids even had to put them on the floor while on the bus. Steve had Dexter in his cage, and he didn't have to put him on the floor.

As we entered school, there was a load of kids with their dogs going into the building. Some of the school's staff had to take in the kid's dogs and put them all in the school gym where both events were to take place. Dexter was handed over to one of the school's staff, and that was that. Since two school events were cutting into the student's class time, it was nothing but free time activities around both events. Those activities included the computer lab, drawing, coloring, outside recess, etc.

We were spending our time drawing and coloring before the big event. It was just me, Steve, and Kevin. All of our other friends were doing other various things.

"Are you missing Dexter?", said Kevin. "Am I missing Dexter? One second without Dexter feels like a lifetime. Of course, I miss Dexter.", said Steve. "Yeah, I miss him too.", said Kevin. "I've only met him once, and even I'm emotionally attached to the dog.", I said. "I can't wait for the event though. I wanna see Dexter win that gold.", I said.

"Where should we put the gold medal if Dexter goes all the way.", said Kevin. "Wow, I haven't thought about that?", said Steve. "What about in dad's trophy case?", said Kevin. "I don't know how he would feel about that. It would be nice to put Dexter's gold medals with all the other trophies he's won when playing football in high school.", said Steve. "Yeah, that would be pretty cool.", said Kevin.

"How much time we got left until the event?", said Kevin. "I think we got about a few hours left.", I said. I looked up at the clock when I said that. And then the event finally was about to start. It was 30 minutes left until the puppy competition, and the pre-show ceremony started at that exact time.

We all took our seats inside the school gym where both events were to take place. Me, Steve, and Kevin all sat down next to each other. Amanda and Ariana were sitting over us.

"Hey, guys. We just wanted to wish Dexter good luck in the first competition.", said Amanda. "Thanks, but we don't need luck. I already know Dexter is gonna get that gold.", said Steve. "What if he ends up winning the silver or bronze medal?", said Kevin. "It might still go in dad's trophy case, but I will not accept 2nd or 3rd place.", said Steve. "And I definitely won't accept no medal at all.", said Steve.

Then suddenly, the voice of the PA announcer came on as if it were a regular Lions game. "Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the annual 'Robert Burns Elementary Dog/Puppy Competition.'". "This is an opportunity for your family dog to show off his/her best skills against many other dogs competing for that gold medal." "Both competitions will feature a series of rounds that will test the overall skills of every dog entered into the event." "Before we start, Robert Burns Elementary school wants to thank all the students, parents, school staff, and anybody else that contributed to making this event happen for yet another 365 days."

"We will start with the pre-show ceremony that will last for a half-hour. Then we will start the puppy competition. And finally, we will conclude both events with the dog competition.", all this being said by the PA announcer guy. After the PA announcer finished everything else he needed to say, the pre-show festivities started. We sat through the pre-show.

And then the puppy competition started. "Hey look, there goes Dexter!", said, Ariana. "Yeah, I see him too.", said Steve. "After Dexter wins, we can enter him in next year in 3rd grade.", said Steve. "And Dexter can keep winning gold medals until we go to middle school.", said Steve.

After the puppy competition started, there was a series of skills competitions. Dexter did excellent in the 1st round. Then Dexter did excellent again in the 2nd round. As the rounds went on, more and more puppies got eliminated. The 3rd round was a bit of a challenge for Dexter not to get eliminated, but he survived that round.

It was now halfway through the puppy competition. There were three other rounds left. The 4th round started. Dexter had some challenging competition in that round but ultimately survived to the 5th round. When the 5th round started, Dexter had even more intense competition.

He ended up barely surviving that round. The 6th and final round finally started. That round usually has the fewest dogs left competing for the gold medal.

"C'mon Dexter! You got this!", said Steve. When the 6th round started, Dexter had the most competition he's ever experienced in the competition. "I believe in you, Dexter!", said Steve. The 6th round was both very close, and very intense. The final round tested the very best skills of a puppy.

Dexter didn't quit though. He tried his very best to get that gold medal and make Steve a very happy kid. And then Dexter finally won the gold medal after a very intense and close round. "And there it is folks! We have crowned a new champion! And his name is Dexter!", said the PA announcer. "Congratulations to Dexter on winning the gold medal! Will the student who entered in Dexter please come up to the stage? Our gold medal presentation starts shortly.", said the PA announcer.

"I won?! I won?! I won! I won! I mean we won!", said Steve. "Go Dexter!", said Kevin. Steve then immediately made his way up to the gold medal presentation.

The gold medal presentation started. The school principal presented the gold medal to the student who entered the dog, and the dog itself. "At this time, I would like to present the gold medal awarded to the champion of this school's annual puppy competition to Steve and Dexter.", said the school principal. "Congratulations young man.", said the school principal.

***

After school that same day, the gold medal was placed inside Steve's dad's trophy case. "My dog is not even a year old, and he's already won an award. This is one of my greatest accomplishments as a dog owner.", said Steve's dad. "Which is why I chose your trophy case dad.", said Steve. "I hope he wins the gold medal again next year.", said Steve's dad. "That's the same thing I said.", said, Steve, while Dexter ate more dog food than usual right by Steve and his dad.