1985

The fox terrier trotted off into the night, and paused to glance over her shoulder. It had been a difficult decision to leave her young pup behind, but she knew that she had to return to her masters who must surely be missing their beloved pet. The terrier did not want the pup with her- a reminder of the mistakes she'd made in the past few months. She made her way through the city to a mechanic's, where a scruffy mutt of terrier type was waiting outside.

"I'm going home now, Dodger no longer needs me. I must get back to my masters." She told him.

"He's only four weeks old! You're his mother, how can you just walk out on your own kid like that?" the mutt growled, shocked and angry.

"And you're his father Diesel! You can keep an eye on him if you're so concerned. He's not my problem anymore."

Diesel sighed, knowing that there was nothing he could do to change the mother's mind. The two dogs said their goodbyes and he watched somewhat sadly as she walked off.

The next morning, Diesel visited the boat where Fagin lived with Einstein and little Dodger. The Great Dane was somewhat bewildered by the disappearance of Dodger's mother and was happy to hear news of her whereabouts from Diesel. Einstein had been dumped alone in the city a couple of years ago when he became too big for his owner's apartment, and had lived with Fagin since. He was very pleased that the mother had not taken Dodger with her as he'd quite enjoyed having other dogs around the place.

"So Einy, how is Dodger?"

"Errr... good I think, but he keeps chewing on my ears and tail."

Hearing his name, Dodger bounced over happily and looked up at his father with an expression of complete innocence.

"You behave yourself Dodger, alright?" Diesel told his naughty offspring.

Continuing with his 'sweet and innocent' expression Dodger replied in a small voice, "Yes, I promise".

No chance of that! , thought Diesel as he left the boat.